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Residence & citizenship

Gabonese Gabonese Citizenship (Naturalisation)

Acquisition of Gabonese nationality by naturalisation or marriage under the Nationality Code.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The 10-year naturalisation and 6-year spousal residence periods, and the categories of nationality, are reported in press and secondary sources; verify the exact thresholds and procedure against the published 2026 Ordinance in the Journal Officiel.

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 Gabon government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Nationalité gabonaise (naturalisation)
Route type
Naturalisation / citizenship
Residence for naturalisation
Reported as 10 years under the 2026 code
Threshold reported in press coverage; confirm against the published ordinance
Residence for spouses
Reported as 6 years of common residence under the 2026 code
Reported in press coverage; confirm against the published ordinance
Governing law
Gabonese Nationality Code (Loi n° 37/1998)
Residency required
Several years' lawful residence in Gabon
The general figure is often cited as 5 years, but sources differ (up to 10 for some categories) — verify against the Nationality Code / DGDI
Spouse route
Available after a qualifying period of marriage to a Gabonese national
Commonly cited as 3 years — not confirmed from the primary text; verify
Dual nationality
Not generally recognised — renunciation of former nationality is normally required
Where to apply
DGDI (Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration)

Who it is for

Long-term foreign residents seeking to become Gabonese citizens, and foreign spouses of Gabonese nationals.

Requirements

  • Meet the residence period set by the Nationality Code
  • Lawful, continuous residence in Gabon
  • Meet the conditions of the Code de la Nationalité for the relevant pathway (naturalisation, marriage, descent, adoption)

How to apply

Naturalisation is handled through the DGDI (Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration). Applicants submit a naturalisation application with supporting residence and civil-status documents; nationality is granted by official decision under the Nationality Code.

  • Confirm you meet the residence and eligibility conditions under the Gabonese Nationality Code
  • Assemble your civil-status, residence and good-conduct documents
  • Submit the naturalisation application to the DGDI
  • Await the official decision granting nationality

Documents you may need

  • Valid passport or national identity document
  • Proof of lawful residence in Gabon for the required period
  • Police clearance / proof of good conduct (no criminal convictions)
  • Civil-status documents (birth certificate, and marriage certificate for the spouse route)
  • Evidence of integration and means of support in Gabon

Frequently asked questions

  • Gabon does not generally recognise dual nationality, so acquiring Gabonese nationality normally requires renouncing your previous nationality. Confirm your position with the DGDI.

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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