Nationality of Venezuela: all obtaining pathways
Venezuela requires ten years of continuous residence for naturalization, reduced to five for nationals of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Latin American countries; five years also applies to those married to a Venezuelan. Descent is transmitted through consular registration of children born abroad to Venezuelan nationals.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 10 years of continuous residence in Venezuela
- 5 years for nationals of Spain, Portugal, Italy or Latin American countries
- Of legal age
- Good record
- Legitimate means of livelihood
- Intention to reside permanently in Venezuela
- Constitution, art. 33.1: domicile with uninterrupted residence of at least 10 years immediately prior to the application; reduced to 5 years for nationals of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate apostilled or legalized
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin apostilled
- Certificate of residence in Venezuela
- Recent photos
- Sworn declaration of legitimate means of livelihood
2Nationality by marriage
Nationality by marriage
Requirements
- Being the spouse of a Venezuelan
- 5 years of residence in Venezuela
- Marriage registered in Venezuela
- Good record
- Constitution, art. 33.2: foreigners married to Venezuelans, at least 5 years from the date of marriage and declaration of will. The constitution sets no residence period for this route.
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Venezuela
- Valid passport
- Apostilled criminal record certificate
- Apostilled birth certificate
3Nationality by descent
Nationality by descent
Requirements
- Being a child of a Venezuelan father or mother born abroad
- Register before a Venezuelan consulate
Documentation
- Birth certificate apostilled or legalized
- Venezuelan father's/mother's birth certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Venezuela
How many years of residence does Venezuela require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Venezuela (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years (5 years for Spanish/Portuguese/Italian/Latin American nationals). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Venezuela be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Nationality by marriage pathway (5 years from the date of marriage (no residence period required)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Venezuela require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport; Birth certificate apostilled or legalized; Criminal record certificate from the country of origin apostilled; Certificate of residence in Venezuela; Recent photos; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Venezuela?
Venezuela provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Nationality by marriage, Nationality by descent.
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Anything to correct or add about Venezuela?
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