Get Your Nigeria Dual Citizenship — Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Anyone born in Nigeria before or on October 1, 1960, or after that date to Nigerian citizen parents, is a citizen by birth.
- By Descent: Children born abroad to at least one Nigerian parent are eligible for citizenship by descent.
- By Marriage: A foreign woman married to a Nigerian man is entitled to apply for citizenship by registration. The reverse is not automatically guaranteed under current law.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners may apply after 15 years of legal residence in Nigeria, showing good character and integration.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed (By Birth Only): Nigeria allows dual citizenship for those who are Nigerian by birth. Naturalized citizens must renounce their previous nationality.
Note: As a member of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), Nigerian citizens can live and work freely in other member states without a visa.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine eligibility through birth, descent, marriage, or long-term residence.
- Submit your application to the Federal Ministry of Interior or a Nigerian embassy.
- Provide the required documents and complete screening and interviews.
- Swear an oath of allegiance and receive your certificate of citizenship.
Benefits of Nigerian Citizenship
- Live, work, and own property in Nigeria
- Keep dual citizenship if Nigerian by birth
- Vote, hold public office, and access public education and health care
- Visa-free travel across ECOWAS countries
Frequently asked questions.
Does Nigeria allow dual citizenship?
Yes, but only for Nigerians by birth. If you are Nigerian by birth and acquire another citizenship, you may keep both. Naturalized citizens must renounce their previous nationality.
Can I get Nigerian citizenship through my parent?
Yes. Children born abroad to a Nigerian father or mother are eligible for citizenship by descent.
Can a foreign spouse become a Nigerian citizen?
Yes, but the law favors foreign women married to Nigerian men. Foreign men married to Nigerian women must apply through naturalization.
What is ECOWAS and how does it benefit Nigerian citizens?
ECOWAS allows Nigerian citizens to live, work, and travel freely within 14 other West African member countries without a visa.
Do I have to pay taxes in Nigeria as a dual citizen?
Nigeria taxes residents on their worldwide income. If you live and earn abroad, you are typically not taxed in Nigeria unless you have Nigerian-source income.