Nationality of Bangladesh: all obtaining pathways
Bangladesh requires five years of legal residence to access ordinary naturalization. Nationality is passed on by descent — ius sanguinis — with no prior residence requirement, and marriage to a Bangladeshi citizen enables a discretionary route with no minimum period specified in the law.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Naturalisation is governed by s. 9 of the Citizenship Act 1951, which refers to the inherited Naturalisation Act 1926: prior naturalisation certificate
- Naturalisation Act 1926 requirements: 5 YEARS’ residence in the subcontinent (Government service or continuous residence) + adult age + intent to reside + language of the community + good character
- The Government registers the person as a citizen by naturalisation (it may also register without the prior certificate, proviso to s. 9)
- Deprivation (s. 16): disloyalty to the Constitution, trading with the enemy, or a sentence ≥12 months within 5 years of naturalising
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a residence visa
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Certificate of knowledge of Bengali
- Proof of employment or means of subsistence
- Formal application
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Bangladeshi citizen (previously only through the father; now through the mother too)
- Consular registration if born abroad
- Bangladesh allows dual citizenship for adults with authorised countries
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' NID (National ID) or Bangladeshi passport
- Consular registration certificate
3Registration of a woman married to a citizen (Citizenship Act 1951, s. 10)
Registration of a woman married to a citizen (Citizenship Act 1951, s. 10)
Requirements
- A woman married to a citizen of Bangladesh (or to one who would have been but for death, ss. 3/4/5) (s. 10(2))
- If an alien: certificate of domicile + OATH of allegiance in the Schedule form
- No fixed years of residence — entitlement to registration upon application
- Citizenship lost if the marriage dissolves or the husband renounces (s. 10(4))
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Bangladesh
- Spouse's NID
- Residence certificate
- Declaration of loyalty
4Citizenship by investment (Bangladesh Citizenship Act, 2009 amendment)
Citizenship by investment (Bangladesh Citizenship Act, 2009 amendment)
Requirements
- Investment of at least US$ 500,000 (or of special State interest) in the Bangladeshi economy
- No prior residence requirement
- Discretionary grant: the designated authority (BIDA/Ministry) proposes and the Government grants
- Permanent citizenship, previous one may be retained (dual tolerated in practice for investors)
Documentation
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Bangladesh
How many years of residence does Bangladesh require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Bangladesh (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Bangladesh be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration of a woman married to a citizen pathway (No residence term: registration upon application (s. 10(2))). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Bangladesh require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a residence visa; Criminal record certificate; Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship; Certificate of knowledge of Bengali; Proof of employment or means of subsistence; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Bangladesh?
Bangladesh provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, Registration of a woman married to a citizen, Citizenship by investment.
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