Barbadian Citizenship

By birth

Birthright nationality applies to:

- Persons who were nationals of Britain (Citizens of the UK and Colonies) or were naturalized or registered in Barbados at the time of independence;[9]

- Persons born within the territory after 29 November 1966 to at least one Barbadian parent, which is interpreted to include a mother only, in the case of illegitimacy, as long as the parents were not immune from legal processes, or an enemy alien;

- Persons legitimately born abroad after 29 November 1966 to a father who was born in Barbados; or if illegitimate to a Barbadian-born mother; or

- Persons born upon an aircraft or ship which is registered in Barbados or an unregistered aircraft or ship belonging to the government.

By registration

Nationality by registration includes those who have familial or historic relationship affiliations with Barbados. Persons who acquire nationality by registration include:

1) Foundlings who have always been stateless and were born in the territory;

2) Adoptees at the issuance of an adoption order for a minor, but if it is a joint adoption, the child can only derive nationality from the father;

3) Persons who before 30 November 1966 were Commonwealth nationals and who had lived in Barbados for seven years;

4) Persons who are nationals of other Commonwealth countries or the Republic of Ireland and who have lived in Barbados or worked in government service for at least five years;

5) Women who were married to a national who acquired nationality at the time of independence, or but for death would have acquired nationality, upon taking an Oath of Allegiance;

6) Post-independence, the wife of a national who acquired nationality after independence, provided she resides with her husband and takes an Oath of Allegiance; or

7) Minor children of any national, at the discretion of the Minister for Immigration.

By naturalisation

Ordinary naturalization in Barbados can be obtained by adult persons of legal capacity, who in the 12 months prior to submitting an application resided in the territory, are of good character, and intend to be a resident of the territory. Residency of a minimum of five years is required. Applicants petition the Minister for Immigration, who evaluates whether the general criteria are met and whether the applicant poses a threat to national security or public policy. Upon approval, applicants must take an Oath of Allegiance

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BARBADOS CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTION 3(2) OF CONSTITUTION

- Birth Certificate

- If a married Woman – Marriage Certificate must be produced;

- Three (3) passport size photographs one of which should be certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public;

- Application fee of three hundred ($300.00) dollars:

- Letters from schools attended in Barbados.

- Passport Biometrics page

- If approved, there is a final fee of fifteen hundred ($1500.00) dollars.

It should be noted that –

In the event of any discrepancy in any of the names appearing on the documents required above, then an Affidavit must be submitted in order to clarify the same.

Photocopies of Certificates must be accompanied by the ORIGINAL certificates.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BARBADOS CITIZENSHIP UNDER SECTIONS 3(1), 3(3), 3(A) (1)(b) AND 6 OF THE CONSTITUTION

- Applicant’s Birth Certificate

- Husband’s or wife’s Birth and Baptism Certificates and document of citizenship if not Barbadian by birth

Marriage Certificates;

- Three (3) passport size photographs, one of which should be certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public – this Justice of the Peace or Notary Public also certifies the application form;

- Application fee of $300.00

- If approved – there is a final fee of $1500.00

- If previous marriage(s) was/were terminated by Death or Divorce – then appropriate Death Certificate or Divorce document i.e. Decree Absolute should be submitted in respect of each person along with previous marriage certificate;

- Passport Biometrics page

- Certificates/ Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by an Official English translation;

- In the event of any discrepancy in any names appearing on the documents required above, then an Affidavit must be submitted in order to clarify the same.

Photocopies of Certificates must be accompanied by the ORIGINAL certificates.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BARBADOS CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTION 5(1) OF THE ACT

1) Applicant's Birth Certificate

2) Mother’s / Father’s Birth Certificate and proof of Mother’s / Father’s Barbados Citizenship.

3) Parent’s Marriage Certificate

Medical:

4) General Medical Certificate of Health from Doctor – if under sixteen (16) years of age

If sixteen (16) years of age or over, the standard Medical Form provided, must be completed by the Doctor.

5) Three (3) passport size photographs, one of which must be certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public. This Justice of the Peace or Notary Public should also certify the application form.

6) Letter(s) from schools attended in Barbados.

7) Passport Biometrics page

8) Application fee of $300.00

9) If approved, there is a final fee of $1500.00

10) It should be noted that -

- In the event of any discrepancy in any of the names appearing in the documents required above, then an Affidavit must be produced in order to clarify the same.

- If forms are signed by a person other than the parents – then a Letter of Consent from parents must be submitted. This Letter of Consent must be notarized i.e. signed by the parent(s) in the presence of a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public who will sign and affix appropriate official stamp/seal.

11) If parents’ previous marriage was terminated by Death or Divorce – then appropriate Death Certificate or Divorce document i.e. Decree Absolute should be submitted In case where legal custody of a child is granted to parent(s) then the relevant document relating to the custody of that child must be submitted.

Photocopies of Certificates must be accompanied by the ORIGINAL certificates.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RENUNCIATION OF CITIZENSHIP UNDER SECTION 7 OF THE CONSTITUTION

- Birth Certificate

- If a married woman – Marriage Certificate must be produced

- Three (3) passport size photographs one of which should be certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public. This person also certifies the application form.

- If a citizen of Barbados by Descent, Registration, or Naturalization the relevant original certificate must be produced

- Application fee of $500.00

- A cover letter stating the reasons for the application

- Applicant’s Barbados passport

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BARBADOS CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTION 4(3) OF THE ACT

- Applicant’s Birth Certificate

- If married, a Marriage Certificate must be produced.

- Medical Form

- Certificate of Character from the Police

- A personal statement giving full information from birth to the date of your application; of States, Countries, etc., where you have lived. What occupation, including education you have pursued while living in each of them, and the names and addresses of the firms or other employers for whom you have worked. The Educational Institutions you have attended and highest attainment you achieved at each of these institutions.

- Three (3) passport sized photographs, one of which should be certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.

- Letters from school(s) attended in Barbados.

- Job Letter

- Letter from Bank/ Bank Statement

- Land Tax Bill/ Property Deed

- Photocopy of Passport Biometrics page

- Application fee of BDS $300.00 If approved, a final fee of BDS $1500.00

It should be noted that -

- If name does not appear on Birth Certificate, a Baptism certificate must be produced. Also;

- In the event of any discrepancy in any of the names appearing in the documents required above, then an Affidavit must be produced in order to clarify the same.

- Photocopies of Certificates must be accompanied by the ORIGINAL certificates.

Dual citizenship

Barbadian nationality law allows you to have dual citizenship. This law means you can take on Barbados nationality without giving up your old citizenship. You will need to ensure that your old nationalities allow dual and multiple citizenships. This law means you can have a Barbados passport in addition to your old nationality