Eritrea citizenship test: requirements and civics quiz
Eritrea has no published official citizenship test question list. This page explains what naturalisation requires, links to the official source, and offers a free 21-question general civics quiz for learning. The quiz is not an official exam.
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Is there an official Eritrea citizenship test? We have not found a published official question list. Naturalisation requirements are summarised below with a link to the official source. The quiz on this page is a general civics quiz for learning and is not linked to any official process.
Does Eritrea have a citizenship test? How naturalisation works
Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Checked against the official source linked on this page.
Eritrea has no citizenship test. Nationality is governed by Proclamation No. 21/1992, issued before formal independence. Article 4 makes naturalisation available only after very long residence: lawful entry and residence of ten years before 1974, or twenty years with periodic trips abroad. Applicants must also be of high integrity with no criminal conviction, understand and speak one of Eritrea’s languages, be healthy and self-supporting, have renounced any other nationality, intend to live permanently in Eritrea, and not have committed “anti-people acts” during the liberation struggle.
Oath, decision and appeals
Applicants sign an oath of allegiance before the Secretary (now Minister) of Internal Affairs, who decides the application. A refusal can be appealed to the High Court within one month, and its decision is final. Fees and processing times are not published.
Marriage and dual nationality
The foreign spouse of an Eritrean can apply after three years of living in Eritrea with the spouse, on renouncing their foreign nationality and signing the oath (Article 6); citizenship is withdrawn if the original nationality is taken back after divorce or the spouse’s death. Naturalised citizens may not hold another nationality, while Eritreans by birth living abroad may keep a foreign nationality if they can justify it. No changes were found for 2025–2026.
The quiz below is a general civics quiz about Eritrea’s history and geography for learning only. See also which countries have a citizenship test.
| Official citizenship test | No. Eritrea has no published citizenship knowledge test. Naturalisation requirements still apply; see below and the official source. |
|---|---|
| How naturalisation works | There is no citizenship test. Under Proclamation No. 21/1992, applicants need lawful residence of 10 years before 1974 or 20 years with periodic trips abroad, high integrity and no conviction, the ability to understand and speak one of Eritrea's languages, good health and self-support, renunciation of any other nationality, intention to live permanently in Eritrea, and no 'anti-people acts' during the liberation struggle. An oath is signed before the Minister of Internal Affairs. |
| Language requirement | Must understand and speak one of Eritrea's languages; no formal test is described. |
| Who it applies to | Foreigners with lawful residence of 10 years before 1974 or 20 years in total; spouses of Eritreans after 3 years of living in Eritrea with the spouse. |
| Exemptions | No test exists. Naturalised citizens must renounce other nationalities; Eritreans by birth living abroad may keep a foreign nationality with justification. Appeals against refusals go to the High Court within one month. |
Topics in the general civics quiz
- Constitution and governmentHead of state, parliament, courts and the constitution.4 questions
- History and national symbolsIndependence, key dates, flag, anthem and other national symbols.10 questions
- Geography and societyCapital, geography, languages, currency and public holidays.7 questions
- Naturalisation rulesWhat the law requires for citizenship: residence, language, tests, fees and dual nationality.0 questions
Sample questions
Answer: Asmara. Asmara was listed by UNESCO in 2017 as a modernist African city.
Answer: Isaias Afwerki. He has led the country since 1993.
Answer: Britain. After Italian forces lost the Battle of Keren in 1941, Eritrea came under British administration until federation with Ethiopia.
How to prepare
Check the residence condition first: it is among the strictest in the world.
Be ready to show you understand and speak one of Eritrea's languages.
Prepare to renounce other nationalities; naturalised citizens cannot keep them.
Eritrea citizenship FAQ
Is there a citizenship test in Eritrea?
No. Naturalisation under Proclamation 21/1992 depends on very long residence, good character, speaking an Eritrean language, health and self-support, and an oath; there is no exam.
How many years does it take to become an Eritrean citizen?
Lawful residence of 10 years before 1974, or 20 years overall. Spouses of Eritreans need 3 years of living in Eritrea with the spouse.
Does Eritrea allow dual citizenship?
Not for naturalised citizens, who must renounce other nationalities. Eritreans by birth living abroad may apply to keep a foreign nationality if they can justify it.
Who decides Eritrean naturalisation applications?
The Minister of Internal Affairs; appeals go to the High Court within one month.
Is there an oath for Eritrean citizenship?
Yes. Applicants sign an oath of allegiance pledging faith in the State of Eritrea and respect for its laws.