Applying For Citizenship : Bahamas

Name of the Organization : Department of Immigration
Type of Facility : Applying For Citizenship
Country : Bahamas

Website : https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/porta…vZ0FBIS9nQSEh/

Applying For Citizenship :

Automatic Bahamian citizenship is given to persons who are:
** Born in The Bahamas to married parents, with either parents being a Bahamian citizen
** Born to an un-married Bahamian female in or outside of The Bahamas

Related : Department of Immigration Bahamas Applying For Resident Spouse Permit : www.statusin.org/6405.html

** Born outside of The Bahamas to a married Bahamian male who was not born outside The Bahamas
** Adopted by a married Bahamian male
** Adopted by a single Bahamian female.

All other foreign nationals who wish to be afforded the rights, responsibilities, and privileges afforded to Bahamians, and qualify, must apply for citizenship.

Eligibility :
In order to apply for Bahamian citizenship, persons must be one of the following:
** A legal permanent resident in The Bahamas who has had the legal status for 10 years, including the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application, and who has resided in The Bahamas for a minimum of 6 years preceding the 12 months mentioned above
** A female spouse of a Bahamian citizen
** Born in The Bahamas after 9th July, 1973 to Non-Bahamian parents
** A child (adopted or biological) who has at least one Bahamian parent (Naturalised or otherwise)
** A child born in the Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents

Please note that whilst a male spouse of a Bahamian citizen may not be eligible for natural citizenship, he would be eligible for naturalized citizenship.

Process :
** Fill out appropriate application form.
** Attach the completed application form to supporting documents.
** Submit to the Department of Immigration, along with the fee payment

Application Form(s) :
** Application Form 1, notarized by notary public or justice of the peace (only female spouse of a Bahamian citizen only)
** Application Form 2 (all persons other than female spouses of Bahamian nationals and persons born outside of the Bahamas to a Bahamian mother and foreign father)
** Application Form 4 (only persons born outside of the Bahamas to a Bahamian mother and foreign father) all minor children

Please note that application forms are also available at the Department of Immigration.

Supporting Documents :
** 2 passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant
** Applicant’s birth certificate
** Parents’ birth certificates (not applicable to spouses)
** Parents’ marriage certificate (persons born outside The Bahamas to a Bahamian mother and foreign father)
** Mother’s passport (persons born outside The Bahamas to a Bahamian mother and foreign father)
** BS$10.00 postage stamp
** Police certificate of good character, issued within 6 months of application (all applicants 14 years and older)
** Spouse’s birth certificate (spouses of Bahamian nationals)
** Marriage certificate (spouses of Bahamian nationals)
** Medical certificate, dated not more than 30 days prior to submission of application (female spouse)
** Bio-data page(s) of applicant’s passport (valid for a minimum of 6 months)
** Work visa (where applicable)
** Permit to reside (where applicable)
** Permanent resident visa (where applicable)

Please note that all documents must be originals. In the case of documents being in any language other than English, certified English translations must also be submitted.

Turn-around time :
Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, the applicant should receive a response within a 3 to 4 week period.

Deadline :
Persons born in The Bahamas to married non-Bahamian parents may apply for Bahamian citizenship between their 18th and 19th birthday only.

Related Fee(s):
There is a non-refundable processing fee of BS$100.00 (payable via cash or certified / bank manager’s cheque payable to the Treasury).

For more information please contact :
New Providence
Department of Immigration
Hawkins Hill
P. O. Box N-831
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 322-7530/9
Fax.(242) 326-0977
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays