Sudanese citizenship can be obtained at birth or later through naturalization.

By birth

There are no legal grounds to grant Sudanese citizenship to children born in Sudan who would otherwise be stateless. Those who receive citizenship automatically at birth include:

• Children born anywhere to a Sudanese father;
• Persons residing in Sudan in 1994 and whose paternal ancestors resided in Sudan on January 1, 1956; or
• Abandoned or orphaned children whose parents are unknown were found on the territory.

Through naturalization

Naturalization may be granted to persons who have lived in the territory for a sufficient period to demonstrate that they understand the customs and traditions of the society. The general provisions are that applicants are of good character; have no criminal record; have good mental and physical health; can be legally and economically self-sufficient; and lived in the country for ten years. Sudan's citizenship law specifically prohibits adoptees from acquiring citizenship from their guardians. In addition to eligible foreigners, other individuals who may be naturalized include:

• Children born to a Sudanese mother and a foreign father can apply for Sudanese birth;
• Wife of a citizen of Sudan after two years of residence;
• Minor children may be automatically naturalized when their parents acquire citizenship; or
• Individuals who have received presidential approval for naturalization do not have to meet any requirements.

Necessary documents

• Identity documents
• Passport photos
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage certificates (citizenship applicants by marriage)
• Proof of residence in Sudan (e.g. utility bills, residence permit)
• Confirmation of paternity / guardianship (applications for minors)

Procedure

1. The applicant should start by visiting the immigration office to find out what is required for the Sudanese citizenship procedure;

2. Then the applicant prepares all the necessary documents. At this stage, the applicant must ensure that all required documents are in a recognized language, and if not, the documents must be translated and certified as true copies;

3. The applicant then proceeds to receive the citizenship application form, in which case the applicant must ensure that the received application form corresponds to the type of citizenship he/she needs to obtain. Then the applicant carefully and accurately fills out the form;

4. After filling out the application form, together with the necessary documents, it is submitted to the citizenship department;

5. When the documents are received, the authority that issued them examines and evaluates them and, if necessary, an inquiry / investigation is conducted on the applicant and the applicant may be called for an interview or he / she may be asked for additional information and additional documents, if it necessary;

6. If the documents are approved, the applicant must pay all prescribed fees;

7. After that, citizenship is granted;

8. When citizenship is granted, applicants for citizenship by naturalization and marriage must take an oath of allegiance;

9. After that, the applicant is issued a certificate of naturalization;

Instructions

• Dual citizenship is not recognized in Sudan;
• The applicant must be willing to renounce any other existing citizenship;
• Applicants for citizenship by naturalization must have lived continuously in the country for more than five years;
• Applicants must be of legal age;
• Applicants for naturalization must know and understand Arabic;
• Candidates must have good moral character, have no criminal record;
• The applicant must be interested in staying in the country permanently;
• Applicants for citizenship through naturalization must be healthy;
• Applicants must be prepared to declare loyalty to the country;
• Applicants for citizenship by marriage must ensure that the marriage is concluded in accordance with Sudanese law;
• Applicants for citizenship by marriage must have been married for at least two years;
• Children can be included in the application for citizenship;
• Candidates for citizenship through naturalization are issued a certificate of citizenship only after taking an oath of allegiance;
• Overseas applicants can apply through the Sudanese embassy or consulate in your country or neighboring countries;