The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland have established legal pathways for refugees and stateless persons to acquire citizenship through naturalization, reflecting a broader commitment to legal inclusion, social integration, and the promotion of durable solutions. These provisions are critical for ensuring that long-term residents who lack effective nationality—particularly refugees, returnees, and stateless individuals—can access the full rights, protections, and responsibilities afforded to citizens.

In Somalia, the legal basis for naturalization is provided under the Somali Citizenship Law of 1962, which allows foreign nationals to apply for citizenship if they have resided in the country for a minimum of seven years, can demonstrate good conduct, and are willing to renounce their previous nationality. Importantly, Article 5 of the same law provides an expedited path to naturalization for individuals whose mothers are of Somali ethnicity, reducing the required residency period to just two years, regardless of whether the mother holds Somali citizenship. This provision offers a rare example of a maternal descent-based route to citizenship and contributes to addressing the vulnerabilities of persons with mixed backgrounds or stateless ancestry.

In Somaliland, the Citizenship Law of 2002 similarly permits aliens, including refugees, to apply for citizenship if they have lawfully resided in Somaliland for a continuous period of no less than ten years. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including good moral character, loyalty to the state, and formal renunciation of their original nationality. While the process remains selective and closely tied to notions of local belonging, it provides a legal mechanism for long-term residents—particularly those who arrived as refugees—to transition from temporary protection to full legal membership in society.

These naturalization pathways serve as important tools for addressing protracted displacement, reducing statelessness, and fostering long-term integration. By offering permanent legal status, both Somalia and Somaliland create opportunities for displaced individuals to fully participate in civic, economic, and social life.