Nationality of Solomon Islands: all obtaining pathways
Solomon Islands requires ten continuous years of residence for ordinary naturalization, a period reduced to five years in the case of marriage to a Solomon Islander. Citizenship is transmitted by birth in the territory — ius soli — and by descent, with no residence requirement.
1Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 2018, secs 14(2) & 16)
Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 2018, secs 14(2) & 16)
Requirements
- Aged 18 or over at the time of application
- Ordinarily resident in Solomon Islands at the time of the application
- Meet the residence requirement: ordinarily resident for a total of 5 years within the 10 years immediately before applying, with no time as an unlawful non-citizen in that period (sec 16)
- Likely to continue to reside in or maintain a close and continuing relationship with Solomon Islands
- Sufficient knowledge of English, Pidgin or a Solomon Islands vernacular for normal conversational purposes (sec 14(2)(g))
- Good character, respect for the culture and way of life, understanding of the rights and duties of citizenship
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 10 years' continuous residence
- References from Solomon Islands citizens
- Medical certificate
2Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Requirements
- Being born in Solomon Islands where at least one of the parents is a citizen of Solomon Islands
- Being born in Solomon Islands and having no entitlement to another citizenship
Documentation
- Solomon Islands birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being born outside Solomon Islands where at least one of the parents is a citizen of Solomon Islands
- Registering the birth with Solomon Islands' consular authorities
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the parent's/father's citizenship
- Overseas birth registration form
4Citizenship by marriage (Citizenship Act 2018, sec 14(6))
Citizenship by marriage (Citizenship Act 2018, sec 14(6))
Requirements
- Married to a birth citizen and continuously so for at least 5 years on the day of application
- Aged 18 or over at the time of application
- Likely to reside in Solomon Islands or maintain a close and continuing relationship with the country
- Good character
- The Act does NOT require additional residence for this route (sec 14(6))
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of the spouse's citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 5 years' residence
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Solomon Islands
How many years of residence does Solomon Islands require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Solomon Islands (Naturalisation by residence (Citizenship Act 2018, secs 14(2) & 16)), the term is 5 years within the previous 10. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Solomon Islands be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage pathway (5 years of continuous marriage (no additional residence required)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Solomon Islands require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Valid passport; Criminal record certificate; Proof of 10 years' continuous residence; References from Solomon Islands citizens; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Solomon Islands?
Solomon Islands provides 4 pathways: Naturalisation by residence, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, Citizenship by marriage.
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