Residence & citizenship
Ugandan Citizenship by Naturalisation
The route for long-resident foreign nationals to acquire Ugandan citizenship by naturalisation, securing permanent status and full national rights.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The UGX 100,000 fee is from a portal summary and the 20-year/24-month rules are from the Act; confirm the current fee and process on the official DCIC naturalisation page (direct fetch blocked).
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 Uganda government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Citizenship by Naturalisation
- Route type
- Citizenship / naturalisation
- Residence requirement
- 20 years aggregate, plus the 24 months immediately before applying
- Language
- Adequate knowledge of a prescribed vernacular language or English
- Fee
- UGX 100,000
- Verify current fee
Who it is for
- Long-resident foreign nationals meeting the 20-year residence requirement
- Applicants of good character who intend to reside permanently in Uganda
Requirements
- Aggregate residence in Uganda of twenty years
- Continuous residence throughout the 24 months immediately preceding application
- Adequate knowledge of a prescribed vernacular language or of English
- Evidence of good character (e.g. police clearance)
- Stated intention to continue residing permanently in Uganda
What you can do
- On approval, receive a certificate of naturalisation
- Use the certificate to apply for a National ID and other citizen entitlements
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online at visas.immigration.go.ug and are decided by the National Citizenship and Immigration Board. Note that Uganda's constitutional rules on dual citizenship apply.
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.