Nationality of Nauru: all obtaining pathways
Nauru requires ten continuous years of residence for ordinary naturalization, reduced to five through marriage to a Nauruan citizen. Citizenship is acquired by birth in the territory — ius soli — and by descent, with no residence requirement in either case.
1Born in Nauru + residence (Act 2017, sec 11)
Born in Nauru + residence (Act 2017, sec 11)
Requirements
- BORN in the Republic of Nauru to parents who are NOT citizens
- Resided in Nauru for a continuous period of 20 years (temporary absences do not break continuity)
- Apply to the Secretary in the prescribed form and pay the fee
- Be over 20 years of age
- Note: the 2017 Act does NOT provide a general naturalisation-by-residence route for the foreign-born
- Nauru permits dual citizenship: a citizen may also be a citizen of another country without losing Nauruan citizenship (Naoero Citizenship Act 2017, s. 16)
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 10 years' continuous residence
- References from Nauruan citizens
- Medical certificate
2Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Requirements
- Being born in Nauru where at least one of the parents is a Nauruan citizen
- Being born in Nauru and having no entitlement to another citizenship
Documentation
- Nauruan birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being born outside Nauru where at least one of the parents is a Nauruan citizen
- Registering the birth with the Nauruan authorities
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the Nauruan parent's citizenship
- Overseas birth registration form
4Citizenship by marriage (Act 2017, sec 13)
Citizenship by marriage (Act 2017, sec 13)
Requirements
- Lawfully married to a Nauruan citizen AND residing with the spouse in Nauru for a continuous period of 7 years
- Committed to residing permanently in Nauru
- Good health and character, no criminal convictions
- Willing to fulfil the duties, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
- The Cabinet MAY WAIVE the 7-year cohabitation requirement (sec 13(4))
- Children from a spouse’s previous relationships are NOT registered through the marriage (sec 14); they need adoption under the Adoption of Children Act 1965
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of the spouse's citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence in Nauru
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Nauru
How many years of residence does Nauru require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Nauru (Born in Nauru + residence (Act 2017, sec 11)), the term is 20 years continuous (Nauru-born). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Nauru allow dual nationality?
Nauru permits dual citizenship: a citizen may also be a citizen of another country without losing Nauruan citizenship (Naoero Citizenship Act 2017, s. 16)
Can the nationality of Nauru be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage pathway (7 years of marriage and cohabitation in Nauru (waivable by Cabinet)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Nauru require?
The Born in Nauru + residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Valid passport; Criminal record certificate; Proof of 10 years' continuous residence; References from Nauruan citizens; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Nauru?
Nauru provides 4 pathways: Born in Nauru + residence, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, Citizenship by marriage.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Nauru?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Nauru, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.