Residence & citizenship
Somali Somali Citizenship (Naturalisation)
A route for foreign nationals to acquire Somali nationality by naturalisation after a qualifying period of residence in the country.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- Somali citizenship by naturalisation
- Route type
- Naturalisation / citizenship
- Responsible institution
- Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA)
- Residence requirement
- At least 7 years of continuous residence
- Reduced to 2 years for a child of a Somali mother, per the 1962 law
- Dual nationality
- Recognised under the 2012 Provisional Constitution
- Governing law
- Somali Citizenship Law and the Constitution
- Deciding authority
- Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA)
- Where to apply
- Immigration and Citizenship Agency (immigration.gov.so) or a Somali embassy/consulate
- Residence period
- Qualifying period of lawful residence required
- Exact number of years is not published in detail — confirm with the ICA.
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals who have lawfully resided in Somalia for the qualifying period and wish to become Somali citizens
Requirements
- Age of majority
- Continuous legal residence in Somalia for at least seven years (with minimal absences)
- Good civil and moral conduct, evidenced by certificates from local authorities
- Formal declaration before a district court president or consular official
How to apply
Applications for naturalisation are made through the Immigration and Citizenship Agency; requirements derive from the Somali Citizenship Law and the Provisional Constitution.
Frequently asked questions
The Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) is the government body responsible for granting Somali citizenship, applying the Somali Citizenship Law and Constitution.
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.