Nationality of Brunei: all obtaining pathways
Brunei runs one of Asia’s most restrictive regimes: naturalisation requires twenty years of aggregate residence plus two continuous years before applying, while a woman married to a Bruneian subject may register with no residence term. Nationality passes by ius sanguinis and ius soli covers only exceptional cases.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Residence in Brunei Darussalam ≥20 YEARS in aggregate within the 25 years immediately before the application (Brunei Nationality Act Cap 15, s. 8(1)(a); BLRO 9/2011)
- CONTINUOUS residence throughout the 2 YEARS immediately before applying (s. 8(1)(b))
- Full legal capacity (s. 8 intro)
- Good character (s. 8(1)(c))
- Not likely to become a charge on Brunei (s. 8(1)(d))
- Language Board examination: knowledge of MALAY to the prescribed degree and ability to speak it (save physical/speech/hearing impediment) (s. 8(1)(e))
- Declaration of intent to settle permanently in Brunei (s. 8(1)(f))
- Absences for approved studies/Sultan service count as residence (s. 8(2))
- Grant is by certificate of the SULTAN (discretionary)
- NOTE: the “12 years” REGISTRATION route (s. 5(1)) applies ONLY to those BORN in Brunei, not to spouses
Documentation
- Naturalization application (Immigration and National Registration Division form)
- Permanent resident identity card (yellow IC)
- Criminal record certificate
- Certificate of knowledge of Malay and jawi
- Employment certificate
- Certificate of renunciation of the previous nationality
- Photos and fingerprints
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- The father is a Bruneian national (transmission through the mother is limited and only under set conditions)
- Registration with the Immigration and National Registration Department
- Brunei does not allow dual nationality
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Bruneian father's identity card (red IC)
- Family register
3Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Brunei to unknown or stateless parents
- An extremely exceptional case
- Ius soli does not apply to children of foreigners
Documentation
- Bruneian birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' statelessness
4Registration of a woman married to a subject (Act Cap 15, s. 5(6) [S 29/95])
Registration of a woman married to a subject (Act Cap 15, s. 5(6) [S 29/95])
Requirements
- A woman who is or HAS BEEN married to a subject of His Majesty the Sultan (s. 5(6)(b))
- Not already a subject (5(6)(a))
- Application to the Sultan in the prescribed manner — NO RESIDENCE TERM
- Good character + oath in the Second Schedule form (5(6)(A))
- She LOSES eligibility if at application she has ceased to be married to the subject and has married a non-subject (5(6)(B))
- The grant is discretionary with the Sultan
Documentation
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Brunei
How many years of residence does Brunei require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Brunei (Naturalization by residence), the term is 20 years in aggregate within the prior 25 + 2 continuous years before applying (Act Cap 15, s. 8(1)). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Brunei be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration of a woman married to a subject pathway (No residence term (registration by marriage)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Brunei require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application (Immigration and National Registration Division form); Permanent resident identity card (yellow IC); Criminal record certificate; Certificate of knowledge of Malay and jawi; Employment certificate; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Brunei?
Brunei provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Nationality by descent, Nationality by birth in the territory, Registration of a woman married to a subject.
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