Immigration to Eswatini for Eswatini citizenship

A person who is not a citizen of Swaziland on the date of marriage with a person who is a citizen (not by registration) becomes a citizen by submitting an application in an established manner to the official responsible for citizenship, or any diplomatic mission or consular office of Swaziland, or any other established institution.

A person who has applied under the subsection becomes a citizen from the date of marriage, if the application is filed before marriage, or, if the application is filed after marriage, from the date of application.

Requirements for documents:

• Application form
• Fingerprints
• Cover letter from spouse
• Birth certificate or citizenship of the spouse (certified copy)
• Marriage certificate
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Amount of E100.00 (6 USD) for the pre-application fee paid to the tax authorities
• Both pins (husband and wife)
• After obtaining the certificate, applicants will have to pay E1,000.00 (60 USD)

A person may acquire citizenship by registration if that person satisfies the Board on the conditions set out in subsection (2), (3) or (4).

The conditions for registration of a person are that the person:

• has been ordinarily and lawfully resident in Swaziland -
• for a continuous period of at least twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for registration; and
• for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than five years during the seven years preceding the date of application for registration;
• has a good character;
• sufficiently proficient in siSwati or English;
• intends, in case of citizenship being granted, to reside in Swaziland;
• has sufficient funds for support during their stay in Swaziland; and
• contributes and will contribute to the development of the country.

A person who is ordinarily resident in Swaziland and has been so resident for at least ten years and whose application is supported by a Chief after consultation with bandlancane* or supported by three reputable citizens may be registered as a citizen.

Citizenship by registration shall not be granted to any person under this section until that person has taken the oath or affirmation of allegiance in the Second Schedule or such other oath or affirmation as may be prescribed. The person to whom citizenship is granted in terms of this section shall be a citizen from the date on which a certificate of registration as a citizen is granted.

*In this section, "bandlancane" means a Chief’s council, created in accordance with the laws and customs of Swazi.

REGARDING NATURALIZATION: Swazi citizenship from naturalization can be obtained by at least two categories of persons: The person who lived in the country for at least five years and contributed to the development of the country. The person is a foreign investor who wants to open a business in Swaziland that will employ Swaziland citizens.

Buying a property is not a basis for granting a residence permit in Eswatini.

Foreign investors must apply for residence and work permits.