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Residence & citizenship

Burkinabè Citizenship by naturalisation

For acquiring Burkinabè nationality through long-term residence and naturalisation under the 2025 Family Code.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Naturalisation residency periods (e.g. 10 years general, 2 or 5 years reduced) come from summaries of the Code des personnes et de la famille, not a directly fetched official government page. The listed source is an authoritative reference rather than a Burkinabè government domain — replace with an official government/legal-text URL and verify all periods before publishing.

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 Burkina Faso government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Naturalisation (naturalisation burkinabè)
Route type
Citizenship
Legal basis
Code des personnes et de la famille (2025)
General residency requirement
Long-term lawful residence, reduced in defined cases
Commonly cited as around 10 years, reduced for certain applicants — verify against the code
Residence required
10 years continuous (as a permanent resident)
By marriage
5 years (spouse resident in Burkina Faso); 7 years if neither spouse resides there

Who it is for

  • Long-term foreign residents seeking Burkinabè nationality
  • Spouses and children of naturalised citizens
  • Those recognised for service to the nation (reduced conditions)

General conditions

  • A qualifying period of lawful residence
  • Good character and no serious criminal record
  • Meeting the requirements set out in the 2025 Family Code

Requirements

  • At least 10 years of continuous residence in Burkina Faso, held as a permanent resident (reduced to 5 years where acquiring nationality through marriage to a Burkinabe national)
  • Good character and conduct, with no criminal conviction
  • Being recognised as sound in body and mind
  • Nationality is established and proven solely by an official certificate of nationality

How to apply

Naturalisation is governed by the Code des personnes et de la famille (loi n 012-2025/ALT of 1 September 2025).

Acquisition through marriage requires a five-year period where one spouse resides in Burkina Faso, and a seven-year period if neither spouse resides in the country.

Some categories - for example minor children of foreigners or stateless persons who acquire Burkinabe nationality - can be naturalised without the standard residence condition.

Frequently asked questions

  • The general rule under the 2025 Code des personnes et de la famille is 10 years of continuous residence held under permanent resident status. This is reduced to 5 years where you acquire nationality through marriage to a Burkinabe national and reside in the country (7 years if neither spouse resides there).

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.

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