Beninese citizenship can be acquired through birth or naturalization.

Citizenship by birth

By birth, Benin citizenship is given to:

• Children born anywhere where at least one parent is a native of Benin

• Children born in Benin to foreign parents who lived and after reaching adulthood live in the country acquire citizenship by descent

• Children born in Benin to stateless parents

• Strays or orphans were found on the territory.

Naturalization

Naturalization allows a foreign citizen to obtain Beninese citizenship. The procedure is different in each individual case.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the final step in the process of integration into the Benin way of life. This gives you the right to vote and run for office.

As Benin recognizes dual citizenship, Benin passport applicants do not risk losing their original citizenship, provided the country of origin also allows dual citizenship.

Naturalization may be granted to persons who have resided in Benin for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate that they understand the customs and traditions of the society.

• The general requirements are that applicants be of good character and in good health, have no criminal record of more than one year, and be able to speak Beninese or French.
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• If nationality is regarded as the exclusive service of the nation, there can be no restrictive conditions.
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• The general period of residence is three years, but the residence requirement does not apply to a foreign spouse or to a person born in Benin.
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In addition to foreigners who meet the above criteria, the following persons may be naturalized:

• Spouses of citizens of Benin

• Adopted children after coming of age

• Wife and minor children of a naturalized foreigner

• Individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country.

The purchase of real estate is not a basis for granting or extending a residence permit in Benin.

In order to obtain a residence permit in Benin through investment, the following documents must be submitted to the General Directorate of Treasury and Public Accounts:

• A letter of request for investment abroad, addressed to the Minister of Finance, indicating the approved intermediary chosen to make the payment, as well as the definition of the company abroad, the nature of the investment, the amount of the investment, the terms of financing, the terms of the investment, the reasons and consequences of the planned investment

• Confirmation that the investment will be financed by at least seventy-five percent (75%) through borrowings abroad

• A valid document certifying the identity of the applicant.