Get Your Guinea-Bissau Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Individuals born in Guinea-Bissau to at least one Bissau-Guinean parent are automatically citizens.
- By Descent : Children born abroad to a Bissau-Guinean citizen may acquire citizenship by descent through registration.
- By Marriage : Foreign spouses of Bissau-Guinean citizens may apply for citizenship after a period of marriage and cohabitation.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply for citizenship after residing in Guinea-Bissau for at least 5 years and demonstrating integration.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed: Guinea-Bissau permits dual citizenship. Individuals may hold Bissau-Guinean nationality alongside another citizenship without issue.
Step-by-Step Process
- Select your eligibility path: descent, marriage, or naturalization.
- Apply through the Civil Registry or Ministry of Justice, or at a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
- Submit documents such as birth certificates, marriage license, or residency records.
- Undergo background and integration checks, if required.
- Receive your certificate of nationality upon approval.
Benefits of Bissau-Guinean Citizenship
- Live, work, and own land in Guinea-Bissau
- Right to vote and run for office
- Maintain dual nationality without renouncing your other citizenship
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several West African countries via ECOWAS
Frequently asked questions.
Does Guinea-Bissau allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Guinea-Bissau permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your original nationality while becoming a Bissau-Guinean citizen.
Can I inherit citizenship through my parents?
Yes. If you have a parent who is a Bissau-Guinean citizen, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent — even if born abroad.
Can I become a citizen through marriage?
Yes. Foreign spouses of Bissau-Guinean citizens can apply for citizenship after meeting certain marriage duration and cohabitation requirements.
What are the residency requirements for naturalization?
You typically need to reside in Guinea-Bissau legally for at least 5 years before applying for citizenship through naturalization.
Do Bissau-Guinean citizens pay taxes abroad?
Guinea-Bissau primarily taxes income earned within the country. Dual citizens living abroad are generally not taxed on foreign income unless they have tax residency in Guinea-Bissau.