Citizenship in Equatorial Guinea can be obtained by birth or later by naturalization.

By birth

Those who receive citizenship by birth include:

• Children born anywhere where at least one parent is a citizen of Equatorial Guinea by birth. Or
• A child born on the territory of Equatorial Guinea receives citizenship, regardless of the citizenship of the parents.

Through naturalization

Naturalization may be granted to persons who have lived in the country for a sufficient period, demonstrate that they understand Spanish or another language used in the country, as well as the customs and traditions of the society. The general requirements  assume that applicants are of good character and conduct; do not have criminal records in the country or abroad; do not suffer from infectious diseases; pay taxes and social security contributions; continuously reside in the country for at least 10 years. In addition to foreigners who meet the specified criteria, other persons can also be naturalized:

• The legal wife of a citizen of Equatorial Guinea after ten years of marriage and cohabitation in the territory of the country;
• Persons who were born in Equatorial Guinea and are residents of Equatorial Guinea at the time of reaching the age of 18 may naturalize by declaration if they have resided continuously in the territory of the country for ten years;
• Adopted minors acquire citizenship of Equatorial Guinea upon completion of legal adoption;
• Individuals whose father or mother were born in Equatorial Guinea can obtain citizenship after one year of residence; or
• Individuals whose grandparents were born in Equatorial Guinea and are under parental care can obtain citizenship after two years of residence in the country as a minor or within one year of reaching the age of majority.