Residence & citizenship
Bhutanese Citizenship by Naturalisation
A long-term route to Bhutanese citizenship under the Citizenship Act, requiring long residence and integration before an application can be made.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Residence periods (20 years / 15 years / one-parent 15 years) and eligibility tests are drawn from the Bhutan Citizenship Act 1985 via secondary sources — verify against the current Citizenship Act and Ministry of Home Affairs guidance before publishing, and confirm the correct official source URL for the Act.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Bhutan government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Naturalisation (Bhutan Citizenship Act)
- Route type
- Settlement / citizenship
- Residence (non-Bhutanese applicant)
- At least 20 years in the census register (15 years for government employees)
- Per Citizenship Act 1985 — verify current law
- Residence (one Bhutanese parent)
- At least 15 years and minimum age 15
- Per Citizenship Act 1985 — verify
- Dual citizenship
- Not recognised
Who it is for
- Long-term residents recorded in the census register seeking Bhutanese citizenship
- Applicants able to demonstrate integration and language proficiency
Requirements
- Meet the minimum residence period recorded in the census register
- Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing Dzongkha
- Good knowledge of Bhutanese culture, customs, traditions and history
- Good moral character with no record of relevant criminal imprisonment
- No record of acting against the King, country or people
- Willingness to take the oath of allegiance
How to apply
- Submit the prescribed naturalisation application forms to the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Sit the written and oral tests on Dzongkha and knowledge of Bhutan
- Await the Ministry's decision, which is stated to be final and binding
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.