Guinea-Bissau citizenship doesn’t offer any significant advantages for travel or banking. However, foreigners occasionally express interest in it because it allows simplified residency in Portugal and Brazil. Some view Guinea-Bissau as a formal way to obtain a second passport «just in case».
Citizenship status can be obtained through birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, or special merit. There is no official investment program that leads to a golden passport. Although the authorities in the Republic of Guinea Bissau occasionally grant citizenship through investment, this is the exception rather than the rule. Due to its weak legislative framework and lack of clear requirements and transparent rules, investors should approach the method with caution. This is especially true given that more than 10 countries worldwide offer passport programs through official government investment programs.
Short summary of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a small West African country with a population of approximately 2.2 million (as of 2024). Brief summary:
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Area, km2 | 36,125 |
| Official language | Portuguese |
| Currency | West African franc (XOF) |
| GDP, billions of $ | 2,2 |
| Unemployment rate, % | 2,62 |
| Average salary after taxes, $ | 124 |
| Political system | Presidential republic, unitary state |
The economy of Guinea-Bissau is based on agriculture and fishing. (82% of the population works in these industries.) The country also exports cashew nuts. The country has deposits of oil, phosphates, and bauxite; however, the government is not currently developing these resources.
Guinea-Bissau is a member of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). While this formally expands the country’s international relations, it does not provide any special benefits to ordinary citizens. However, Guinea-Bissau passport holders can easily obtain a residence permit in CPLP countries such as Portugal and Brazil.
Currently, the country has a dangerous sanitary and epidemiological situation, with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria widespread. At the same time, the level of medicine is low: there is outdated equipment, a shortage of basic medicines, insufficiently qualified doctors, and a lack of ambulances (in emergency cases, you need to reach the hospital yourself).
If you are considering obtaining a second citizenship, Guinea-Bissau is not the best choice from an international rights perspective. The republic is politically unstable and ranks 174th out of 193 countries in the UN Human Development Index. The passport allows entry to only 60 countries, mainly in Africa. Outside of Guinea-Bissau, you receive minimal protection, as only 11 countries have embassies or consulates.
The Guinea-Bissau Citizenship Law
The procedure for acquiring Guinea-Bissau citizenship is regulated by the Nationality Law (Lei da Cidadania) and the legislation that amends it. Recent changes have affected the concept of «dual citizenship». Previously, all foreigners had to give up their original passports, but the authorities have now removed this requirement. Today, Guinea-Bissau officially allows multiple nationalities.
There are 5 ways to obtain a passport:
- by birth;
- by origin;
- through marriage;
- through naturalization;
- for special merits.
Guinea-Bissau previously had an investment program for citizenship, but it is now closed. In theory, the country’s authorities can issue a passport as «for special merit» in return for investment, but this is not clearly stated in the legislation. Therefore, individuals seeking transparent investment programs to quickly obtain second citizenship choose countries in Asia, the Caribbean, or Oceania.
All available methods to obtain Guinea Bissau passport
There are 5 ways to obtain Guinea-Bissau citizenship: by birth, by descent, through marriage, by naturalization, and for special merits. Different requirements are presented to applicants in each case, which we will discuss further.
Guinea-Bissau citizenship by birth is granted to children born in the country’s territory who did not acquire nationality at birth. The same rule applies to children of stateless parents (or parents whose citizenship cannot be determined) who live in Guinea-Bissau.
A child acquires Guinea-Bissau citizenship by descent if their father/mother (or both) is a citizen of the country. For a child born abroad, citizenship is automatically granted if the parents are employed by the state (e.g., as diplomats). Otherwise, the mother or father must register the birth with the Guinean registry office. A child found in Guinea-Bissau also receives citizenship by origin if his or her nationality cannot be established.
A Guinea-Bissau passport for spouses of Guinea-Bissau citizens is granted if the marriage lasts at least 3 years. Another requirement is 1 year of residence in the country.
Citizenship by naturalization is granted to adult foreigners who have resided in Guinea-Bissau with a residence permit for at least six years. All applicants must demonstrate a basic knowledge of and connection to the country’s culture.
Citizenship by exceptional merit is granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to Guinea-Bissau’s national development, regardless of residence. This may include investments or achievements in science, sports, or culture. Individuals who provided exceptional service to the country during the National Liberation Struggle (the military conflict with Portugal from 1963 to 1974) or afterward are also eligible for citizenship without meeting the residence requirement.
Eligibility criteria for applicants
Basic requirements for obtaining citizenship of Guinea-Bissau include:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Period of residence in the country: 6 years or more.
- No criminal record.
- Employment in the country and/or sufficient funds for subsistence.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the country’s culture.
- Proficiency in Portuguese is sufficient for communication.
