Residence & citizenship
Senegalese Citizenship by Naturalisation
The route by which a long-term foreign resident may acquire Senegalese nationality, granted by decree after an application and investigation.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The standard qualifying residence period (commonly cited as 10 years, reduced to 5 in certain cases) and the one-year deemed-refusal rule come from summaries of the 1961 Nationality Code; confirm the current amended text, competent authority and exact conditions against the official code 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 Senegal government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Naturalisation (Code de la nationalité sénégalaise)
- Route type
- Citizenship by naturalisation
- Legal basis
- Law No. 61-10 of 7 March 1961 (Nationality Code), as amended
- Decision
- Granted by decree following an investigation
Who it is for
- Long-term foreign residents of Senegal who meet the residence and eligibility conditions
- Spouses of Senegalese nationals and others eligible for a reduced residence period
Requirements
- Habitual, continuous residence in Senegal for the qualifying period
- Good character and conduct, and no disqualifying criminal record
- Good physical and mental health
- Adequate means of support / economic self-sufficiency
How to apply
- Submit a naturalisation application to the competent authorities (Ministry of Justice / Ministry of the Interior)
- Undergo the official investigation into your residence and circumstances
- Await the decision, which is issued by decree
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.