Nationality of Belarus: all obtaining pathways
Belarus admits citizenship after seven years of continuous permanent residency, with timelines reduced or removed in narrowly-defined statutory cases. Marriage to a Belarusian citizen provides access through family reunification under article 14 of the law, and birth citizenship is acquired by filiation or territory.
1Citizenship by birth (filiation and territory)
Citizenship by birth (filiation and territory)
Requirements
- Child of at least one citizen-of-Belarus parent, wherever born (art. 12-13 of the Citizenship Law)
- Born in the territory of Belarus to a stateless or undetermined parent (statelessness-prevention cases)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Identity document of the parent
2Admission to citizenship by permanent residence (7 years)
Admission to citizenship by permanent residence (7 years)
Requirements
- Have reached age 18
- Reside in Belarus continuously after obtaining the permanent-residence permit for SEVEN (7) unbroken years (art. 14 of the Citizenship Law No. 136-З of 1 Aug 2002, official MFA sheet)
- Lawful source of income and way of life
- Command of one of the state languages
- No record impeding admission
- Citizen's oath after the presidential decision
Documentation
- Application to the MVD citizenship-and-migration department (or consulate) with the documents of listing 12.7.2: passport, birth certificate, previous-nationality certificate, autobiography, proof of income/residence
- Proof of fee payment
3Reduced admission or no residence period
Reduced admission or no residence period
Requirements
- The 7-year period can be reduced or removed for: Belarusians and children of Belarusians (relatives in the direct line — children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) born outside the current territory of Belarus; former citizens of the Republic of Belarus (art. 14 and MVD practice)
- Family reunification under art. 55 (spouse, parents and children of citizens or permanent residents)
Documentation
- Proof of Belarusian ancestry or previous citizenship
- Relationship document for family reunification
4Marriage to a Belarusian citizen (reunification)
Marriage to a Belarusian citizen (reunification)
Requirements
- Spouse of a citizen of Belarus: reunification pathway (art. 55) with a permanent-residence permit
- Cohabitation and lawful residence
Documentation
- Marriage record
- Invitation and documents of the citizen spouse
- Application to MVD bodies
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Belarus
How many years of residence does Belarus require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Belarus (Admission to citizenship by permanent residence (7 years)), the term is 7 years of continuous permanent residency. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Belarus be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Marriage to a Belarusian citizen pathway (Residence by reunification (admission period per art. 14)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Belarus require?
The Admission to citizenship by permanent residence pathway requires: Application to the MVD citizenship-and-migration department (or consulate) with the documents of listing 12.7.2: passport, birth certificate, previous-nationality certificate, autobiography, proof of income/residence; Proof of fee payment.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Belarus?
Belarus provides 4 pathways: Citizenship by birth, Admission to citizenship by permanent residence, Reduced admission or no residence period, Marriage to a Belarusian citizen.
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