Citizenship deprivation can occur for fraud. Many countries have strict laws for withdrawal of citizenship. We have compiled full list of countries revoking citizenship based on fraud, false representation or concealment of information.

Country Article in law Procedure Conditions Category
Afghanistan No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Albania ALB 13(1) Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship based on incorrect data or falsified documents. Generally applicable provision
Algeria No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Angola ANG 17(2)(c) and (d) Lapse Person is a naturalised citizen who acquired citizenship through fraud or by inducing errors in authorities or on the basis of marriage or de facto union that is simulated, ill faith etc. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Antigua and Barbuda ANT 8, 9(1), 9(2) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss cannot result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Argentina Decree 3213/84 (15) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by option or naturalisation based on false facts. The judge must apply the rules of due process. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Armenia ARM 23(2) Lapse Person has acquired citizenship through false information or documents, unless more than five years have passed since citizenship was acquired. Generally applicable provision
Australia AUS 34 Withdrawal Person became a citizen by descent (born abroad to an Australian citizen) or intercountry adoption (AUS 34(1)), or by conferral (AUS 34(2)), and the person has been convicted of a fraud offence or gained citizenship as a result of third party fraud and the Minister is satisfied that it would be contrary to the public interest for the person to remain a citizen. If person acquired citizenship by conferral, revocation extends to serious offences of a fraudulent nature committed after the application to become an Australian citizen, and ‘migration-related fraud’. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Austria AUT 24 Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on a faked document or wrong information, criminal activity, or by fraud in some other way. Based on General Law on Administrative Procedures. Generally applicable provision
Azerbaijan AZE 18 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by intentionally falsifying necessary information or by submitting a false document. Generally applicable provision
Bahamas Const. 11(1), BAH 11(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration, naturalisation or automatically via operation of Const. Arts 3(3) and 4 based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Bahrain BAH 8(a) Nullification Person has acquired citizenship by deception or based on false statements or has hidden substantial information. Generally applicable provision
Bangladesh BAN 16(2), 16(5) and 1926 Act, 8(1) Withdrawal Person acquired his/her certificate of domicile or certificate of naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Government must be satisfied that deprivation is in the public interest, but loss can result in statelessness. Generally applicable provision
Barbados BAR 9(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Belarus BEL 21,22 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship based on admittedly false data or fake documents. Generally applicable provision
Belgium BEL 23(1)(1) Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship other than by birth and has acquired citizenship by means of false representation, use of forged documents or concealment of facts which would have precluded the granting of citizenship (expiration period of 5 years). Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Belize BEL 21(1)c Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration based on fraud, false representation, the concealment of material circumstances, or by mistake. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Benin BEN 62-63 Withdrawal Person does not in fact fulfil the conditions for naturalisation, or has knowingly made a false declaration for naturalisation or reacquisition. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Bhutan BHU 6b Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Bolivia No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Bosnia and Herzegovina BiH 23(1) Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship of BiH by fraud or concealment of any relevant fact. Generally applicable provision
Botswana BOT 18(b)(i) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Brazil BRA 75 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on fraud. Citizenship can only be nullified by means of a judicial decision. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Brunei BRU 11(2), 11(6) Withdrawal Person is a citizen by registration or naturalisation and acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact, or was granted citizenship by mistake. Loss needs to be conducive to the public good. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Bulgaria BUL 22 Nullification Person has acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false data and facts, and/or has concealed facts that could have justified a negative decision, and/or has not maintained for at least two years the investments which were the ground for citizenship acquisition (time limit: 10 years unless person has participated in terrorism). Provision does not apply if person would thereby become stateless. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Burkina Faso BUF 199 Lapse Person has knowingly made a false declaration or presented false documents to acquire citizenship. Implications are not clear in the legislation. Generally applicable provision
Burundi BUR 33(a) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen who has acquired citizenship by fraud, corruption of a public servant or any other illegal procedure. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Cambodia No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Cameroon CAM 39(3) Withdrawal It becomes apparent within one year that the person did not fulfil the conditions required by the law to be naturalised or to reacquire citizenship. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Canada CAN 10 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship based on false representation, fraud, or concealment of material facts. Loss can result in statelessness. Generally applicable provision
