Citizenship Laws of the World

This directory provides synopses of the citizenship laws for most of the world's countries. We obtained information for this directory from embassies, the Library of Congress, and the Department of State. The directory also provides the address, telephone number, and fax number of most countries' diplomatic representatives.

We have made this document as accurate and up-to-date as our resources have allowed. The information contained in this directory should not be considered formal legal advice. It is intended to serve as a quick reference document, summarizing the citizenship laws of foreign nations and providing contact information. You should direct detailed or specific questions to a nation's specific diplomatic representatives.

Readers should understand that citizenship laws are often amended to keep in step with political changes. A considerable time lapse between the enactment of new laws and their actual implementation is not uncommon. Moreover, it is not unusual to encounter differences between a nation's laws and its actual practices.