a) Citizenship by Birth
- Be born in Zambia; or
- Be born outside Zambia to Zambian parents.
b) Citizenship by Descent
- Be a child of a Zambian citizen, regardless of where they are born.
c) Citizenship by Naturalization
- Have been a resident in Zambia for at least five years;
- Be of good character;
- Have adequate knowledge of English or any other language in Zambia;
- Have contributed to the welfare of Zambia; and
- Take an oath of allegiance and declaration of loyalty to Zambia.
d) Citizenship by Marriage
- Be married to a Zambian citizen for at least five years;
- Be resident in Zambia for at least two of the five years;
- Have adequate knowledge of English or any other language in Zambia;
- Have contributed to the welfare of Zambia; and
- Take an oath of allegiance and declaration of loyalty to Zambia.
e) Citizenship by Grant
- At the discretion of the Zambian President, a certificate of citizenship may be granted to an individual:
- Who has outstanding qualities that would benefit Zambia; or
- Who has rendered exceptional services to Zambia.
Note
- Dual citizenship is permitted in Zambia.
- A child born in Zambia to non-Zambian parents can apply for Zambian citizenship after attaining the age of 18.
