Nationality of Palau: all obtaining pathways
Palau requires fifteen continuous years of residence — with at least five after coming of age — for both naturalization and the route through marriage, the longest period in Oceania. Citizenship is transmitted by birth and descent with no residence requirement.
1No naturalisation by residence (Constitution of Palau, art. III)
No naturalisation by residence (Constitution of Palau, art. III)
Requirements
- Palau does NOT provide naturalisation by years of residence for unconnected foreigners
- The constitutional/statutory routes (Cap. 13) are through recognised Palauan ancestry (at least one parent)
- Citizenship by custom adoption and special acts are the only openings; there is no general residence regime
- Dual citizenship is not recognised for naturalised persons
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 15 years' residence (with at least 5 after the age of 18)
- References from Palauan 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 Palau where at least one of the parents is a Palauan citizen or has Palauan ancestry
- Being born in Palau where at least one of the parents is a recognized permanent resident
Documentation
- Palauan birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship or ancestry
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being born outside Palau where at least one of the parents is a Palauan citizen
- Registering the birth with the Palauan authorities
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the Palauan parent's citizenship
- Overseas birth registration form
4No spousal route (Citizenship Act Cap. 13)
No spousal route (Citizenship Act Cap. 13)
Requirements
- Palau does NOT grant citizenship by marriage to a Palauan citizen
- A foreign spouse may only reside on a permit and, where applicable, qualify through Palauan ancestry
- No general naturalisation or spousal preference in the Code
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of the spouse's citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 15 years' residence in Palau
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 Palau
How many years of residence does Palau require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Palau (No naturalisation by residence (Constitution of Palau, art. III)), the term is Route does not exist. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Palau allow dual nationality?
Dual citizenship is not recognised for naturalised persons
What documentation does naturalization in Palau require?
The No naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Valid passport; Criminal record certificate; Proof of 15 years' residence (with at least 5 after the age of 18); References from Palauan citizens; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Palau?
Palau provides 4 pathways: No naturalisation by residence, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, No spousal route.
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