Dual Citizenship Barbados
Barbados permits dual citizenship and encourages Barbadians living abroad to have dual citizenship.
How can you acquire Barbadian citizenship?
CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH
Those that are born in Barbados acquire citizenship by birth, except for the following:
- those born to diplomats who are not Barbadian citizens;
- children of enemy occupiers;
- those without at least one Barbadian parent;
- those born aboard foreign-registered vessels in Barbados.
CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
Those born outside of Barbados to a Barbadian father (or a father who would have been Barbadian but for his death) are entitled to citizenship by descent. Also, those born to Barbadian diplomats abroad are entitled to citizenship by descent.
CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION
Those meeting the following requirements may apply for naturalization:
- resided in Barbados for 5 of the 7 years prior to applying;
- resided in Barbados all 12 months prior to applying;
- intent to reside in Barbados thereafter;
- must swear allegiance to the Queen of Barbados.
CITIZENSHIP BY REGISTRATION
Women who are married to a Barbadian may register as a Barbadian citizen.
Commonwealth citizens who have resided in Barbados for 7 years before November 30, 1966 (according to the constitution) may also apply for citizenship by registration.
CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE
Women who are married to a Barbadian may register as a Barbadian citizen.