Residence & citizenship
Gambian Citizenship by Naturalisation
For long-settled residents seeking to become Gambian citizens after long-term legal residence, granting citizenship by naturalisation.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- Citizenship by naturalisation
- Route type
- Settlement and citizenship
- Key conditions
- Good character, intention to reside permanently, self-support
- Administered by
- GID Naturalisation/Registration & Clearance unit
- Residence (Constitution)
- 15 continuous years
- Residence (1965 Act)
- 5 years aggregate in the preceding 7 years, plus 12 months immediately before applying
- Dual citizenship
- Must renounce other citizenship and take the oath of allegiance
- Language
- Adequate knowledge of a language in current use in The Gambia
- Authority
- Minister of the Interior (must give reasons for refusal)
Who it is for
- Long-term legal residents seeking to become Gambian citizens
Requirements
- Long-term ordinary residence in The Gambia
- Good character with no criminal record and legal clearance
- Capacity to support oneself and dependants
- Genuine intention to continue to reside permanently in The Gambia
How to apply
- Apply to the Gambia Immigration Department with supporting documents and clearances
Frequently asked questions
The constitutional pathway requires at least fifteen continuous years of ordinary residence. The older Nationality and Citizenship Act 1965 instead requires five years' aggregate residence in the preceding seven years plus the twelve months immediately before applying — the applicable period should be confirmed with the Ministry of the Interior.
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.