Nationality of Vatican City: all obtaining pathways
Vatican citizenship is neither inherited nor acquired by ordinary birth: it is granted through a functional appointment tied to service to the Holy See and ends with it. There are in addition a limited ius sanguinis and de-facto-residence citizenship, also tied to the office.
1Citizenship by appointment (functional)
Citizenship by appointment (functional)
Requirements
- Be a cardinal resident in Rome or in Vatican City
- Be a diplomat of the Holy See accredited to foreign states
- Be a resident of Vatican City by reason of office (officials, Swiss Guards, staff)
- Vatican citizenship is granted by the Pope and is strictly functional/temporary
- The citizenship is lost upon ceasing the office that motivated it
- Residence in the territory of Vatican City is required
Documentation
- Official appointment by the Holy See
- Documents proving the office
- Residence in Vatican City
2Citizenship by birth (limited ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by birth (limited ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Born to parents with Vatican citizenship residing in Vatican City
- Birth citizenship is kept only while the parents retain their Vatican citizenship
- Upon reaching the age of majority it is automatically lost if no office justifies it
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Identity documents of the parents with Vatican citizenship
- Proof of residence in Vatican City
3Citizenship by residence (de-facto residence)
Citizenship by residence (de-facto residence)
Requirements
- Be a permanent resident in Vatican City for reasons of employment or service to the Holy See
- The grant is at the Pope's discretion
- There is no naturalization procedure in the traditional sense
- Citizenship is attached to the office and lost upon ceasing in it
Documentation
- Employment contract or appointment from the Holy See
- Residence in Vatican City
- Approval of the competent Vatican authority
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Vatican City
How many years of residence does Vatican City require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Vatican City (Citizenship by residence (de-facto residence)), the term is Variable (attached to the office). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
What documentation does naturalization in Vatican City require?
The Citizenship by residence pathway requires: Employment contract or appointment from the Holy See; Residence in Vatican City; Approval of the competent Vatican authority.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Vatican City?
Vatican City provides 3 pathways: Citizenship by appointment, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by residence.
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Anything to correct or add about Vatican City?
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