Bahamas - Apply for Certificate of Naturalization

ProcedureEdit

Apply In-Person:

To apply for Certificate of Naturalization in person, you have to visit The Department of Immigration, local Immigration office or the Family Island Administrator in your area.
The address and contact details can be found in the “Office Location & Contacts Section”
Visit the office and get an application form for Certificate of Naturalization from the relevant department.
Complete the application form with appropriate information under relevant sections. Attest it with your signature once completed.
Once completed filling the application form, make sure that you have attached all the documents listed in the “Required documents” section of this page.
Then, submit it in person to the relevant authority at the office.
After submission, your application along with the attached documents will be forwarded for further verifications.
Once all the internal processes are over, you will be made to take an Oath of Allegiance and renounce your citizenship of any other country before the Certificate of Naturalization is granted.

Required DocumentsEdit

$200.00 non-refundable processing fee ( payable by cash , credit/debit card, postal/money orders or bank certified cheque)
Letter of Request addressed to the Director of Immigration
Duly completed Citizenship Form IV application with $10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon (legible and notarized)
Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated not earlier than 30 days before submission of the application. Required for every applicant)
Applicant’s original police certificate (issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five (5) years of residence; required of applicants 14 years old and over)
Two (2) current passport photographs of applicant on white background with name printed on back of photo (captured within six (6) months of application date; photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)
Original Birth Certificate of applicant (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamps affixed thereon, with verification by Consulate and authentication of signature by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if applicable)
Certified copy of applicant’s spouse’s birth certificate
Copy of applicant’s parents’ birth certificate
Copy of the biographical data page of applicant’s current passport (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity)
Copy of the biographical data page of applicant’s parents’ current passport (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity
Certified copy of parents’ marriage certificate (must be certified by Registrar General’s Department if issued in The Bahamas) (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon)
Certified copy of parent(s)’ death certificate ( must be certified by Registrar General’s Department if issued in The Bahamas) (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon) if applicable)
Certified copy of spouse’s death certificate (if applicable)
Mother’s Hospital Record confirming applicant’s birth in The Bahamas
Immunization Card
Baptismal Certificate
Divorce Decree (if applicable)
Deed Poll (Bahamian- Registered at Registrar General’s office) if applicable
Copy of applicant’s immigration status
Copy of applicant’s parent(s)’ immigration status
Newspaper clippings (as legalized in Part II Naturalization Section 1 (1) (2), The Bahamas Nationality Regulations)
Two (2) Original Character References (by a Bahamian who has known applicant for a period of five (5) years accompanied by the biographical page of their passport, telephone contact and email address)
All School Letters with date of entry and completion

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

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: [email protected]
The contact details of all the offices: Link
Contact link:Link

EligibilityEdit

This application is for the following categories of persons applying for citizenship in The Bahamas:

Children born in The Bahamas to Non-Bahamian parents who are from Non-Commonwealth Countries;
Male spouse of Bahamian citizens that are Non-Commonwealth citizens or British protected persons (individuals must have at least seven (7) years lawful residence-one must be the year preceding the application) are eligible.

FeesEdit

The fees table can be found by clicking on this link: Link

ValidityEdit

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to UseEdit

Application form for Certificate of Naturalization link:Link

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

InstructionsEdit

Please print form on letter size paper and complete it.
Submit this form along with specified supporting documents to The Department of Immigration, local Immigration office or to the Family Island Administrator in your area.
The application form must be completed in duplicate.
Application forms must be notarized by a justice of the peace or notary public.
The giving of false information on this form or in support of this application can lead to a fine or to imprisonment.

Required InformationEdit

Original Name
Place and Date of Birth
Father's Full Name
Mother's Full Name before Marriage
Marital details
Details of all proceedings taken against you in Civil/Criminal court
Permanent Residential Address

Need for the DocumentEdit

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

Information which might helpEdit

If the application is approved you will be made to take an Oath of Allegiance and renounce your citizenship of any other country before a Certificate of Naturalization is granted.

External LinksEdit

Link

OthersEdit

More information which might help people.