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Residence & citizenship

Nauruan Naturalisation (Citizenship by Residence)

For those acquiring Nauruan citizenship through long-term lawful residence, under Nauruan nationality law.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Residence periods and spouse conditions for naturalisation (commonly cited as around five years' residence, and seven years for spouses) come from secondary sources; confirm the exact requirements against the Nauru Citizenship Act / Nauruan nationality law before publishing figures.

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 Nauru government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Naturalisation (Nauruan citizenship by residence)
Route type
Citizenship by long-term residence
Governing law
Naoero Citizenship Act 2017
Residence requirement (birth + residency)
Born in Nauru to parents who are not citizens, and continuously resident in Nauru for 20 years (temporary absences are disregarded)
Section 11 of the Naoero Citizenship Act 2017.
Residence requirement (marriage)
Lawfully married to and residing with a Nauruan citizen for a continuous period of 7 years (Cabinet may waive this requirement)
Section 13 of the Naoero Citizenship Act 2017.
Minimum age
Applicant must be over 20 years old
Section 7(3) of the Naoero Citizenship Act 2017.
Decision maker
The Minister, in consultation with Cabinet; the decision cannot be appealed or reviewed

Who it is for

  • Long-term lawful residents of Nauru seeking Nauruan citizenship
  • Spouses of Nauruan citizens (subject to separate marriage-length and residence conditions)

How to apply

  • Establish and maintain lawful residence in Nauru for the required period under Nauruan nationality law
  • Apply through the competent Nauru authority for naturalisation

Requirements

  • By birth and residency (s11): born in the Republic to parents who are not citizens, and resident in the Republic for a continuous period of 20 years — temporary absences do not affect this requirement
  • By marriage (s13): lawfully married to and residing with a Nauruan citizen spouse for a continuous 7 years; committed to residing permanently in Nauru; of good health and character; willing to fulfil the duties, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship; and no criminal convictions (Cabinet may waive the 7-year requirement)
  • The applicant must be over 20 years old
  • Payment of the prescribed fee

Frequently asked questions

  • It depends on the route. Citizenship by birth and residency (s11) requires being born in Nauru to non-citizen parents and 20 years' continuous residence. Citizenship by marriage (s13) requires 7 continuous years lawfully married to and living with a Nauruan citizen, though Cabinet may waive that period.

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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