Brazilian military service abroad: enlistment and exemption

Military enlistment is compulsory for Brazilian men aged 18 to 45, wherever they live, and should be done in the first half of the year in which they turn 18, according to the Consular Portal. Abroad, you enlist at the consulate for your jurisdiction, and the service is free.

Washington makes it clear that dual nationality exempts no one, and that military services are done in person only: the consulate does not process requests by mail. The request starts on e-Consular and, after validation, you book the date.

Enlistment, deferral and exemption

On enlistment, the consulate issues the Military Enlistment Certificate (CAM) the same day, according to Washington. Up to age 28, anyone in good standing who has not been called up reports to the consulate, or a traveling consulate, every year with the original CAM to defer service.

The way out is the Certificate of Exemption from Service (CDI): since December 2015, an enlisted man under 28 can apply for it by proving three consecutive months of residence abroad, and from 28 that proof is no longer required. With the exemption, the yearly visits end.

What happens if you do not enlist

The Consular Portal lists the consequences of being in arrears with military service: among them, not being able to get a passport, take public office or enroll at university. New York's passport list asks men aged 18 to 45 for the military document.

The fine for not reporting on time is yearly and cumulative and is paid only at the Military Board (Junta Militar), in Brazil, according to Washington. And all obligations end on 1 January of the year the citizen turns 46.

Naturalized citizens and those who opted for nationality

A foreigner who becomes a naturalized Brazilian, or a Brazilian who opts for the nationality, also enlists if aged 18 to 45, within thirty days of the naturalization certificate or the option record, according to the Consular Portal.

Absentees, exemption and those who enlisted in Brazil

Someone who was called up and did not report becomes a «refratário» (absentee), in default with military service.

According to Washington, an absentee living abroad cannot request a deferral, only the exemption from service.

Chicago adds that on returning to Brazil they have 30 days to go to the nearest Military Service Board and regularize their situation.

Anyone who enlisted in Brazil and is going abroad before hearing back from the Ministry of Defense should tell the Board they are leaving: without that notice, if called up, they can only report in Brazil.

And anyone with an injury, physical defect or incurable illness can request, from age 17, the Exemption Certificate from the Military Service Directorate, through the consulate.

For enlistment, Chicago asks for proof of nationality, the RG or passport, the CPF number and proof of residence in its jurisdiction. Without any Brazilian ID, it accepts, as an exception, a US document in the same name as the birth certificate.

Details verified on 4 October 2026.

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