Nationality of Burkina Faso: all obtaining pathways
Burkina Faso requires five years of residence for nationality for persons born in the country to foreign parents, and five years of marriage for the spousal route, with a naturalization route by decree. The law also provides for reinstatement of nationality for those who lost it.
1Nationality by filiation (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by filiation (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Burkinabé father or mother, whether born in Burkina Faso or abroad (art. 152-1 of the Code des Personnes et de la Famille, CPF)
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Burkinabé nationality certificate of either parent
2Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Born in Burkina Faso to a father or mother also born in Burkina Faso (art. 152-5 CPF)
- Born in Burkina Faso to unknown father and mother (art. 152-2 CPF)
- Born in Burkina Faso and unable to prove any other nationality (art. 152-4 CPF)
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Where applicable, birth certificate of a parent born in Burkina Faso
3Nationality of adults born in Burkina Faso to foreign parents (by residence)
Nationality of adults born in Burkina Faso to foreign parents (by residence)
Requirements
- Having been born in Burkina Faso to a foreign father and mother (art. 153-4 CPF)
- Proof of residence in Burkina Faso for at least the five years prior to reaching the age of majority
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the adult applicant
- Certificate of residence proving residence in Burkina Faso for at least five years before reaching the age of majority
- Foreign nationality certificates of the father and the mother
4Nationality of minors born in Burkina Faso by declaration
Nationality of minors born in Burkina Faso by declaration
Requirements
- Having been born in Burkina Faso to a foreign father and mother (art. 153-8 CPF)
- Sign a declaration before the president of the Tribunal de Grande Instance (TGI) of the place of habitual residence, with subsequent registration with the Ministry
- Proof of the minor’s residence in Burkina Faso for at least five years at the date of the declaration
Documentation
- Minor's birth certificate
- Certificate of residence of at least five years
- Foreign nationality certificates of the father and the mother
5Nationality by marriage
Nationality by marriage
Requirements
- Being a foreigner married to a Burkinabé citizen (art. 153-1 CPF)
- At least 5 years of marriage having elapsed
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Burkinabé spouse's nationality certificate
6Naturalization by decree
Naturalization by decree
Requirements
- Reside in Burkina Faso (art. 153-11 of the CPF; the official source does not specify a minimum residence period)
- Grant by naturalization decree
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Naturalization decree
7Reinstatement of nationality
Reinstatement of nationality
Requirements
- Having been stripped of or having renounced Burkinabé nationality (art. 153-11 CPF)
- Grant by reinstatement decree
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Reinstatement decree
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Burkina Faso
How many years of residence does Burkina Faso require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Burkina Faso (Nationality of adults born in Burkina Faso to foreign parents (by residence)), the term is 5 years prior to reaching the age of majority. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Burkina Faso be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Nationality by marriage pathway (5 years from the marriage, by declaration, as long as the community of life subsists (2025 Persons and Family Code)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Burkina Faso require?
The Nationality of adults born in Burkina Faso to foreign parents pathway requires: Birth certificate of the adult applicant; Certificate of residence proving residence in Burkina Faso for at least five years before reaching the age of majority; Foreign nationality certificates of the father and the mother.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso provides 7 pathways: Nationality by filiation, Nationality by birth in the territory, Nationality of adults born in Burkina Faso to foreign parents, Nationality of minors born in Burkina Faso by declaration, Nationality by marriage, Naturalization by decree, Reinstatement of nationality.
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