Nationality of Madagascar: all obtaining pathways
Madagascar transmits nationality of origin by descent and regulates acquisition by marriage and ordinary naturalization under its national nationality code, with no specific timeframes disclosed in the consular source. Applicants are advised to confirm current requirements with the Malagasy diplomatic mission.
1Nationality of origin (descent)
Nationality of origin (descent)
Requirements
- Child of a Malagasy father or mother, born anywhere (Ordinance No. 60-064 of 22/7/1960, Malagasy Nationality Code, as amended by Law No. 2016-038)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Malagasy parent's nationality certificate
2Acquisition by marriage (Code 60-064, arts. 22-25, as amended by 2016-038)
Acquisition by marriage (Code 60-064, arts. 22-25, as amended by 2016-038)
Requirements
- A foreign WOMAN who marries a Malagasy acquires nationality only UPON EXPRESS REQUEST, or automatically if her national law makes her lose hers (art. 22)
- The declaration must be made before the civil registrar AT THE LATEST at the celebration of the marriage (art. 23, law 2016-038)
- The Government may object by decree for 2 YEARS from the celebration, on grounds of unworthiness or serious physical or mental incapacity (art. 24)
- A stateless woman who marries a Malagasy acquires at the celebration (art. 22)
- Nullity of the marriage does not affect nationality acquired in good faith (art. 25); nor that of children if one spouse acted in good faith (art. 26)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Spouse's nationality certificate
3Naturalisation by residence (Code 60-064, arts. 27-29)
Naturalisation by residence (Code 60-064, arts. 27-29)
Requirements
- Habitual residence in Madagascar for the 5 YEARS preceding the application, kept at the time of the decree (art. 27-5°)
- Age 18 + sound mind + not a danger to the community due to physical health, unless contracted in the service of Madagascar (art. 27-1° to 3°)
- Good life and morals, no unrehabilitated common-law convictions over 1 year, nor for theft, fraud, breach of trust, usury, procuring, vagrancy or begging (art. 27-4°)
- Assimilation to the Malagasy community, notably sufficient knowledge of the Malagasy language (art. 27-6°)
- Exempt from the residence stage (art. 29): important services to Madagascar, or the WIFE of a naturalising foreigner
- Disabilities of the naturalised (art. 38): 10 years for elective office, 5 years as voter and public functions
Documentation
- Copie intégrale de naissance
- Acte de mariage des parents
- Extrait de casier judiciaire et certificat de moralité du père
- Certificat de nationalité malgache de la mère (copia certificada)
- Certificat médical du mineur (si procede)
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Madagascar
How many years of residence does Madagascar require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Madagascar (Naturalisation by residence (Code 60-064, arts. 27-29)), the term is 5 years of habitual residence. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Madagascar be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Acquisition by marriage pathway (Immediate by declaration at the celebration (objection possible for 2 years)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Madagascar require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Copie intégrale de naissance; Acte de mariage des parents; Extrait de casier judiciaire et certificat de moralité du père; Certificat de nationalité malgache de la mère (copia certificada); Certificat médical du mineur (si procede).
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Madagascar?
Madagascar provides 3 pathways: Nationality of origin, Acquisition by marriage, Naturalisation by residence.
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