Skip to content

Residence & citizenship

Papua New Guinean Dual Citizenship

Approval for a Papua New Guinea citizen to hold citizenship of another prescribed country, available since the 2016 constitutional and Citizenship Act amendments.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Book a consultation

Under review — check current rules

Fee figures (PGK 5,000 / PGK 2,000) are taken from the ICA Migration Service Fees schedule and Form C8; ICA does not publish an overall processing time (only a 5-working-day acknowledgement of receipt), so no processing duration is stated.

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 Papua New Guinea government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Dual Citizenship (approval to hold dual citizenship)
Route type
Citizenship
Prescribed countries
Australia, Fiji, Germany, New Zealand, Samoa, United Kingdom, USA, Vanuatu
Limits
Dual citizens cannot vote, hold public office, or acquire freehold land
Minimum age
18 years
You cannot seek PNG approval to hold dual citizenship before turning 18
Cost
PGK 5,000 (aged 19+) or PGK 2,000 (aged 18 but under 19)
Non-refundable, even if withdrawn or refused; must be paid before lodging
Where to apply
Central Government Office, Waigani (Mon-Fri 9am-12pm)
Also by mail to the Chief Migration Officer, PO Box 1790, Boroko, NCD; or at the nearest PNG mission if overseas
Acknowledgement
Within 5 working days of lodgement
Email confirming receipt of the application
Decision by
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration
After consideration by the PNG Citizenship Advisory Committee
Form
Form C8

Who it is for

  • PNG citizens seeking to also hold the citizenship of a prescribed country
  • Former citizens or descendants pursuing dual status under the 2016 reforms

How to apply

  • Complete the ICA dual citizenship form (Form C8 - application by a PNG citizen to hold dual citizenship)
  • Lodge with the ICA citizenship service
  • Contact citizenship@immigration.gov.pg for guidance

Requirements

  • You must be a PNG citizen aged 18 or older to apply for and be granted dual citizenship
  • The other citizenship must be one of the prescribed countries: Australia, Fiji, Germany, New Zealand, Samoa, United Kingdom, United States of America or Vanuatu
  • If you are aged 19 or older, you must not already hold citizenship of another country at the time of application - you may only seek approval to obtain it
  • Applicants aged 18 but under 19 may seek approval for an existing dual citizenship or to obtain a new one
  • The application fee must be paid in full before lodging, and the original receipt included
  • Your signature must be witnessed by an Authorised Officer, who must also sight and certify copies of your original identity documents
  • Old blue hard-cover PNG birth certificates are no longer accepted - obtain a new-style birth certificate first
  • A spouse and children cannot be included; each must make a separate application and pay the fee

Documents you may need

  • Completed and signed Form C8
  • Original copy of the prescribed fee receipt
  • Notarised copy of your passport bio-data page
  • Notarised copy of your (new-style) PNG birth certificate
  • Notarised copies of at least two forms of identity (e.g. passport bio-page, driver's licence, military service ID or discharge papers, government agency ID, national identity card)
  • One recent passport photograph, 35mm x 45mm, full face, no hat or tinted glasses, light background
  • Evidence supporting your stated reasons for dual citizenship (family, business, birth, medical, religious, education or employment ties)

Frequently asked questions

  • The fee is PGK 5,000 for applicants aged 19 or older and PGK 2,000 for applicants aged 18 but under 19. It must be paid before lodging and is not refunded if you withdraw or if the application is refused.

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.

Related Papua New Guinean visas

Book a consultation