To obtain citizenship, a foreigner must meet certain requirements:

Citizenship by birth: persons born in the Marshall Islands, to at least one of the parents who is a citizen of the Marshall Islands; persons born in the territory who are not entitled to another nationality and would otherwise be stateless persons.

Citizenship by origin: persons born abroad, to at least one of the parents who is a citizen of the Marshall Islands

Citizenship by registration: includes those who have a family or historical relationship with the Marshall Islands.

Persons who acquire citizenship by registration include:

• persons who, according to customary law or traditional customs, are entitled to land rights in the territory;
• persons legally residing in the territory for three years and having a child who is a citizen of the Marshall Islands;
• minor children adopted by a citizen of the Marshall Islands who have lived in the country for at least five years;
• by the decision of the judges of the Marshall Islands, the person is descended from Marshall ancestors.

Citizenship by naturalization: regular naturalization in the Marshall Islands is granted by submitting an application to a Cabinet member or minister in charge of immigration matters. Applicants must provide evidence that they have good behavior, are familiar with the language and customs of the Marshall Islands, have passed a civic knowledge exam, have financial support, and have lived in the territory for ten years. If the application is approved, the applicant must renounce other citizenship and take the oath of allegiance. Persons who have made a significant contribution to society or country are entitled to a unique process of obtaining citizenship.

Loss of citizenship

Citizens of the Marshall Islands can renounce their citizenship if they have reached adulthood and legal capacity and have obtained other citizenship. During a war, renunciation may be prohibited due to threats to national security. Denaturalization can occur if a person has acquired citizenship through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment; if they have committed acts of treason or disloyalty to the nation; or if they have obtained dual citizenship beyond the permitted exceptions.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is generally not accepted in the Marshall Islands, although there are exceptions to the rule. Exceptions are those individuals who have been naturalized based on an extraordinary contribution to the nation, and persons who have received second citizenship automatically after marriage. Children born abroad to their parents (Citizens of the Marshall Islands) who automatically obtain citizenship from their country of birth may have dual citizenship in their minority. Upon reaching the age of seventeen, they must choose single citizenship within one year.