Citizenship in Burkina Faso can be acquired by birth, marriage or naturalization.

By birth

The following persons receive citizenship by birth:

• Persons born anywhere with at least one parent who is a citizen of Burkina Faso

• Persons born in Burkina Faso to foreigners who were ordinarily residents of the country and still resident in the territory at the age of majority acquire citizenship upon reaching the age of majority

• Persons born on the territory of the country who might otherwise be stateless

• Outcasts or orphans of unknown origin.

Naturalization

Naturalization allows a foreign citizen to obtain the citizenship of Burkina Faso. The procedure is different in each individual case.

What is naturalization?

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

Since Burkina Faso recognizes dual citizenship, passport applicants do not risk losing their original citizenship, if the country of origin also allows dual citizenship.

Who can obtain citizenship by naturalization?

Naturalization may be granted to persons who have lived in the territory for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate that they understand the customs and traditions of the society. The general requirements are that applicants have good character, good mental health and no criminal record of more than one year. Citizenship may also be granted for service to the nation or in exceptional circumstances. The general residency requirement is ten years, but in the case of someone born in Burkina Faso or serving the nation, the residency requirement is reduced to two years.

In addition to aliens who meet the previous criteria, other persons who may be naturalized include:

• Minor children, adult children or the spouse of a naturalized Burkinabe who has lived in the territory for five years

• Adoptive parents of citizens of Burkina Faso

• Foreigners or stateless persons who marry citizens of Burkina Faso acquire citizenship after a legally valid marriage, unless they refuse to change their citizenship

• Individuals who have rendered or may render exemplary services, for example, in the development of agriculture, art, industry, innovation, literature or science.

Citizenship by marriage

Persons married to a citizen of Burkina Faso can obtain citizenship after 6 months of marriage.

What documents must be submitted to obtain citizenship through marriage?

The list of documents depends on the applicant's country of residence. Most likely, you will need documents such as:

• Birth Certificate

• passport

• a state-style document certifying identity

• a document confirming the marriage

• certificate of residence.

Find out more about the conditions and documents for obtaining Burkina Faso citizenship at the nearest Immigration Center.