Brunei does not generally permit dual nationality, and acquiring another citizenship can put Bruneian citizenship at risk. This is a page to read before applying for American citizenship, not afterwards.
Quick facts
Brunei’s own naturalisation process has long been regarded as one of the most demanding anywhere, which is part of why so many long-resident families hold permanent residence rather than citizenship. If that is your family’s position, it changes the questions you should be asking.
What to establish
| Question | Why it matters | Where to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Effect of naturalising in the U.S. | Citizenship may be at risk | The embassy, before acting |
| Citizen or permanent resident? | Different rules apply | Your identity card |
| Children born abroad | Status is not automatic | The embassy |
| Already naturalised elsewhere | Ask about your position | A lawyer, promptly |
| Property and inheritance | Tied to status | A lawyer in Brunei |
Where someone has already taken another nationality, that is a matter for a lawyer rather than a consular counter, and the sooner it is examined the better.
What to do
- Before applying for another citizenship, ask the embassy what the consequences are.
- Take legal advice specific to your circumstances.
- Establish whether your family holds citizenship or permanent residence.
- Ask about the children’s position separately.
- Keep your passport and identity card current throughout.
- Take separate advice on property and inheritance.
Required documents
- Bruneian passport and identity card.
- Birth certificate.
- Parent’s documents where the claim is by descent.
- Marriage certificate where applicable.
- U.S. naturalisation certificate where relevant.
- Legal advice specific to your case.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington; decisions rest with the authorities in Brunei.
Additional notes
Ask first, always
Among the pages in this directory, this is one where acting before asking carries heavy consequences.
Permanent residence is not citizenship
Many long-resident families hold the former. The rules are different, and so is the risk.
Children
Their status does not always follow the parents’ automatically. Ask specifically.
Take proper advice
A lawyer familiar with Bruneian nationality law is the right source. A website is not.