Naturalization: how it works in Brazil — first-hand
Real experience of people from chats on «Naturalization» in Brazil — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Celpe-Bras is the primary exam for Portuguese proficiency in Brazil. While 'Intermediário' is the minimum required for naturalization, it is a formal assessment. Alternative school certification exams like 'Encceja' exist but are increasingly scrutinized by federal police during residency and naturalization interviews if the applicant cannot demonstrate actual fluency.
While enrolling in certified Portuguese language courses allows foreigners to obtain a temporary student residence permit (VNJ) in Brazil, this status does not directly lead to permanent residency (PR) or citizenship. To transition to PR or naturalize, applicants must utilize alternative routes such as child birth (jus soli), marriage to a Brazilian, investment, or asylum.
Federal Police procedure for naturalization (filho brasileiro): Home visits are strictly to verify residence address, not for language testing. Portuguese proficiency is formally assessed during the in-person appointment at the police station when submitting original documents.
Encceja is the required exam for naturalization to prove educational level equivalent to Brazilian standards. It covers core subjects (social sciences, history, etc.). It is not just a language proficiency test. Parents of Brazilian citizens can apply for naturalization after 1 year of permanent residency. The exam can be taken section by section; failed sections can be retaken in subsequent years.