Nationality of Barbados: all obtaining pathways
Barbados requires five years of residence — one immediately before the application — for naturalization under Section 3(1) of its act. Registration through marriage, by descent, for Commonwealth nationals and by adoption requires no residence.
1Naturalization by residence (Section 3(1))
Naturalization by residence (Section 3(1))
Requirements
- Over 18 years of age
- 5 years of residence in Barbados (of which 1 year immediately before the application) pursuant to the Citizenship Act, Section 3(1)
- Intention to continue residing in Barbados
- Good conduct
- Sufficient knowledge of the English language
Documentation
- Naturalization form (Section 3(1))
- Birth certificate, legalized and translated into English
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificates from Barbados and the country of origin
- Evidence of 5 years of residence
- Proof of employment or means of subsistence
- 2 passport-size photos
2Registration through marriage to a Barbadian citizen (Section 3(2))
Registration through marriage to a Barbadian citizen (Section 3(2))
Requirements
- Foreign woman married to a citizen of Barbados
- Marriage valid under the law of Barbados
- Good conduct
Documentation
- Registration-through-marriage form (Section 3(2))
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Proof of the husband's Barbadian citizenship
- Valid passport
- 2 passport-size photos
3Registration as a Commonwealth citizen (Section 3(3))
Registration as a Commonwealth citizen (Section 3(3))
Requirements
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Over 18 years of age
- 5 years of continuous residence in Barbados immediately before the application
- Intention to continue residing in Barbados
- Good conduct
Documentation
- Commonwealth registration form (Section 3(3))
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport and proof of Commonwealth citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Evidence of 5 years of continuous residence
- 2 passport-size photos
4Registration by descent (Section 3(A))
Registration by descent (Section 3(A))
Requirements
- Child of a Barbadian citizen father or mother, born abroad
- The father or mother must prove their Barbadian citizenship by birth, naturalization or registration
- Application before age 21
Documentation
- Registration-by-descent form (Section 3(A))
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Birth certificate of the Barbadian father or mother
- Barbadian passport of the father or mother
- 2 passport-size photos
5Registration by adoption (Section 6)
Registration by adoption (Section 6)
Requirements
- Minor adopted by citizens of Barbados
- The adoption must comply with the law of Barbados
- At least one of the adopters must be a citizen of Barbados
Documentation
- Adoption registration form (Section 6)
- Birth certificate of the adopted minor
- Adoption order issued by a Barbadian court
- Proof of the adopter's Barbadian citizenship
- 2 passport-size photos of the minor
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Barbados
How many years of residence does Barbados require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Barbados (Naturalization by residence (Section 3(1))), the term is Naturalization (discretionary) under the Citizenship Act cap. 186: 12 months of residence immediately before the application + 5 years aggregated within the previous 7 (Second Schedule). Entitlement REGISTRATION (Constitution s. 3A) requires 10 years of continuous ordinary residence immediately preceding. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Barbados be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration through marriage to a Barbadian citizen pathway (Marriage to a Barbadian citizen + COHABITATION for such period as may be prescribed, immediately preceding the application (Constitution, s. 3A(1)(b)) — it is not 'not required': the period is set by regulation and requires actual cohabitation; the right survives if the spouse dies before it is completed (s. 3A(2))). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Barbados require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization form (Section 3(1)); Birth certificate, legalized and translated into English; Valid passport; Criminal record certificates from Barbados and the country of origin; Evidence of 5 years of residence; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Barbados?
Barbados provides 5 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Registration through marriage to a Barbadian citizen, Registration as a Commonwealth citizen, Registration by descent, Registration by adoption.
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