Documents required for citizenship
To apply for Guinea-Bissau citizenship, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- a completed application form;
- a passport;
- a birth certificate;
- a certificate proving you have no criminal record from your country of citizenship;
- proof of financial solvency;
- proof of completed residency;
- a marriage certificate (if applicable);
- a health certificate.
The procedure for obtaining Guinea-Bissau citizenship
Immigration to and subsequent citizenship in Guinea-Bissau is a 5-step process:
- Find a basis for relocation.
Decide on the basis that will allow you to live in Guinea-Bissau: work, study, or family ties. Supporting documents may include a contract with an employer or confirmation of enrollment in a university. - Obtain a visa.
All foreigners, except citizens of 14 African countries, require a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau. Visas can be obtained at an embassy or consulate or online through the RGB electronic system. Most people choose the online method because Guinea-Bissau only has diplomatic missions in 11 countries, including Belgium, Portugal, France, and China. Visas can be issued for periods ranging from 1 month to 1 year. - Enter the country and obtain a residence permit.
Upon arrival, you must contact the General Directorate for Migration and request a residence permit. You cannot submit an application online because the government agency does not have a website; it only has an official Facebook page. Check directly with a Main Directorate for Migration representative to determine the required documents, waiting time for a decision, and validity period of the residence permit. - Prepare the documents and submit a citizenship application.
After meeting all the requirements for a naturalization application and gathering the necessary documents, you can start your citizenship process with the Minister of Justice or the Civil Identification and Authentication Office. Check with a government agency representative to determine the waiting time for a decision. - Obtain a passport.
The final step is to obtain your passport at the embassy or consulate, or in the country itself. You will need to provide a completed application form, a citizenship certificate, a recent photo taken against a white background, and proof of payment of the state fee.
Processing times and costs
The process of becoming a citizen of Guinea-Bissau involves the payment of state fees and the cost of living in the country:
| Expense item | Cost, € |
|---|---|
| 1-year visa | 102.5 |
| Residence permit | To be confirmed |
| Citizenship application | 590 |
| Passport issuance | 61.22 |
| Accommodation rent, per month | 380 |
| Living expenses per person, per month | 430 |
In total, you will spend approximately USD 60,000 on naturalization in Guinea-Bissau over 6 years. These figures are estimates and do not account for inflation, rising rents, or food costs. You must also live in the country for all 6 years. By comparison, investing USD 130,000 in Vanuatu will get you a second passport in 3 months without ever setting foot in the country.
The citizenship issuance period is determined on a case-by-case basis. You may need to wait anywhere from a few months to a year or more. In total, it takes 7+ years to become a citizen.
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The rights and obligations of Guinea-Bissau citizens
The benefits of Guinea-Bissau citizenship are directly related to the rights of citizens:
- Free, indefinite residence in the country.
- Employment without a work permit, including in government agencies.
- Participation in elections as candidates and voters.
- Registration for social benefits.
- Receiving medical care.
According to the Constitution of Guinea-Bissau, all citizens are equal regardless of gender, race, religious or political views, or social or intellectual level. Everyone has the right to physical integrity and cannot be arrested without probable cause.
In addition to these rights, citizens of Guinea-Bissau have several responsibilities. People of working age must work, as the government creates the necessary conditions for employment. Every citizen, regardless of gender, is also required to complete military service.
Who in Guinea-Bissau may and may not be suitable for citizenship
Guinea-Bissau citizenship is ideal for individuals seeking a second passport who are willing to reside in a country with a low standard of living for at least 6 years, the primary requirement for naturalization. However, the government has not developed a transparent investment program and instead grants citizenship only for exceptional achievements. Legislation does not clearly define what constitutes an «exceptional achievement» in terms of investment or the exact amount required.
For most investors who value their reputation, Guinea-Bissau is not an option. Therefore, it’s worth considering official programs in other countries:
- Turkey
Turkey, for example, grants citizenship upon investment of at least USD 400,000 in real estate or USD 500,000 in business, securities, or investment funds. Another option is to open a USD 500,000 deposit at a local bank. You receive permanent residency immediately after making the investment and can apply for citizenship. - Vanuatu
The country has two official programs that issue golden passports within 3 months. You can either donate at least USD 130,000 to Vanuatu’s economic and infrastructure development or invest at least USD 165,000 in one of the industrial sectors. USD 50,000 of this investment can be returned after 4 years. - Caribbean countries
5 countries in this region offer second passports in exchange for investment: Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. Citizenship is granted to you and your family members within 3-6 months of investment. Minimum investment thresholds vary by country. For example, you can obtain a passport in Dominica (starting at USD 200,000) or Antigua and Barbuda (starting at USD 300,000) by purchasing real estate.
To obtain a second passport quickly while maintaining your reputation, choose official investment programs. to learn which countries offer fast citizenship and the associated costs. We support clients through every step of the process, from document preparation to passport delivery.