Cape Verde No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Central African Republic CAR 63 Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship by submitting documents with false information or through fraudulent means. Decree of withdrawal must take place within 2 years of discovery of fraud and person has the right to make representations. Generally applicable provision
Chad CHA 27(1) Withdrawal Person is a citizen by naturalisation who acquired citizenship by fraud or by inducing error by the authorities (deprivation is by decree). Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Chile No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
China No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Colombia COL 20(a), 21 Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on false information (time limit: 10 years). Loss can result in statelessness. Generally applicable provision
Comoros COM 68 Withdrawal Person has knowingly made a false declaration or presented documents with incorrect information, or used fraudulent means to acquire citizenship. The decree of withdrawal must take place within 2 years of acquisition. Generally applicable provision
Congo – Brazzaville No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Congo – Kinshasa (DR) DRC 28 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by fraud, on the basis of an erroneous or deceitful declaration, by deception, through false documentation or by bribing or blackmailing a person responsible for the process of the acquisition of citizenship. Generally applicable provision
Costa Rica COS 18 Nullification Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on fraud. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Cote d‘Ivoire No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Croatia No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Cuba No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Cyprus CYP 113(2) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation and has intentionally provided false or misleading information or held back information which was decisive for the acquisition of citizenship. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Czech Republic CZE 39, Code of Administrative Procedure. Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by fraud. Generally applicable provision
Denmark DEN 8A Withdrawal Person has intentionally provided false or misleading information or held back information which was decisive for the acquisition of citizenship. Generally applicable provision
Djibouti No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Dominica Const 101(a), DOM 10(1)-10(2) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Dominican Republic DOR 12, Par. I, Par. IIh Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship based on false documents or documents belonging to someone else. Loss can result in statelessness. Generally applicable provision
East Timor TIM 14-2(d), NR 17 Nullification. Person is a citizen by naturalisation and has obtained Timorese citizenship by forging documents, using fraudulent means or, through any other means, inducing the Timorese authorities in error. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Ecuador No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Egypt EGY 15 Nullification Nationality can only be lost/deprived from a naturalised citizen and only possible within certain number of years after naturalisation. Crimes include for example a crime against honour or against the security of the State. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
El Salvador No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Equatorial Guinea EQG 14 Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and is convicted in court of fraud in establishing the conditions for naturalisation. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Eritrea ERI 3(3), 8(2)(a) Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship by fraud, deceit or concealment of decisive facts. Generally applicable provision
Estonia EST 28(1)(4) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation or reacquisition based on false information and thereby conceals facts which would have precluded the grant or reacquisition of citizenship. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Ethiopia No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Fiji Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009 s 17(2)(a) Withdrawal Citizenship by registration or naturalization was obtained by fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Finland FIN 33(1), 33(3), 33(4) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by declaration or naturalisation by providing false or misleading information, or withholding relevant information decisive for the acquisition of citizenship (time limit: 5 years). Consideration of the person’s situation, culpability of the act, circumstances in which fraud is committed and his/her ties with Finland, and, for minors, age. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
France FRA 27-2 Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship by declaration, naturalisation or reacquisition while failing to meet statutory requirements or based on misrepresentation or fraud (limit: two years after discovery). Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Gabon GAB 36 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false documents or by inducing an error by the responsible authorities. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Gambia Const 13(1)(b), GAM 11(1)(a) Withdrawal Person is a citizen by naturalisation or registration and acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Georgia GEO 21 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by presenting false documents. Generally applicable provision
Germany GER 35 Withdrawal Person acquired, or has been allowed to retain, citizenship by wilful deceit, threat, bribe or by giving wilfully wrong or incomplete information (time limit: 10 years). Generally applicable provision
Ghana Const 9(3)(b), GHA 18(b) Withdrawal Person is a citizen otherwise than by birth or adoption and citizenship was acquired by fraud, misrepresentation or any other irregular or improper practice. Application for a deprivation order is made to the High Court by the Attorney General. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Greece GPAL Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship based on false information or fraud (provision based on general principle of administrative law). Generally applicable provision
Grenada Const 99(2), GRE 9(2)a Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Guatemala GUA 22 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship based on false documentation. Loss can result in statelessness. Generally applicable provision
