Residence & citizenship
Venezuelan Naturalisation / Citizenship (Carta de Naturaleza)
Acquiring Venezuelan nationality by naturalisation through a carta de naturaleza, based on residence or marriage.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Residence periods and marriage timeframes are drawn from Article 33 of the Constitution and the Nationality and Citizenship Law; the current SAIME procedural steps, folder contents and any fees should be confirmed directly with SAIME.
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 Venezuela government website before you apply.
On this page
- Route type
- Naturalisation (carta de naturaleza)
- Standard residence
- 10 years' uninterrupted residence
- Reduced residence
- 5 years for nationals of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Latin America and the Caribbean
- By marriage
- At least 5 years after marriage to a Venezuelan
- Administered by
- SAIME (Extranjería / naturalisation)
Who it is for
- Long-term residents meeting the 10-year (or 5-year) residence requirement
- Spouses of Venezuelans, at least five years after the marriage
- Minor children of a naturalising parent, declaring before age 21
Requirements
- Declaration of will (manifestación de voluntad) at the Municipal Civil Registry
- Birth certificate apostilled or legalised by a Venezuelan diplomatic/consular mission
- Proof of the required uninterrupted residence (or the marriage certificate for the marriage route)
- Supporting documents assembled in an official-size folder submitted in person to SAIME's Extranjería division
How to apply
- Make the declaration of will at the nearest Municipal Civil Registry
- Assemble the required documents (birth certificate, residence/marriage evidence, identity documents)
- Submit the file in person to the SAIME Extranjería / naturalisation service
- Await issuance of the carta de naturaleza
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.