Nationality of Namibia: all obtaining pathways
Namibia requires ten years of residence for ordinary naturalization, and the same ten-year period of legal residence for the spouse of a Namibian citizen. Nationality is transmitted by descent —ius sanguinis— in accordance with current Namibian legislation.
1Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent must be a Namibian national
- Parents' birth certificates
- For children of exiles: letter from the SWAPO office
Documentation
- Application form
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Parents' birth certificates
- Namibian identity document of the father or mother (if available)
- Repatriation form (if applicable)
- Letter from the SWAPO office (if the child was born in exile)
2Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 10 years of ordinary residence in Namibia through a permanent residence permit
- Article 4(5) of the Constitution together with section 5 of the Namibia Citizenship Act
- Good character and conduct
- Medical certificate
- 2 references from people who have known the applicant for more than 2 years
- Applicant's job description
Documentation
- Application form
- Certified copy of the permanent residence permit
- Birth certificate
- Namibian identity document (if available)
- Letter from the Revenue Office confirming the period of residence
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, last country of residence and Namibia
- Medical report
- Sworn declaration of motivation
- Job description
- 2 character reference letters
3Citizenship by marriage
Citizenship by marriage
Requirements
- Period of 10 years as a legal resident
- Marriage to a Namibian citizen
- Good character and conduct
- Criminal record certificates from the country of origin, last country of residence and Namibia
- Sworn declaration of motivation of the applicant and the spouse
Documentation
- Application form
- Certified copy of the passport
- Certified copy of the marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Namibian identity document (if available)
- Namibian spouse's birth certificate
- Spouse's identity document
- Letter from the Revenue Office confirming the period of residence
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, last country of residence and Namibia
- Sworn declaration of motivation of both spouses
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Namibia
How many years of residence does Namibia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Namibia (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Namibia be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage pathway (10 years of legal residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Namibia require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Application form; Certified copy of the permanent residence permit; Birth certificate; Namibian identity document (if available); Letter from the Revenue Office confirming the period of residence; among 5 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Namibia?
Namibia provides 3 pathways: Nationality by descent, Naturalization by residence, Citizenship by marriage.
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