Guinea No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Guinea Bissau BIS 10(2) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and has acquired citizenship by fraudulent means. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Guyana Const 48(1)b, GUY 11(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Haiti No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Honduras Const 29(2), HON 65(4) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false declarations or documents. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Hungary HUN 9 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship, otherwise than by birth, due to false information or fraud in the acquisition procedure (time limit: 10 years). Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Iceland No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
India IND 10(2)a Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship under mode A06 or A19 and became a citizen by fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Government must be convinced that deprivation is conducive to the public good. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Indonesia IND 28 Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on false or invalid information or because of an error on the part of the authorities. Generally applicable provision
Iran No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Iraq IRQ 15 Withdrawal Person provided wrong information concerning himself or his family upon submitting the application for acquiring citizenship. Generally applicable provision
Ireland IRE 19(1)(a) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of material facts or circumstances. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Israel ISR 11(a); ISR 11(b)(2) Nullification;Nullification Person acquired citizenship on the basis of false particulars within the past three years and this is proven to the satisfaction of the Minister of the Interior; Person acquired citizenship on the basis of false particulars and more than three years have elapsed since (citizenship is revoked by Administrative Court at the request of the Minister of the Interior). Generally applicable provision
Italy GPAL Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation, recognition of paternity or adoption that was based on fraud (void marriage, void adoption, false documents etc). Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Jamaica Const 11b, JAM 8(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Japan No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Jordan JOR 19(2), Art. 10 Cabinet decision Nr. 6800 of October 2, 2019 Withdrawal The Council of Ministers may, with the approval of His Majesty, cancel the naturalization certificate if fraud/forgery appears in the data used to obtain the naturalization certificate. Art. 10 Cabinet decision of October 2, 2019, Nr. 6800 specifies that if any of the conditions listed to obtain investment nationality are breached, then that nationality will be withdrawn. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Kazakhstan KAZ 21 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship through submission of false information or fake documents. Generally applicable provision
Kenya Const 17(a), KEN 21 Withdrawal Person is a citizen by registration and acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation, or concealment of any material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Kiribati Citizenship Act 1979 s 8(2) Withdrawal Person found by court to have obtained citizenship by false representation, fraud or concealment of material fact loses citizenship, unless Minister is satisfied that the offence was of a minor nature and the true facts would not have affected grant of naturalisation Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Kosovo KOS 18(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship based on false statements or concealed facts. Generally applicable provision
Kuwait KUW 13(1) Nullification Person acquired naturalisation by virtue of fraud or on the basis of a false declaration. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Kyrgyzstan KYR 26 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by intentionally providing false information or false documents. Generally applicable provision
Laos LAO 24(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation and in contravention of the law (time limit: within 5 years after naturalisation). Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Latvia LAT 24(1)(3), 24(3), 24(4) Withdrawal Person has knowingly provided false information when verifying a right to hold citizenship of Latvia, or when acquiring citizenship by naturalisation. Time limit: 10 years, unless person has been convicted for any of the international crimes referred to in Article 5 of the ICC Statute, or person holds citizenship of a country not referred to in LAT 9(1), clauses 1-4. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Lebanon No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Lesotho LES 23(2) Withdrawal Person is a citizen by registration or naturalisation and acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Liberia LIB 21.50 Withdrawal Person is a citizen by naturalisation and acquired citizenship through concealment of a material fact or misrepresentation, or was not eligible for citizenship or to reside in Liberia, or was not of good moral character or was an anarchist or not attached to the principles of the constitution, or acquisition of citizenship was based on a manifest error of law or fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Libya LIB 12 Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on false information, fraudulent documents or non-disclosure of information related. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Liechtenstein LIE 21 Withdrawal Person has provided false information or has acquired citizenship by fraud. Generally applicable provision
Lithuania LIT 24(5) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by means of forged documents or any other fraud. Generally applicable provision
Luxembourg LUX 62 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship, otherwise than by descent, by providing false information, dissimulation or fraud in the acquisition procedure. Provision does not apply if person would thereby become stateless. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Macedonia MAC 14 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation, based on false or incorrect information, or forged documents.

