Nationality of Kiribati: all obtaining pathways
Kiribati requires ten years of residence for ordinary naturalization — among the longest periods in the Pacific — reduced to three through marriage to a citizen of Kiribati. Citizenship is acquired by birth in the territory — ius soli — and by descent, neither requiring prior residence.
1Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 1979, sec 3(2))
Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 1979, sec 3(2))
Requirements
- Of full age (18) and capacity
- Ordinarily resident in Kiribati during the 7 years immediately before the date of application
- Intends to continue to reside in Kiribati
- Good character
- Able to speak and understand Kiribati sufficiently for normal conversational purposes, barring physical or mental disability
- Respect for the customs and traditions of Kiribati
- Means of support for self and dependants
- Reasonable knowledge of the duties and privileges of citizenship
- Take the oath of allegiance
- No dual citizenship: acquiring another nationality ends Kiribati citizenship (Constitution)
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 10 years' continuous residence
- References from Kiribati citizens
- Medical certificate
2Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Requirements
- Being born in Kiribati where at least one of the parents is a Kiribati citizen
- Being born in Kiribati and having no entitlement to another citizenship
Documentation
- Kiribati birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being born outside Kiribati where at least one of the parents is a Kiribati citizen
- Registering the birth with the authorities of Kiribati
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the Kiribati parent's citizenship
- Overseas birth registration form
4Spouse of a naturalised person (Act 1979, sec 3(3)-(4))
Spouse of a naturalised person (Act 1979, sec 3(3)-(4))
Requirements
- The Act does NOT provide an independent marriage route: the foreign wife of an applicant may be INCLUDED in her husband’s application and is naturalised with him
- No own residence term required, but she cannot apply separately under the text of the Act
- A Kiribati citizen woman who lost nationality by marrying a foreigner may apply to REGAIN it if the marriage has broken down (sec 10)
- No dual citizenship
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of the spouse's citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence in Kiribati
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Kiribati
How many years of residence does Kiribati require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Kiribati (Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 1979, sec 3(2))), the term is 7 years of ordinary residence immediately prior. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Kiribati allow dual nationality?
No dual citizenship: acquiring another nationality ends Kiribati citizenship (Constitution)
Can the nationality of Kiribati be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Spouse of a naturalised person pathway (No independent route: inclusion in spouse’s application). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Kiribati require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Valid passport; Criminal record certificate; Proof of 10 years' continuous residence; References from Kiribati citizens; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Kiribati?
Kiribati provides 4 pathways: Naturalisation by residence, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, Spouse of a naturalised person.
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