Trinidad and Tobago citizenship
Trinidad and Tobago nationality law is contained in the provisions of the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (1976) which was amended in 1988 and in the relevant provisions of the constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. A person may be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago through birth, descent, adoption, registration or through naturalisation.
| Trinidad and Tobago Citizenship Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago | |
| |
| Enacted by | Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Status: Current legislation | |
Acquisition of citizenship
At birth
A person born in Trinidad and Tobago is automatically a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago at birth if either one of his/her parents are citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and are married. [1]
Any child born out of wedlock will only be recognised as a ‘legitimate’ citizen of Trinidad and Tobago from the date of the marriage of his/her parents.[2]
Descent
Any child born outside of Trinidad and Tobago to at least one parent who was born in Trinidad and Tobago is entitled to become a citizen provided they make an application for a citizenship certificate.[3]
The requirements for making an application for a citizenship certificate include the following:
- Either parent must be a ‘legitimate’ citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and must not be a citizen through descent themselves.
- If the child is under 18 their parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf.
- The child within one year of turning 18 or the full legal age equivalent in the country they are a citizen of.
Adoption
Any child legally adopted in Trinidad and Tobago if not already a citizen shall become a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago from the date of their adoption order issued by a competent court.
Registration
Under Trinidad and Tobago law Commonwealth citizens, Irish citizens and British protected persons are not treated as ‘aliens’ to the state and are entitled to register as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The fee for such registration is TT$940 (roughly around €117).
To make an application to register as a citizen the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- The Commonwealth citizen, Irish citizen or British protected person must have held Resident Status and be residing in Trinidad and Tobago for at least 5 years before the date of application.
- Renounces any other citizenship that they may possess and takes the oath of allegiance.
- Be of good character and sound mind.
- Have adequate knowledge of the English language.
- Obtains a Police Certificate of Character from Trinidad and Tobago dated not more than six months from the date of application.
Naturalisation
Under Trinidad and Tobago law non commonwealth citizens and Irish citizens are considered ‘aliens’ to the state and are subject to naturalisation rules. The application for naturalisation is TT$1040 (roughly around €130).[4]
To make an application to naturalise as a citizen the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- They must have resided in Trinidad and Tobago throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of his application.
- They must have held Resident Status and be residing in Trinidad and Tobago for at least 8 years before the date of application.
- Renounces any other citizenship that they may possess and takes the oath of allegiance.
- Be of good character and sound mind.
- Have adequate knowledge of the English language.
- Obtains a Police Certificate of Character from Trinidad and Tobago dated not more than six months from the date of application.
Loss of citizenship
Voluntary
Any citizen may voluntarily renounce their Trinidad and Tobago citizenship provided it doesn't render them stateless.
Involuntary
There are no provisions for the involuntary loss of Trinidad and Tobago citizenship except in the following circumstances:
- Any citizen by registration or naturalisation who was found to have obtained citizenship by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material.
- Any citizen by registration or naturalisation who voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship.
Dual citizenship
Following amendments to the citizenship act in 1988 dual citizenship was recognised for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago by birth and descent.
Dual citizenship is not recognised for citizens by registration and naturalisation.
Commonwealth citizenship
Trinidad and Tobago citizens are also Commonwealth citizens.
Oath of Allegiance
Persons who obtained Trinidad and Tobago citizenship through registration or naturalisation must take the Oath of Allegiance.
The Oath of Allegiance is a legally binding contract intended to complete the process of obtaining Trinidad and Tobago citizenship. It also outlines the responsibilities of being a Trinidad and Tobago citizen as expressed by the laws of the nation. Its current form is as follows:
I, state your full name, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and fulfil my duties as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. So help me God.[5]
The Oath is preceded by an interview with a Chief Immigration Officer who determines whether an individual qualifies for Trinidad and Tobago citizenship. Following the Oath, an individual receives his or her Certificate of Citizenship confirming Trinidad and Tobago citizenship.[6]
Travel freedom of Trinidad and Tobago citizens
References
- https://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/alphabetical_list/lawspdfs/1.50.pdf
- Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. "Refworld | Citizenship Act of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago". Refworld. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- Citizenship, Dual. "Trinidad and Tobago". Dual Citizenship. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- "A Visitor".
- http://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/alphabetical_list/lawspdfs/1.50.pdf
- "A Foreign Resident".