Do I need to be a US citizen for supplier diversity certification?

US citizenship is the most common ownership requirement across supplier diversity certifications, but the specific rules vary by program.

**Federal certifications — strict US citizenship requirement:**

- **8(a) Business Development Program:** the qualifying owners (51%+ of the business) must be US citizens. SBA verifies via birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or US passport.

- **HUBZone:** 51%+ ownership must be by US citizens. Same documentation requirement.

- **WOSB / EDWOSB:** the qualifying women must be US citizens. Lawful permanent residents do not qualify under the federal women-owned program.

- **SDVOSB / VOSB:** the qualifying veterans must be US citizens. Service-connected disability rating from the VA serves as additional verification.

**Corporate certifications — varies:**

- **NMSDC MBE:** qualifying owners must be US citizens. NMSDC is strict on this.

- **WBENC WBE:** US citizens **or lawful permanent residents** qualify. WBENC is the most permissive of the major certifying bodies on citizenship status.

- **NGLCC LGBTBE:** US citizens or lawful permanent residents qualify.

- **Disability:IN DOBE:** US citizens or lawful permanent residents qualify.

- **NaVOBA VBE:** US citizens. Veteran service must be in the US Armed Forces.

**State certifications:** most state MBE/WBE programs require US citizenship of the qualifying owners. A small number accept lawful permanent residents — check your specific state's procurement code.

**Why citizenship matters:** federal contracting law links set-aside eligibility to US-citizen ownership for security, legal-jurisdiction, and policy reasons. Many of the corporate programs follow the federal lead because their largest buyers (Fortune 500 companies that also do federal work) want certifications they can apply consistently across both buyer types.

**If you're a lawful permanent resident:** WBENC WBE, NGLCC LGBTBE, and Disability:IN DOBE are your best entry points to corporate supplier diversity. Federal certifications and NMSDC MBE will not be available until you naturalize.

**Dual citizenship is fine.** US citizens who also hold citizenship in another country qualify for all programs that accept US citizens; the additional citizenship is irrelevant to eligibility.