 

Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Madagascar MAD 62-63 Withdrawal Person is naturalised citizen and it becomes apparent that he or she did not fulfil the requirements or had knowingly made a false declaration or presented a false document or used fraudulent means to acquire citizenship. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Malawi MWI 25(1) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen who acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Malaysia Const 26, 26B(2) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact, or acquisition was effected or granted by mistake. Government must be satisfied that deprivation is conducive to the public good. Loss due to fraud can result in statelessness. Loss due to mistake cannot result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Mali MAL 245 Withdrawal Person is a naturalised or reintegrated citizen and it becomes apparent that s/he did not satisfy the conditions or knowingly made a false declaration, presented false documents or employed fraudulent means to acquire citizenship. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Malta MAL 14(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship, by registration or naturalisation, by means of fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Marshall Islands Citizenship Act 1984 <a4>407(a) Release Citizenship by registration or naturalisation may be cancelled if person concealed a material fact or made a wilful misrepresentation in his or her application. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Mauritania MRT 22 Nullification Person obtained citizenship by fraud. Time limit: within 2 years after naturalisation. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Mauritius MAU 11(2) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen who has acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact. Provided that s/he shall not become stateless. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Mexico MEX 36, REG 41-42 Nullification Person committed perjury and/or presented forged documents during the application for naturalisation. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Micronesia Citizenship and Naturalisation Act <a4> 205(2) Nullification Naturalisation may be cancelled by court order within 5 years of discovery that it was obtained through concealment of a material fact or wilful misrepresentation. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Moldova MOL 23(1)(a) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by means of fraudulent conduct, false information or concealment of any relevant fact. Generally applicable provision
Mongolia MON 15(1)(3) Lapse Person has acquired citizenship based on false information or documents. Generally applicable provision
Montenegro MON 24(2) Withdrawal Person has intentionally provided false or misleading information or held back information, which was decisive for the acquisition of citizenship. Provision does not apply if person would thereby become stateless. Generally applicable provision
Morocco MOR 14 Nullification Person has obtained citizenship by fraud. Generally applicable provision
Mozambique No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Myanmar MYA 18, 36, 59 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Generally applicable provision
Namibia NAM 9(2) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and the minister is satisfied that citizenship was acquired by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact. Other conditions: person shall not be rendered stateless. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Nauru Naoero Citizenship Act 2017 s 23(1) Withdrawal Cabinet can cancel persons citizenship by residency or marriage where obtained by fraud, bribery, misrepresentation or concealment of material fact. Constitution s 75(2), (3) permit parliament to make laws for the deprivation of citizenship only for those who acquire citizenship otherwise than by birth or marriage. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Nepal NEP 12 Withdrawal Person obtained citizenship by submitting false documentation. Generally applicable provision
Netherlands NET 14(1) Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on false information or fraud in procedure (time limit: 12 years, unless the person is convicted for one of the offences referred to in articles 6, 7 or 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court). Generally applicable provision
New Zealand NEZ 17 Withdrawal Person’s registration, naturalisation, grant of citizenship or any other grant requirement was procured by fraud, false representation or wilful concealment of relevant information, or by mistake. If citizenship was acquired by mistake, deprivation is not possible if that would render the person stateless. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Nicaragua NIC 64(4) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false information. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Niger No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Nigeria No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
North Korea No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Norway NOR 26 Withdrawal Person has provided incorrect or incomplete information against his or her better judgment or has suppressed circumstances of substantial importance for the decision granting, or allowing to retain, citizenship. Generally applicable provision
Oman OMA 21(2) Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship illegally. Generally applicable provision
