Get Your Burundi Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Anyone born in Burundi to at least one Burundian parent is a citizen by birth.
- By Descent: Individuals born outside Burundi to a Burundian father — or in some cases, a Burundian mother — can claim citizenship through descent.
- By Marriage: A foreign spouse of a Burundian citizen may apply for citizenship after at least 3 years of marriage and residence in Burundi.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners may apply after 10 years of continuous legal residence, with proof of integration and good character.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed: Burundi allows dual citizenship as part of its post-conflict legal framework, especially following the 2000 Arusha Peace Agreement. Dual nationals are legally recognized and may enjoy full rights.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your eligibility path (descent, marriage, or residency).
- Submit your application to the Ministry of the Interior or through a Burundian consulate.
- Provide required documentation, including proof of ancestry or marriage.
- Complete interviews or background checks if needed.
- Receive certificate of citizenship and apply for Burundian ID or passport.
Benefits of Burundian Citizenship
- Full legal recognition of dual nationality
- Access to healthcare, land rights, and local elections
- Ability to own property, conduct business, and access public services
Frequently asked questions.
Does Burundi allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Burundi has allowed dual citizenship since constitutional reforms and peace accords in the early 2000s. You are not required to renounce another nationality when applying.
Can I apply if my father or mother is from Burundi?
Yes. You may be eligible for citizenship by descent. The process typically favors paternal descent, but maternal claims may be considered depending on circumstances.
Can I become Burundian by marriage?
Yes. Foreign spouses can apply after 3 years of marriage and residence in Burundi.
What are the naturalization requirements?
You need 10 years of legal residence, proof of integration, and a clean criminal record
Do I have to pay taxes in Burundi as a dual citizen?
Residents of Burundi are taxed on income earned in the country. Dual citizens living abroad are not taxed unless they earn income in Burundi.