Bahamian citizenship is government by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, dated July 10, 1973.
Dual citizenship is permitted only under the following limited circumstances. Those that obtained dual citizenship due to birth abroad may hold on to dual citizenship up to age 21. After reaching age 21, the person has 12 months to renounce the foreign (non-Bahamian) citizenship, otherwise, the Bahamian citizenship is revoked.
Those that are born in the Bahamas to Bahamian parents are automatically granted citizenship. (Those born in the Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents may apply for citizenship after their 19th birthday.)
Those that are born in the Bahamas to a Bahamian parent are automatically citizens.
Those born outside the Bahamas are entitled to citizenship if born to a Bahamian father or a Bahamian unmarried mother.
Those born outside the Bahamas to a Bahamian mother may be eligible for citizenship by registration between age 18 and 21.
Those born in the Bahamas to at least one Bahamian parent is a Bahamian citizen. Those born abroad to a Bahamian father is a Bahamian citizen.
Those who have resided in the Bahamas for 6 to 9 years and have lived within the Bahamas for a minimum of 12 consecutive months may apply for Bahamian citizenship. Citizenship is more likely for those who plan to stay in the Bahamas permanently, know the Bahamian language and customs, and are of good character.
The following categories of people may be eligible for Bahamian citizenship by registration:
Those who marry a Bahamian citizen may be eligible for citizenship by registration.
Those who are adopted by Bahamian citizens may apply for Bahamian citizenship by registration.