Nationality of Papua New Guinea: all obtaining pathways
Papua New Guinea requires eight continuous years of residence for ordinary naturalization, assessed at the minister's discretion. Reduced routes exist by investment and for sportspersons, marriage depends on a ministerial assessment, and dual citizenship is admitted in a defined set of cases.
1Naturalization through prolonged residence
Naturalization through prolonged residence
Requirements
- Having resided continuously in Papua New Guinea for at least 8 years (Section 67 of the National Constitution)
- Being of good character
- The intention to reside permanently in the country
- Speaking and understanding Tok Pisin or Hiri Motu, or a local vernacular language, well enough for normal conversation (except with a physical or mental disability)
- Respecting the customs and cultures of the country
- Not being likely to become a burden on public funds
- Having a reasonable knowledge of the rights, privileges, responsibilities and duties of citizenship
- Renouncing any other citizenship and making the Declaration of Loyalty
Documentation
- Form C5 (citizenship through prolonged residence)
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 8 years' continuous residence
- Evidence of local-language knowledge
- Declaration of Loyalty
2Citizenship by marriage
Citizenship by marriage
Requirements
- Be married to a PNG citizen (customary marriage does NOT count for this route)
- Have resided in PNG for at least 1 of the last 3 years living with the spouse
- Renounce all other citizenship (PNG does not allow dual nationality on this route)
- Discretionary Ministerial decision on the advice of the Citizenship Advisory Committee (Const. 1975 ss 65-67)
Documentation
- Form C6
- Marriage certificate
- Papuan spouse's passport or citizenship certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of Loyalty
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
- At least one of the parents is a citizen of Papua New Guinea
- Registering the birth abroad with the PNG authorities
Documentation
- Form C1 (registration of birth abroad)
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the Papuan parent's citizenship
- Parent's passport
4Citizenship by investment (investor naturalization)
Citizenship by investment (investor naturalization)
Requirements
- Making a significant investment in Papua New Guinea
- Being of good character
- Meeting the criteria set out in the Citizenship Law
Documentation
- Form C4
- Proof of investment in PNG
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
- Declaration of Loyalty
5Citizenship by naturalization for sportspersons
Citizenship by naturalization for sportspersons
Requirements
- Being an elite sportsperson contributing to PNG's sporting development
- Being of good character
- Approval by the Minister on the advice of the Citizenship Committee
Documentation
- Form C3
- Proof of sporting merits
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
- Declaration of Loyalty
6Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship
Requirements
- Being a PNG citizen and applying for permission to keep the citizenship of a prescribed country
- Prescribed countries: Australia, Fiji, Germany, New Zealand, Samoa, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vanuatu
- Approval by the Minister responsible for citizenship
Documentation
- Form C8
- Proof of citizenship of the other country
- PNG citizenship certificate
- Declaration of Loyalty
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Papua New Guinea
How many years of residence does Papua New Guinea require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Papua New Guinea (Naturalization through prolonged residence), the term is 8 continuous years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Papua New Guinea allow dual nationality?
Renouncing any other citizenship and making the Declaration of Loyalty
Can the nationality of Papua New Guinea be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage pathway (1 of the last 3 years of residence with the spouse). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Papua New Guinea require?
The Naturalization through prolonged residence pathway requires: Form C5 (citizenship through prolonged residence); Valid passport; Criminal record certificate; Proof of 8 years' continuous residence; Evidence of local-language knowledge; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea provides 6 pathways: Naturalization through prolonged residence, Citizenship by marriage, Citizenship by descent, Citizenship by investment, Citizenship by naturalization for sportspersons, Dual citizenship.
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