Solomon Islands

Last Updated: 2026-04-02

Official Portal: Solomon Islands Immigration Division

Embassy Finder: Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Residency for naturalization	7 years lawful residence, including the 12 months immediately preceding the application
Language requirement	Sufficient knowledge of Solomon Islands Pijin or English
Civics test	No formal civics test; applicant must demonstrate adequate knowledge of the culture and way of life
Processing time	12—24 months
Naturalization fee	SBD 1,000 (approximately USD 120)
Dual citizenship	Not permitted under the Constitution
Citizenship by birth	Yes, if at least one parent is a citizen of Solomon Islands
Citizenship by descent	Available to persons born abroad to at least one Solomon Islands citizen parent
Governing law	Constitution of Solomon Islands (1978), Chapter III; Citizenship Act (Cap 57)

Dual Citizenship

Solomon Islands does not permit dual citizenship. The Constitution, adopted at independence from the United Kingdom in 1978, prohibits the holding of Solomon Islands citizenship together with citizenship of any other country.

Key provisions:

A citizen of Solomon Islands who voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country ceases to be a citizen of Solomon Islands.
Persons seeking naturalization must renounce all other citizenships before the grant is finalized.
Children with dual nationality at birth (through parentage from different countries) must choose one nationality upon reaching adulthood. The Constitution sets the age of choice at 18 years.

Contextual note: The prohibition on dual citizenship has been a point of tension in relation to Solomon Islands’ complex ethnic demographics. The country has experienced significant inter-ethnic conflict, most notably the “Tensions” (1998—2003) between Guadalcanal and Malaitan communities. Citizenship and belonging remain sensitive topics, and proposals to liberalize dual citizenship have not gained traction.

Acquisition of Nationality

By Birth

A person born in Solomon Islands acquires citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a citizen of Solomon Islands.

Key notes:

There is no unconditional jus soli. Birth on Solomon Islands territory to non-citizen parents does not confer citizenship.
The rule applies equally to children of citizen mothers and citizen fathers (gender-neutral since the 1978 Constitution, though early implementing legislation had some gender-based provisions that have since been reformed).

By Descent

A person born outside Solomon Islands acquires citizenship by descent if at least one parent is a citizen of Solomon Islands at the time of the birth.

Conditions:

The birth must be registered with Solomon Islands authorities.
The dual-citizenship prohibition means the child must eventually choose if they also hold another nationality by operation of foreign law.

By Adoption

A child adopted by a Solomon Islands citizen may acquire citizenship, provided:

The adoption is legally recognized under Solomon Islands law (Adoption Act, Cap 2).
The child is a minor at the time of adoption.
Customary adoption is practiced in Solomon Islands and may be recognized for citizenship purposes if validated through the courts.

By Marriage

Marriage to a Solomon Islands citizen does not automatically confer citizenship. A foreign spouse may apply for naturalization but must meet the full 7-year residency requirement. There is no statutory reduction for spouses.

The foreign spouse must also renounce all other citizenships as part of the naturalization process.

By Naturalization

Requirement	Details
Lawful residence	7 years, including the 12 months immediately preceding the application
Good character	Must be of good character
Language	Sufficient knowledge of Solomon Islands Pijin or English
Cultural knowledge	Adequate understanding of Solomon Islands customs and way of life
Intent to reside	Must intend to reside permanently in Solomon Islands
Renunciation	Must renounce all other citizenships
Oath of allegiance	Must take the oath of allegiance to Solomon Islands
Ministerial approval	Naturalization is granted by the Minister on recommendation of the Citizenship Committee
Fee	SBD 1,000

Land ownership note: Under the Constitution, approximately 87% of land in Solomon Islands is held under customary tenure by indigenous clans. Naturalized citizens who are not of indigenous Solomon Islands descent generally cannot own customary land, which significantly limits the practical benefits of citizenship in rural areas.

Loss and Renunciation

Automatic Loss

A citizen of Solomon Islands who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country automatically ceases to be a citizen of Solomon Islands. This applies to all categories of citizens.

Voluntary Renunciation

A citizen may renounce citizenship by written declaration, provided:

The person holds or has been assured citizenship of another country.
The person will not be rendered stateless.

Deprivation

The government may deprive a naturalized citizen of citizenship if:

Citizenship was obtained by fraud, false representation, or concealment of material facts.
The person has shown disloyalty or disaffection toward Solomon Islands.
The person has been convicted of a serious criminal offense within 7 years of naturalization.
The person has been ordinarily resident outside Solomon Islands for a continuous period of 7 years without maintaining registration with a Solomon Islands consulate.

Citizens by birth or descent generally cannot be deprived of citizenship.

Restoration of Nationality

There is no automatic restoration mechanism for former citizens. Persons who lost Solomon Islands citizenship by acquiring another nationality must:

Renounce the foreign citizenship.
Apply for re-naturalization through the standard process.
Meet the 7-year residency requirement.
Obtain Ministerial approval.

There have been discussions about creating a facilitated restoration pathway, but no legislative change has been enacted as of 2026.

Stateless Persons and Foundlings

A child found in Solomon Islands whose parents are unknown is presumed to be a citizen of Solomon Islands.
The Constitution provides safeguards against statelessness for persons born on Solomon Islands territory who would otherwise have no nationality.
Solomon Islands is not a party to the 1954 or 1961 UN Conventions on statelessness.
The wantok system (kinship and language-based social networks) provides informal social protection, but this does not substitute for formal citizenship status in legal matters.

Document Checklist

Completed citizenship application form

Valid passport (current and previous)

Birth certificate (with certified English translation if necessary)

Evidence of 7 years lawful residence in Solomon Islands

Police clearance certificate (from Solomon Islands and countries of prior residence)

Evidence of language proficiency (Solomon Islands Pijin or English)

Evidence of knowledge of Solomon Islands customs and culture

Proof of renunciation of all other citizenships

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Two passport-sized photographs

Character references from Solomon Islands citizens

Declaration of intent to reside permanently in Solomon Islands

Payment of prescribed fee (SBD 1,000)

Sources

Constitution of Solomon Islands (1978) — Chapter III (Citizenship). http://www.paclii.org/sb/legis/consol_act/c1978167/
Citizenship Act (Cap 57) — Primary legislation governing citizenship acquisition and loss. http://www.paclii.org/sb/legis/
Solomon Islands Immigration Division — Official portal for immigration and citizenship services. https://www.commerce.gov.sb/
Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade — Diplomatic missions. https://www.mfaet.gov.sb/
Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute (PacLII) — Repository of Solomon Islands legislation. http://www.paclii.org/sb/

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