Pakistan PAK 16(2), 16(5) and 1926 Act, 8(1) Withdrawal Person acquired his/her certificate of domicile or certificate of naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Government must be satisfied that deprivation is in the public interest, but loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Palau Citizenship Act <a4> 143 Withdrawal Court may revoke naturalisation illegally procured or obtained by concealment of material fact or wilful misrepresentation Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Panama No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Papua New Guinea Constitution ss 70(2), 70(4) Withdrawal Section 70(2) Loss of citizenship if found by a court to have obtained citizenship by false representation, fraud or concealment of a material fact, unless Minister is satisfied the offence was of a minor nature and would not have affected grant of naturalisation. Section 70(4) Minister can withdraw citizenship by sporting achievement or investment if obtained by false representation. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Paraguay No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Peru No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Philippines Commonwealth Act no. 473, 18a Withdrawal Person obtained naturalisation by fraud or illegal means. Generally applicable provision
Poland No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Portugal POR 16, 18 in conjunction with art. 87-88 Civil Registry Code Nullification Persons acquired citizenship based on false information or a non-existent fact. Generally applicable provision
Qatar QAT 12(1) Nullification Person acquired citizenship by fraud. Generally applicable provision
Romania ROM 25(1)c Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship due to fraud. Generally applicable provision
Russia RUS 22, 23 Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on false documents or false information. It has to be judicially established whether fraud has taken place, upon which the authority which took the decision about the acquisition of citizenship annuls that decision. The annulment is effective from the day when the decision to annul is taken. Generally applicable provision
Rwanda RWA 19(1) Withdrawal Person acquired or recovered citizenship in accordance with the law but by false statements or documents, fraud, corruption, etc. Generally applicable provision
Saint Kitts and Nevis Const 94(d), STK 8, 9(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Saint Lucia Const 103b, STL 9(2)a Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Const 94b, STV 14(2)a Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Samoa Citizenship Act 2004 s 17; Citizenship Investment Act 2015 s19(f);
Citizenship Investment Act 2015 s19(a),(b)
Withdrawal;Withdrawal Minister can order a person be deprived of citizenship if it was obtained by means of fraud, false representation, concealment of any material fact or mistake. For citizenship by investment only: Person or family member provided false or misleading statement or information upon which the application was granted.;
Citizenship by investment may be cancelled if investor fails to carry out the qualifying investment or maintain pre-determined net worth.
Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Sao Tome and Principe No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Saudi Arabia SAU 22 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship through cheating, lying or falsifying witnesses, documents or information. Generally applicable provision
Senegal No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Serbia SER 45 Nullification Person has intentionally provided false or misleading information or held back information, which was decisive for the acquisition of citizenship. Provision does not apply if person would thereby become stateless. Generally applicable provision
Seychelles SEY 11 Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and the Minister is satisfied that citizenship has been acquired by fraud, false representation or concealment of material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Sierra Leone No provision (But see mode L08) n.a. n.a. No provision
Singapore Const 129(2), 129(7) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact, or acquisition was effected or granted by mistake. Government must be satisfied that deprivation is conducive to the public good. Loss due to fraud can result in statelessness. Loss due to mistake cannot result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Slovakia SLK 8(b)1 Nullification Person acquired citizenship with falsified documents or documents that did not belong to him/her, or the person failed to inform the authorities of facts that could have substantial influence on the decision, or citizenship was acquired as a result of a crime, or the documents to acquire citizenship were obtained through criminal action. Generally applicable provision
Slovenia SLN 16(1) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false declarations or deliberate concealment of essential facts or circumstances. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Solomon Islands Citizenship Act 2018 s 25(1) Withdrawal Person gave false or misleading information in application for citizenship, which would have lead to refusal of application Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Somalia SOM 11(1)(a) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen who acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
South Africa SA 8(1) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact, or certificate was granted in conflict with the law. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
South Korea ROK 21 Withdrawal Person (re)acquired citizenship by deceit or other wrongful means. Generally applicable provision
South Sudan SSU 15(2)(a) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and has acquired citizenship by fraud, misrepresentation of a material fact, or provision of false information. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Spain SPA 25(2) Nullification Person acquired citizenship, other than by birth (‘de origen’), by fraud, falsity, or concealment of information (time limit: 15 years). Loss does not have detrimental effects on third parties in good faith. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Sri Lanka No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Sudan SUD 6(2), 11(1)(a) Withdrawal Person obtained recognition of citizenship by birth or acquired citizenship by naturalisation through fraud, forgery, misrepresentation or concealment of any material fact. Generally applicable provision
