Nationality of Niger: all obtaining pathways
Niger passes nationality by birth and descent, offers a foreign woman an option within the year following her marriage, and admits naturalisation by decree after ten years of habitual residence —waived for those rendering exceptional services—. The law also covers extended filiation, adoption and documentary proof of nationality.
1Nationality of origin (birth and descent)
Nationality of origin (birth and descent)
Requirements
- Nigerien by birth: any child born in Niger to a direct ancestor born there; newborn found in Niger (Ordinance No. 84-33 of 23/8/1984, Nigerien Nationality Code)
- Nigerien by filiation: legitimate child of a Nigerien father or mother; natural child with filiation established with respect to a Nigerien parent
Documentation
- Birth certificates of the applicant and the parent
2Nationality by marriage (foreign woman)
Nationality by marriage (foreign woman)
Requirements
- A foreign woman who marries a Nigerien MAY OPT for Nigerien nationality within 1 YEAR (Ordinance 84-33, art. 13)
- File deposited with the civil court of the place of celebration, or with Nigerien consular authorities if married abroad (art. 13)
- If a minor, she may exercise the option as if of age (art. 13 in fine)
- The Government may OPPOSE by decree — within the one-year window — for indignity, failure of assimilation or cessation of marital life (art. 14)
- The year runs from celebration (marriage in Niger) or from transcription on consular registers (marriage abroad) (art. 14)
- During the term she may not vote or stand where nationality is required (art. 15)
- The marriage is effective only if celebrated in a form admitted by Nigerien law/custom or the law of the place (art. 16)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Husband's documents
3Nationality by extended descent and adoption
Nationality by extended descent and adoption
Requirements
- Acquires nationality by filiation: child subject to legitimate adoption by a Nigerien father or mother; legitimate or legitimized minor child whose parent acquires nationality; natural minor child with established filiation
Documentation
- Adoption/filiation records and court orders
4Naturalization
Naturalization
Requirements
- Grant by DECREE of the Head of State upon application after investigation; the decree must issue within the YEAR following the application — otherwise it is deemed rejected (Code de la nationalité nigérienne, Ordinance 84-33, art. 24)
- Habitual residence in Niger ≥10 YEARS at the time of application (art. 25)
- EXEMPT from the term: those who have rendered exceptional services to Niger (art. 25 in fine)
- Good life and morals; no common-law convictions unrehabilitated (art. 26)
- A minor may apply at 16 WITHOUT authorisation (art. 27)
- The grant decree is NOT reasoned; rejection (express or implied) admits NO appeal (art. 24)
Documentation
- Application to the Ministère de la Justice / competent directorate
- Birth certificate and proof of residence
5Proof of nationality
Proof of nationality
Requirements
- Nationality certificate: any document proving nationality + legalized copy of the birth certificate of the applicant and of his or her father or mother
Documentation
- Legalized birth certificates
- Documents proving filiation
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Niger
How many years of residence does Niger require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Niger (Naturalization), the term is 10 years’ habitual residence (Ordinance 84-33, art. 25). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Niger be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Nationality by marriage pathway (Option within 1 year of marriage). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Niger require?
The Naturalization pathway requires: Application to the Ministère de la Justice / competent directorate; Birth certificate and proof of residence.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Niger?
Niger provides 5 pathways: Nationality of origin, Nationality by marriage, Nationality by extended descent and adoption, Naturalization, Proof of nationality.
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