Nationality of Mozambique: all obtaining pathways
Mozambique requires ten years of habitual and regular residence for ordinary naturalisation; a foreigner married to a Mozambican may acquire it after five years of marriage. Nationality passes at birth —ius sanguinis with limited ius soli— under the Constitution and the Nationality Law.
1Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis/limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis/limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Children of a Mozambican father or mother born in the territory or abroad
- Children born on Mozambican territory to foreign parents if at least one resides legally in Mozambique
- Abandoned children in the territory are presumed Mozambican
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Mozambican identity document of the father or mother
- Proof of Mozambican nationality or legal residence
2Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Legal and continuous residence of 10 years in Mozambique
- Minimum age of 18
- Good character and conduct
- Knowledge of Portuguese or a Mozambican national language
- Integration into the Mozambican community
- Ability to support oneself financially
- Dual nationality permitted since 2004
Documentation
- Formal application to MINREX
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Certificate of residence (DIRE) of 10 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Proof of knowledge of the language
- 3 recent photographs
3Naturalization by marriage
Naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- A foreigner or stateless person who has contracted marriage with a Mozambican AT LEAST 5 YEARS AGO (Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique 2004, art. 26)
- Save in stateless cases, where the term may be waived
- A declaration by the foreigner renouncing the previous nationality is required
- Registration with the Central Registry (art. 34 CRM)
- The grant is discretionary with the State (not automatic)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Mozambican identity document of the spouse
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Certificate of residence of 5 years
- Criminal record certificate
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Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Mozambique
How many years of residence does Mozambique require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Mozambique (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years’ habitual and regular residence (Nationality Law, naturalisation article; CRM art. 27). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Mozambique allow dual nationality?
Dual nationality permitted since 2004
Can the nationality of Mozambique be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage pathway (Married to a Mozambican for ≥5 years (CRM 2004, art. 26) — the term is of the marriage, not residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Mozambique require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Formal application to MINREX; Birth certificate; Valid passport; Certificate of residence (DIRE) of 10 years; Criminal record certificate; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Mozambique?
Mozambique provides 3 pathways: Nationality by birth, Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage.
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