Residence & citizenship
Palauan Palauan Citizenship (by Descent)
Citizenship of Palau acquired through Palauan ancestry rather than ordinary naturalisation.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Confirm the precise registration procedure, timelines and any dual-citizenship rules against the current Palau Citizenship Act text before publication.
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 Palau government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Palauan citizenship
- Route type
- Citizenship by descent / restricted naturalisation
- Governing law
- Constitution of Palau and Palau Citizenship Act (Title 13 PNCA)
- Naturalisation eligibility
- Only persons with at least one parent of recognised Palauan ancestry
- Dual citizenship
- Permitted since 2008
- A constitutional amendment allowing dual citizenship; confirm the current position with the Ministry of Justice.
- Certificate issued by
- Minister of Justice
- Where to apply
- Ministry of Justice / Bureau of Immigration, Koror
Who it is for
- People with at least one Palauan-citizen parent (by birth)
- Children born abroad to Palauan-citizen parents (by registration)
- Persons of recognised Palauan ancestry seeking to naturalise
Key rules
- Citizenship passes automatically where a parent is a Palauan citizen
- Naturalisation requires recognised Palauan ancestry
- Non-Palauans cannot naturalise and cannot own land
How to establish citizenship by descent
- Establish descent from at least one parent of recognised Palauan ancestry
- Submit proof of the Palauan parent's citizenship or the parent's birth certificate
- Provide an affidavit of the Palauan parent's periods and places of residence and physical presence in Palau and abroad
- Request a certificate of citizenship, which the Minister of Justice may issue on the request of a citizen
Documents you may need
- The applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of the parent's Palauan citizenship or the parent's birth certificate
- Affidavit of the Palauan parent's residence and physical-presence history
- Valid passport and identity documents
Frequently asked questions
No. The Constitution restricts the right to reside and to petition for naturalisation to persons with at least one parent of recognised Palauan ancestry; there is no general residence-to-citizenship route for other foreign nationals.
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.