Nationality of Democratic Republic of the Congo: all obtaining pathways
The Democratic Republic of the Congo transmits its nationality of origin by birth and regulates naturalization for relevant services or national interest, with an option and common acquisition regime at five years. The law does not allow dual nationality except in cases of nationality of origin.
1Congolese nationality of origin
Congolese nationality of origin
Requirements
- Anyone whose filiation establishes membership in the populations present in the territory of the Congo before 1930 (Family Code, Book I, arts. 9-13, Law No. 87-010 of 1/8/1987, as amended by Law No. 16/008 of 15/7/2016)
- Birth and filiation: child of a Congolese father or mother
Documentation
- Birth certificates and filiation
2Nationality by naturalization
Nationality by naturalization
Requirements
- Conferred by naturalization upon the favorable opinion of the National Assembly for a foreigner who has rendered eminent services to the DRC or whose naturalization is of real interest and visible impact (art. 11)
- Decree deliberated in the Council of Ministers upon proposal of the Minister of Justice and signed by the President after the opinion of the National Assembly (art. 12)
Documentation
- File before the DGM / Ministry of Justice
3Option and common right of acquisition
Option and common right of acquisition
Requirements
- Option (art. 15): resident ≥5 years, speaks a Congolese language, commitment to renounce any other nationality, within 6 months of reaching the age of majority (arts. 15-16)
- Common conditions for acquisition (art. 22): age of majority, individual declaration, written renunciation of any other citizenship, command of a Congolese language, good life and conduct, permanent residence at the time of the application
Documentation
- Declaration of option
- Certificates of language, residence and conduct
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Democratic Republic of the Congo
How many years of residence does Democratic Republic of the Congo require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Democratic Republic of the Congo (Nationality by naturalization), the term is Not applicable — relevant services/national interest. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
What documentation does naturalization in Democratic Republic of the Congo require?
The Nationality by naturalization pathway requires: File before the DGM / Ministry of Justice.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Democratic Republic of the Congo provides 3 pathways: Congolese nationality of origin, Nationality by naturalization, Option and common right of acquisition.
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