Residence & citizenship
Bruneian Citizenship (Naturalisation and Registration)
Routes to Bruneian citizenship by naturalisation, requiring a Malay language test, or by registration through family.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Residency-year thresholds (12 / 20 years, 2-year pre-application) and spouse-registration periods (3-7 years / 5-10 years) reflect the Immigration Department's stated chapters but the exact current figures and any fees should be verified against the primary Immigration/Citizenship legislation before publication. Brunei does not recognise dual citizenship.
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 Brunei government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Citizenship services (Perkhidmatan Warganegara)
- Route type
- Naturalisation and registration
- Naturalisation residence
- 12 years continuous (born in Brunei) or 20 years continuous (born abroad), plus 2 years continuous immediately before applying
- Key test
- Malay language examination (written or oral); applicant aged 18+
- By spouse (registration)
- Minimum residency of about 3-7 years and 5-10 years from the marriage date, depending on marriage order
Who it is for
- Long-term residents seeking naturalisation as Bruneian citizens
- Children of Bruneian mothers or fathers, and foster children, applying by registration
- Spouses of Bruneian citizens applying by registration
Requirements
- Lawful continuous residence through a Residence / Entry Permit for the required period
- Aged 18 or over for the naturalisation route
- Pass the Malay language examination (written or oral)
- Meet the specific residency and marriage-duration thresholds for registration routes
How to apply
- Apply to the Immigration and National Registration Department's citizenship services
- Provide residence permit history, identity and family documents
- Sit the required Malay language examination
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.