Nationality of Lesotho: all obtaining pathways
Lesotho requires five years of legal residence for citizenship by naturalization under its current legislation, with the 2018 amendment as the most recent referenced update. The marriage and settlement routes have no specified timeframes in the official source consulted, and citizenship is transmitted by birth and descent.
1Citizenship by birth and descent
Citizenship by birth and descent
Requirements
- Born in Lesotho or outside Lesotho to a Basotho parent (Constitution of Lesotho)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parent's citizenship document
2Citizenship by residence (naturalization)
Citizenship by residence (naturalization)
Requirements
- A non-Basotho who has resided legally in Lesotho for at least 5 years may apply for citizenship
- Since the 8th Constitutional Amendment of 2018, renouncing original citizenship is no longer required (dual citizenship permitted)
Documentation
- Application to the Ministry of Interior
- Proof of 5 years of legal residence
- Identity documents
3Registration of married women (Order 1971, sec 7)
Registration of married women (Order 1971, sec 7)
Requirements
- Any WOMAN who after 3 October 1966 married or marries a citizen of Lesotho is entitled, upon application in the prescribed manner and upon taking the oath of allegiance, to be REGISTERED as a citizen (sec 7)
- NO minimum marriage or residence term in the text of the Order
- The Order contemplates the route only for women; a married man follows naturalisation under sec 12 (5 years)
- The 8th Constitutional Amendment (2018) removed the renunciation requirement — allows dual citizenship and restoration for those who lost it
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Documents proving lost citizenship (restoration)
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Lesotho
How many years of residence does Lesotho require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Lesotho (Citizenship by residence (naturalization)), the term is 5 years of legal residence. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Lesotho allow dual nationality?
Since the 8th Constitutional Amendment of 2018, renouncing original citizenship is no longer required (dual citizenship permitted)
Can the nationality of Lesotho be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration of married women pathway (No legal term: registration by application + oath). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Lesotho require?
The Citizenship by residence pathway requires: Application to the Ministry of Interior; Proof of 5 years of legal residence; Identity documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Lesotho?
Lesotho provides 3 pathways: Citizenship by birth and descent, Citizenship by residence, Registration of married women.
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Anything to correct or add about Lesotho?
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