Suriname No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Swaziland Const 49(1)(a), 54 Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and acquisition is declared by a court to have been procured by fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of material facts. Citizenship Board may also revoke a certificate of citizenship for good cause. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Sweden No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Switzerland SWI 36 Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on false information or concealment of relevant facts (time limit: 8 years and withdrawal must take place within 2 years after discovery fraudulent behaviour). Generally applicable provision
Syria SYR 20 Nullification Person acquired citizenship by fraud. Generally applicable provision
Taiwan TAI 19 Withdrawal Person has acquired citizenship in a manner not in conformity with the Citizenship Act. Citizenship can be revoked within two years of discovering. Citizenship may not be revoked if five years or more have passed since citizenship was acquired, unless it concerns a fraudulent marriage or adoption. Generally applicable provision
Tajikistan TAJ 24 Nullification Person acquired citizenship on the basis of intentionally false information and forged documents (as established by a court). Time limit: within 5 years of acquisition. Generally applicable provision
Tanzania TAN 15(1) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Togo TOG 41 Withdrawal Person has knowingly made a false declaration, presented documents containing false information or used fraudulent means to acquire naturalisation. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Tonga Nationality Act s 12(1) Withdrawal King may order the revocation of certificate of naturalisation obtained by false representation or fraud Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Trinidad and Tobago TRI 14(2) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation based on fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Tunisia TUN 36-37 Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and it is discovered within a period of 2 years from the date of acquisition that he/she has not fulfiled the requirements for naturalisation or committed fraud in the naturalisation process. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Turkey TUR 31 Nullification Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false information or concealment of relevant facts. Generally applicable provision
Turkmenistan TUR 17 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship as a result of the submission of intentionally false information or forged documents. Generally applicable provision
Tuvalu Citizenship Act s 7(5) Withdrawal Found by a court to have obtained citizenship by false statement may be deprived of citizenship, unless the offence is of a minor nature and would not have affected the grant of registration or naturalisation Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Uganda UGA 17(1)(c) Withdrawal Person is a naturalised citizen and has acquired citizenship by fraud, deceit, bribery or intentional false statements. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Ukraine UKR 19(2);

UKR 21

Withdrawal;Nullification Person has acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false information or by deliberately supplying false documents. Citizenship is lost from the moment the decision about loss is adopted;

Person has acquired citizenship pursuant to UKR 8 (territorial origin) or UKR 10 (re-acquisition of citizenship) based on false information, deliberately supplied false documents or concealment of relevant facts that would have prevented the acquisition of citizenship.

Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
United Arab Emirates UAE 16(2) Nullification Person acquired citizenship based on forged data, fraud or deception. Generally applicable provision
United Kingdom UK 40(3) Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by declaration or naturalisation as a result of fraud, false representation or concealment of relevant facts. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
United States of America INA 340(a) Nullification Person’s naturalisation was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or wilful misrepresentation. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Uruguay No provision n.a. n.a. No provision
Uzbekistan UZB 21 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship on the basis of deliberate false information or forged documents. Generally applicable provision
Vanuatu Citizenship Act s 14(2);
Citizenship (Entitled Persons) Act s7(a)
Nullification;Release Person will cease to be a citizen if found by a court to have obtained citizenship by false representation, fraud or concealment of a material fact. Citizenship ceases 30 days after such finding, unless during that time the Prime Minister publishes a declaration confirming citizenship on the grounds he or she is satisfied that the offence was of a minor nature and that the revealing of the true facts would not have affected the grant of naturalization.;
Declaration by court that person was ineligible for registration as a citizen by descent.
Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Venezuela VEN 41, 43, 48(8) Nullification Person is a citizen by naturalisation who acquired citizenship based on false documents (time limit: 10 years). Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Vietnam VIE 33 Withdrawal Person acquired citizenship by naturalisation based on false declarations or forged papers (time limit: 10 years). Place of residence is immaterial. Loss can result in statelessness. Loss only applies to certain categories of citizens
Yemen YEM 18(c) Nullification Person has given inaccurate testimonies relating to acquisition of citizenship. Generally applicable provision
Zambia Const 40(1)(b), ZAM 28 Withdrawal Person obtained citizenship by means of fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact. Generally applicable provision
Zimbabwe Const 39(1)(a) and (2)(a), ZIM 11(1) and (2)(a) Withdrawal Person obtained recognition or acquired citizenship by fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact. Generally applicable provision

Source: Globalcit