Get Your Eritrea Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Persons born in Eritrea to Eritrean parents are citizens by birth.
- By Descent: Citizenship may be passed to children born abroad if at least one parent is Eritrean. Registration with Eritrean authorities is required.
- By Marriage: A foreign spouse of an Eritrean citizen may apply for naturalization after meeting residency and integration requirements.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply after at least 10 years of legal residence, language knowledge, and proof of loyalty to the state.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Not Formally Allowed: Eritrea does not officially recognize dual citizenship, though many diaspora Eritreans retain their Eritrean nationality. Enforcement varies depending on government policy and context.
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify your eligibility path — descent, marriage, or long-term residency.
- Submit your application to the Eritrean Immigration and Nationality Department or consulate.
- Provide supporting documents and complete security and background checks.
- Take an oath of allegiance if required and obtain your citizenship certificate or national ID.
Benefits of Eritrean Citizenship
- Right to live and work in Eritrea
- Access to national ID, education, and services
- Eligibility to participate in elections and civic processes
Frequently asked questions.
Does Eritrea allow dual citizenship?
Officially no. Eritrea does not formally recognize dual citizenship. However, many diaspora Eritreans maintain dual nationality in practice. The government may still consider you Eritrean even if you hold another passport.
Can I claim citizenship through my Eritrean parent?
Yes. Children born abroad to Eritrean citizens may be eligible for citizenship by descent. Registration at an Eritrean consulate is required.
Can I become a citizen through marriage?
Yes. A foreign spouse may apply after fulfilling residency and integration criteria. Marriage alone does not automatically grant citizenship.
What are the requirements for naturalization?
Naturalization typically requires 10 years of residence, good moral character, loyalty to the government, and language/cultural knowledge.
Do I need to renounce my other nationality?
Formally, yes. Eritrean law requires renunciation of other citizenships, although in practice, enforcement is inconsistent. Eritrea still considers you Eritrean unless citizenship is officially revoked.
Do Eritrean citizens have to pay taxes while abroad?
Yes. Eritreans living abroad are subject to a 2% diaspora tax on income. This applies even if they have another nationality, as Eritrea still considers them citizens unless they have renounced citizenship officially.