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BruneiCitizenshipLast checked October 17, 2026

Brunei nationality by registration or naturalisation

The Brunei Nationality Act (Cap. 15) allows a person to become a subject of His Majesty the Sultan by registration or by naturalisation. Naturalisation needs 20 years' residence out of the 25 years before applying, a Malay language test and good character. Registration routes exist for people born in Brunei and for women married to Brunei subjects. Time spent on a temporary pass or permit does not count as residence unless consent is given.

See requirements ↓
1 entry rule for Brunei based on recent travel

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Life in Brunei

Money

3

Currency

Brunei Dollar

BND

Brunei Dollar

Cost of living

40

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

No income tax

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

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Who it’s for

Long-term residents of Brunei, people born in Brunei, wives of Brunei subjects, and minor children of subjects.

Eligibility

  • Naturalisation: residence

    You need to have lived in Brunei for at least 20 of the last 25 years, including the 2 years just before applying.

    Residence needed for naturalisation

    Total residence
    20 years
    Continuous residenceimmediately before applying
    2 years
    • Rule is in s.8(1)(a)-(b)
    Official wording

    Resided in Brunei for periods totalling not less than 20 years within the 25 years before the application, and throughout the 2 years immediately before it (s.8(1)(a)-(b)).

  • Naturalisation: other conditions

    You need to meet several other conditions, including a Malay language exam and a declaration of intent to settle permanently.

    • Be of full capacity and good character
    • Not likely to become a charge on Brunei
    • Pass a Language Board examination in Malay
    • Declare an intention to settle permanently
    Official wording

    Of full capacity, good character, not likely to become a charge on Brunei, passed a Language Board examination in Malay, and declared an intention to settle permanently (s.8(1)).

  • Registration: born in Brunei

    If you are an adult born in Brunei, you need 12 years of residence within the last 15 years, including the last 2 years.

    Residence needed to register (born in Brunei)

    Total residence
    12 years
    Continuous residencebefore applying
    2 years
    • Malay Language Board test needed
    • Good character needed
    • Oath needed
    Official wording

    An adult born in Brunei may register after residing for at least 12 years in total within the 15 years before applying, and throughout the 2 years before applying. A Malay Language Board test, good character and the oath are also needed (s.5(1), (5)).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementRegistration: wife of a subject
  • Document checklistApplication in the prescribed form
  • FeesApplication fee

The full requirements are for members

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  • 3 more requirements
  • 3 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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