Nationality of Marshall Islands: all obtaining pathways
Marshall Islands requires five continuous years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with a shorter three-year period in the case of marriage to a Marshallese citizen. Citizenship is transmitted by birth in the territory and by descent, with no residence requirement on any route.
1Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 1984, §§403 & 410)
Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 1984, §§403 & 410)
Requirements
- Have resided in the Marshall Islands as a non-citizen for at least 10 years (the statutory term for ordinary naturalisation)
- Pass a written citizenship test prescribed by the Minister (one of the few Oceanian states with a test)
- Good character evidenced by recommendations from the local government council of the atoll or community of residence
- Knowledge of Marshallese and English
- Means of support
- Renounce all other citizenship
- Quota law: the number of naturalisations per year is capped
- Cabinet decision (discretionary)
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 5 years' residence
- References from Marshallese citizens
- Medical certificate
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
2Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Requirements
- Being born in the Marshall Islands where at least one of the parents is a Marshallese citizen
- Being born in the Marshall Islands and having no entitlement to another citizenship
Documentation
- Marshallese birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being born outside the Marshall Islands where at least one of the parents is a Marshallese citizen
- Registering the birth with the Marshall Islands' consular authorities
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the Marshallese parent's citizenship
- Overseas birth registration form
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
4Spouse of a citizen (no preferential route)
Spouse of a citizen (no preferential route)
Requirements
- Marshall Islands law does NOT provide a special route for the spouse of a citizen: naturalisation follows the ordinary residence route (10 years)
- The preferential constitutional routes (art. XI) are for persons with land rights (bwenland) or Marshallese descent
- No dual citizenship: naturalisation requires renunciation
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of the spouse's citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence in Marshall Islands
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Marshall Islands
How many years of residence does Marshall Islands require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Marshall Islands (Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 1984, §§403 & 410)), the term is 10 years of residence (with annual quota and exam). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Marshall Islands allow dual nationality?
Renounce all other citizenship
Can the nationality of Marshall Islands be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Spouse of a citizen pathway (No preference: ordinary 10-year route). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Marshall Islands require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Valid passport; Criminal record certificate; Proof of 5 years' residence; References from Marshallese citizens; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Marshall Islands?
Marshall Islands provides 4 pathways: Naturalisation by residence, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, Spouse of a citizen.
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