Residence & citizenship
Burundian Citizenship by Naturalisation
The route to acquiring Burundian nationality after long-term residence in the country, granted under the terms set out in the Nationality Code.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- Naturalisation (Code de la nationalité burundaise)
- Route type
- Citizenship / naturalisation
- Residence requirement
- Long-term residence (reported as ~10 years, reduced for marriage or exceptional service)
- Figure from legal-reference sources, not confirmed on an official government page
- Minimum age
- 21 years at the time of application
- Per the Burundian Nationality Code (unverified against current text — see review flag).
- Residence required
- At least 10 years' permanent residence in Burundi
- Reduced to 5 years for a foreigner married to a Burundian, and to 2 years for exceptional service to Burundi (figures to be re-verified).
- How it is granted
- By decree, following assessment of good character and attachment to Burundi
- Naturalisation is a discretionary grant, not an automatic entitlement.
- Marriage route
- A foreign woman may acquire her Burundian husband's nationality by simple declaration
- Distinct from ordinary naturalisation; also subject to the Nationality Code.
Who it is for
- Long-term foreign residents seeking Burundian nationality
- Foreign spouses of Burundian citizens (acquisition by declaration)
Requirements
- Qualifying period of lawful residence in Burundi
- Good character and no disqualifying criminal record
- Application under the Nationality Code, with supporting civil-status documents
How to apply
Naturalisation in Burundi is governed by the Code de la Nationalité and is granted by decree rather than issued over the counter. An eligible foreigner submits an application, supported by evidence of long-term lawful residence, good character and integration, to the competent Burundian authority for consideration and decision. Because it is a discretionary, decree-based process, confirm the current procedure and submission point with the authorities before applying.
Documents you may need
- Valid passport and evidence of long-term permanent residence in Burundi
- Proof of the required period of continuous residence
- Criminal record certificate (casier judiciaire) showing no conviction
- Evidence of good character and integration into Burundian society
- Marriage certificate, where relying on the reduced residence period through marriage
- Birth certificate and identity documents
Frequently asked questions
Under the Nationality Code the general requirement is around ten years of permanent residence. This is reduced to five years for a foreigner married to a Burundian, and to two years for someone who has rendered exceptional service to the country. These thresholds should be confirmed against the current law, as naturalisation is granted by decree.
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.