Nationality of Yemen: all obtaining pathways
Yemen requires ten years of residence for ordinary naturalization under its 1990 Citizenship Law, reduced to five in the abbreviated procedure. A foreign woman married to a Yemeni acquires nationality after four years of marriage; that of origin is automatic at birth.
1Ordinary naturalization (art. 5 of Law No. 6/1990)
Ordinary naturalization (art. 5 of Law No. 6/1990)
Requirements
- Grant by PRESIDENTIAL DECISION upon the Minister’s recommendation (Law No. 6 of 1990 on Yemeni Nationality, art. 5)
- Age of majority (art. 5(1))
- Normal legal residence in the Republic ≥10 CONSECUTIVE YEARS (art. 5(2))
- Good conduct and reputation: never sentenced or restricted for offenses against public order or decency, unless reinstated (art. 5(3))
- Legitimate means of earning a living (art. 5(4))
- Knowledge of ARABIC (art. 5(5))
- Possession of a proficiency or expertise YEMEN NEEDS — in which case the Arabic requirement may be waived (art. 5(6))
- Regulation (Decree 3/1994, art. 14): legalised birth certificate + residence permit + good-conduct certificate + certificate of the required competence
- Dual nationality restricted: no holder of Yemeni nationality may take another without the Minister’s permission; one who acquires a foreign nationality in violation is still treated as a Yemeni in all respects (Law 6/1990, art. 22)
- A Muslim foreigner naturalised (arts. 4-6, 9, 11) may not exercise political rights reserved for Yemenis until 15 YEARS after acquisition, and may not be elected or appointed to any parliamentary body before that term (art. 23)
- Acquired nationality may be WITHDRAWN for: foreign military service without authorisation; working for a hostile state or one with severed relations; foreign-government employment without permission (art. 19)
Documentation
- Written application to the Passport and Nationality Department of the governorate of residence (art. 29), with a registration receipt
- Abroad: submission to Yemeni diplomatic missions or consulates
- File: identity documents, proof of residence and records
2Reduced naturalisation (art. 6, Law 6/1990): 5 years with ministerial permit
Reduced naturalisation (art. 6, Law 6/1990): 5 years with ministerial permit
Requirements
- The art. 5(2) term is reduced to 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS for a foreigner who obtains the Minister’s permission to SETTLE in Yemen for nationality purposes for urgent reasons (art. 6)
- Actual residence of five years (art. 6 in fine)
- The other art. 5 requirements remain
- NOTE: a person of Yemeni origin may apply after 5 years’ residence proving the paternal grandfather resided in Yemen (art. 4(e))
Documentation
- Application to the Passport and Nationality Department
- Prior authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior
3Nationality by marriage (art. 11: foreign woman married to a Yemeni)
Nationality by marriage (art. 11: foreign woman married to a Yemeni)
Requirements
- A foreign woman who LEGALLY MARRIES a Yemeni ENTERS his nationality (Law 6/1990, art. 11)
- Filing an APPLICATION with the Minister (art. 11(a))
- The lapse of 4 YEARS from the date of the marriage (art. 11(b))
- No OBJECTION by the Minister during those four years — objection must be a written, reasoned decision (art. 11(c))
- The HUSBAND may also object to the Minister within the same period (art. 11 in fine)
- A divorced or widowed woman who did not acquire it may be granted the husband’s nationality by Republican Decree if the marriage lasted 4 years (Decree 3/1994, art. 19)
- A Yemeni woman who marries a Muslim foreigner KEEPS her nationality unless she renounces it (art. 10)
Documentation
- Application and the marriage contract/documented subscription before the competent authority (arts. 28-29)
4Nationality by birth and origin (arts. 2-4)
Nationality by birth and origin (arts. 2-4)
Requirements
- Child of a Yemeni father holding Yemeni nationality (paternal ius sanguinis)
- Born in Yemen to a Yemeni mother and a father of unknown nationality or without nationality
- Born in Yemen to unknown parents; a foundling is deemed Yemeni unless proven otherwise
- By grant: people of Yemeni origin (a paternal grandfather who was a resident), who enjoy a route with 5 years' residence
Documentation
- Register record and descent documents before the Passport and Nationality Department
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Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Yemen
How many years of residence does Yemen require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Yemen (Ordinary naturalization (art. 5 of Law No. 6/1990)), the term is 10 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Yemen allow dual nationality?
Dual nationality restricted: no holder of Yemeni nationality may take another without the Minister’s permission; one who acquires a foreign nationality in violation is still treated as a Yemeni in all respects (Law 6/1990, art. 22)
How much does the nationality of Yemen cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is Fee set by the Minister for the nationality certificate (art. 30). Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Yemen be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Nationality by marriage pathway (4 years of marriage + application (Law 6/1990, art. 11); with a referenced cost of Fee set by the Minister for the certificate (art. 30)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Yemen require?
The Ordinary naturalization pathway requires: Written application to the Passport and Nationality Department of the governorate of residence (art. 29), with a registration receipt; Abroad: submission to Yemeni diplomatic missions or consulates; File: identity documents, proof of residence and records.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Yemen?
Yemen provides 4 pathways: Ordinary naturalization, Reduced naturalisation, Nationality by marriage, Nationality by birth and origin.
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