Nationality of Central African Republic: all obtaining pathways
The Central African Republic requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization, and five years of residence during marriage for those married to Central African citizens. Nationality is transmitted by birth in accordance with the ius sanguinis of the national legislation in force.
1Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent must be a Central African national
- Nationality is transmitted by descent
- Children found in the territory of unknown parents are presumed Central African
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Central African identity document of the father or mother
- Carte nationale d'identité
2Naturalisation by residence (Code 61-212, arts. 27-28)
Naturalisation by residence (Code 61-212, arts. 27-28)
Requirements
- Justify habitual residence in the Central African Republic during the 35 YEARS preceding the application (art. 27, as amended by ord. 1966/64) — the longest naturalisation term in Africa
- ADDITIONALLY, one of these conditions (art. 28): sufficient agricultural investments in perennial crops, significant real-estate investments, or having been decorated with a national order after 1 January 1966
- Full age: 18 years (art. 30)
- Naturalisation by decree after investigation (art. 26); electoral disabilities last 3 years and public-office disabilities 5 (arts. 24-24 bis)
- Stage exemptions (art. 29): minors linked to a naturalised person, the wife and adult child of a naturalised man, a person adopted by a CAR national, exceptional services or exceptional interest
Documentation
- Formal application to the Ministry of Interior
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Carte de séjour proving 5 years of residence
- Criminal record certificate (casier judiciaire)
- Medical certificate
- Proof of knowledge of the language
- 4 recent photographs
3Acquisition by marriage (Code 61-212, arts. 13-15)
Acquisition by marriage (Code 61-212, arts. 13-15)
Requirements
- A foreign WOMAN who marries a Central African man ACQUIRES nationality at the moment of the celebration of the marriage before the civil registrar (art. 13)
- If her national law allows, she may DECLINE Central African nationality at the celebration (art. 14)
- The Government may object within 6 months of the celebration (art. 15)
- A Central African woman marrying a foreigner keeps her nationality unless she expressly declares its loss (art. 49)
- The Code contemplates the route only for women — a married man follows the 35-year naturalisation
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Central African identity document of the spouse
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Central African Republic
How many years of residence does Central African Republic require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Central African Republic (Naturalisation by residence (Code 61-212, arts. 27-28)), the term is 35 years of habitual residence (+ one art. 28 condition). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Central African Republic be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Acquisition by marriage pathway (Automatic upon marriage (art. 13), with possible objection within 6 months). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Central African Republic require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Formal application to the Ministry of Interior; Birth certificate; Valid passport; Carte de séjour proving 5 years of residence; Criminal record certificate (casier judiciaire); among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Central African Republic?
Central African Republic provides 3 pathways: Citizenship by birth, Naturalisation by residence, Acquisition by marriage.
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