Nationality of Senegal: all obtaining pathways
Senegal requires ten years of residence for ordinary naturalisation, reducible to five in the cases of article 12 of the Nationality Code, and a person marrying a Senegalese acquires it immediately and automatically. Origin nationality transmits by birth and descent.
1Nationality by birth in territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Senegal of parents originating from Senegal
- Children of unknown parents found in Senegalese territory are presumed Senegalese
- Double ius soli: birth in Senegal of parents also born in Senegal
Documentation
- Senegalese birth certificate
- Parents' birth certificates
- Parents' identity documents
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Senegalese father or a Senegalese mother
- Nationality is transmitted through paternal or maternal filiation
- Dual nationality permitted
Documentation
- Senegalese parent's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of filiation
3Naturalisation by residence (Code 61-70, arts. 12-13)
Naturalisation by residence (Code 61-70, arts. 12-13)
Requirements
- Be habitually resident in Senegal when filing AND have previously resided there for at least 10 YEARS (art. 12, law 79-01)
- The term is REDUCED TO 5 years for: those married to a Senegalese woman, those who served 5 years in a Senegalese public administration or establishment, important services rendered, or exceptional interest for Senegal (art. 12)
- Good character, no unrehabilitated common-law convictions (art. 13)
- Sound mind and physical health — not a burden or danger to the community (art. 13)
- Senegal does not allow keeping another nationality when naturalising: nationality granted by decision of the authorities is incompatible with any other allegiance (Code 61-70, art. 16 bis, loi 84-10)
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Certificate of residence of at least 5 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence
4Acquisition by marriage (Code 61-70, art. 7, law 89-42)
Acquisition by marriage (Code 61-70, art. 7, law 89-42)
Requirements
- A foreign WOMAN marrying a Senegalese man ACQUIRES Senegalese nationality AT THE MOMENT of the celebration or registration of the marriage (art. 7)
- The Government may object by decree within 1 year from when she requests the certificate (art. 7)
- The woman may DECLINE Senegalese nationality before the celebration if her personal law allows (art. 7 bis)
- A marriage abroad has effect only if transcribed into Senegalese civil registers (art. 7 bis)
- A Senegalese woman marrying a foreigner keeps her nationality unless she declares its loss (art. 20)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Senegalese spouse's passport
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Senegal
How many years of residence does Senegal require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Senegal (Naturalisation by residence (Code 61-70, arts. 12-13)), the term is 10 years (reducible to 5 in the cases of art. 12). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Senegal be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Acquisition by marriage pathway (Immediate upon marriage (automatic acquisition with possible objection)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Senegal require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Certificate of residence of at least 5 years; Criminal record certificate; Proof of means of subsistence.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Senegal?
Senegal provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth in territory, Nationality by descent, Naturalisation by residence, Acquisition by marriage.
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