Expert: Sandra - 2/8/2011

Question
Hi! I'm Indian, dating a Brazilian/Portuguese man (he holds dual passports). I'm currently based out of India, but considering options of working in Brazil.
- Is it necessary to hold a Brazilian passport or have Permanent Residency to work in Brazil?
- If I were to marry my boyfriend, does that ensure PR? Further, can I get a Brazilian/Portuguese passport on those grounds?
- If we were to marry in India, does he lose his Brazilian citizenship?

Just a plethora of questions. Very unsure of how this works. Please help. Thanks!

Answer
"Is it necessary to hold a Brazilian passport or have Permanent Residency to work in Brazil?"
It is necessary to have permanent residence to get permission to work.

"If I were to marry my boyfriend, does that ensure PR?"
It does not guarantee permanent residency, but unless you personally pose a problem to the Brazilian government, there should be little reason to be refused.


"Further, can I get a Brazilian/Portuguese passport on those grounds?"
No, with permanent residency, you cannot get a Brazilian passport. When you have been married for a certain length of time, you can apply for Brazilian citizenship if you wish. At that time, as a citizen, you are entitled to a Brazilian passport.

"If we were to marry in India, does he lose his Brazilian citizenship?"
Marriage (in India) has no effect on his citizenship.

Note that it is very difficult to find work in Brazil, even with good qualifications and work permission. You will also need fluent Portuguese. Most jobs come through connections, people who you, or your husband and his family, know. Begin forming and using these realtionships as soon as possible.

Congratulations on your marriage and best of luck in your future endeavors.