Nigeria citizenship 2026 — naturalisation, marriage & birth

Nigeria’s citizenship framework combines constitutional rights of birth and descent with clear procedural paths for long-term residents and spouses. Acquiring citizenship not only provides political rights and free ECOWAS mobility but also full access to property ownership and business registration. Still building eligibility? Secure residence first to make your naturalisation process smooth and compliant.

Key terms

Citizenship by birth: automatic nationality for those born in Nigeria to Nigerian parents or grandparents.

Citizenship by descent: applies to those born abroad to Nigerian parents; registration confirms status.

Naturalisation: process by which a long-term foreign resident becomes a Nigerian citizen after 15 years of lawful stay and full integration.

Citizenship by registration: available to foreign spouses and diaspora Nigerians returning home.

Federal Ministry of Interior: authority managing citizenship applications, naturalisation and registration certificates.

Dual nationality: allowed for citizens by birth; limited for naturalised individuals.

Oath of Allegiance: final ceremonial step where applicants swear loyalty to the Republic before receiving certificates.

Citizenship types

Nigeria’s citizenship law recognises several distinct pathways — each tied to residence, heritage or family connection. Below is a breakdown of their meaning, advantages and current conditions.

• 1. Citizenship by birth: The strongest and most secure status. Anyone born in Nigeria with at least one Nigerian parent or grandparent automatically becomes a citizen at birth. This extends to some children born abroad if their lineage can be traced through documentation. Citizens by birth retain full rights, including the ability to hold dual nationality and transmit citizenship to their children automatically.
• 2. Citizenship by descent: Designed for Nigerians born outside the country. Parents or grandparents must already hold Nigerian citizenship. Registration can be completed at embassies or through the Federal Ministry of Interior. Once confirmed, citizens by descent enjoy the same privileges as those by birth — including eligibility for passports and full civic participation.
• 3. Citizenship by registration: Available primarily to foreign women married to Nigerian men and persons of Nigerian ancestry returning from abroad. Applicants must show evidence of genuine marriage or ancestry, demonstrate good character and continuous lawful residence for at least three years. Registration offers a faster, more inclusive route than naturalisation, particularly for diaspora communities seeking to reconnect with Nigeria’s heritage.
• 4. Citizenship by naturalisation: This route is open to long-term residents who have lived lawfully in Nigeria for at least 15 years. Applicants must speak English or a Nigerian language, show stable income, clean criminal record, and integration into society. Naturalisation confers almost all rights of a citizen by birth — except limited restrictions on dual nationality. Successful candidates often progress from residence under the CERPAC permit system to full citizenship.
• 5. Restoration and special grants: Nigerians who renounced citizenship for another nationality can apply for restoration after returning to live in Nigeria. The President may also grant citizenship by discretion to individuals who have made exceptional economic, scientific, or humanitarian contributions. These cases are rare but highlight Nigeria’s openness to talent and long-term commitment.

Routes & timelines

Step-by-step

1. Confirm eligibility: verify your route — by birth, descent, registration or naturalisation — and gather evidence accordingly.
2. Prepare documents: collect residence proof, birth or marriage certificates, tax and police records, and two Nigerian referees.
3. Translate & certify: foreign documents require sworn translation — use certified translation support to match Nigerian standards.
4. File & interview: submit at the Federal Ministry of Interior or a Nigerian Embassy (for descent cases); attend verification interviews when scheduled.
5. Oath & issuance: upon approval, applicants take the Oath of Allegiance and receive citizenship certificates, followed by passport eligibility.

Documents

Core documents: application form, birth or marriage certificate, police clearance, residence proof, tax record, two Nigerian referees, photos and fees receipt.

For marriage route: marriage certificate, spouse’s Nigerian ID or passport, and joint residence proof.

For descent: parents’ or grandparents’ Nigerian citizenship documents, applicant’s birth certificate, and embassy registration record.

Costs & processing

Processing fees differ by route. Naturalisation involves additional verification charges, while registration or descent routes are faster and less costly. Legalisation, translation and oath fees are separate. For comparison with other countries, visit the Residency & Citizenship section.

Integration

Integration is not just about years — it is about presence and participation. Authorities look for continuous lawful residence, tax and community engagement, family connections, and familiarity with Nigerian customs and civic life. Knowledge of English or a local language, participation in professional or volunteer groups, and evidence of social contribution all improve approval chances. Applicants who integrate economically and culturally are typically prioritised during review.

What changed in 2026

Digitalisation has simplified citizenship processing. Applications can now be tracked online, and the Ministry of Interior links directly with tax and identity databases. This reform has shortened verification timelines and reduced errors due to incomplete documentation.

Did you know?

Nigeria is one of the few African countries where citizenship by birth automatically grants ECOWAS freedom of movement rights, letting citizens live and work across 14 West African states without visas.

Common mistakes

• Applying for citizenship before meeting residence requirements.
• Omitting tax records or police clearance.
• Submitting uncertified translations of foreign documents.
• Ignoring the mandatory oath ceremony.
• Confusing “registration” (for spouses) with “naturalisation” (for residents).

FAQ

Expert opinion

Nigeria’s citizenship law rewards proven integration — those who live, work and contribute openly have little to fear from bureaucracy. Maintain detailed personal and tax records, keep translations certified, and ensure your history in Nigeria tells one consistent, verifiable story.

— Maya, Global Visa Consultant, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Ready to complete your journey from residence to citizenship? Get a free consultation with VelesClub Int. to evaluate your eligibility and documentation. Visit our main platform or continue exploring detailed resources in the Residency & Citizenship section — your next chapter in Nigeria starts here.