Nationality of Tonga: all obtaining pathways
Tonga requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization, reduced to two through marriage to a Tongan citizen, and provides a citizenship-by-investment route with a significantly shortened period. Citizenship is transmitted by ius soli and ius sanguinis with no residence requirement.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Having resided in Tonga for at least 5 years (Tonga's Nationality Act)
- Being of good character
- Demonstrating adequate knowledge of Tongan or English
- The intention to reside permanently in Tonga
- Tonga allows dual citizenship (since 2007/2008)
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Valid passport and residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 5 years' residence
- References from Tongan citizens
- Medical certificate
2Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius soli)
Requirements
- Being born in Tonga where at least one of the parents is a Tongan citizen
- Being born in Tonga and being stateless of any other nationality
Documentation
- Tongan birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' citizenship
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being born outside Tonga where at least one of the parents is a Tongan citizen
- Registering the birth with the Tongan authorities
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the Tongan parent's citizenship
- Overseas birth registration form
4Citizenship by marriage
Citizenship by marriage
Requirements
- Being married to a Tongan citizen
- Residing in Tonga for at least 2 years
- Being of good character
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of the spouse's citizenship
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of 2 years' residence in Tonga
5Citizenship by investment (CBI)
Citizenship by investment (CBI)
Requirements
- Making a significant investment in, or a financial contribution to, the government of Tonga
- An investment amount generally from 100,000 TOP (the Tongan pa'anga) or an approved donation/investment equivalent
- Being of good character
- Approval by the Privy Council and the King of Tonga
- Tonga allows dual citizenship
Documentation
- Citizenship-by-investment / special-naturalization application form
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate and background check
- Proof of investment or financial contribution
- Medical certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Tonga
How many years of residence does Tonga require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Tonga (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Tonga allow dual nationality?
Tonga allows dual citizenship (since 2007/2008)
Can the nationality of Tonga be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage pathway (2 years). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Tonga require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Valid passport and residence permit; Criminal record certificate; Proof of 5 years' residence; References from Tongan citizens; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Tonga?
Tonga provides 5 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by descent, Citizenship by marriage, Citizenship by investment.
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