Central African nationality law is regulated by the Constitution of the Central African Republic, as amended; the Central African Republic's Nationality Code, and its revisions; and various international agreements to which the country is a signatory. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of the Central African Republic. The legal means to acquire nationality, formal legal membership in a nation, differ from the domestic relationship of rights and obligations between a national and the nation, known as citizenship. Central African nationality is typically obtained under the principle of jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth in the Central African Republic or abroad to parents with Central African nationality. It can be granted to persons with an affiliation to the country, or to a permanent resident who has lived in the country for a given period of time through naturalization.
Acquisition of nationality
Nationality can be acquired in the Central African Republic at birth or later in life through naturalization.
By birth
Those who acquire nationality at birth include:
Children born anywhere who have at least one parent who is a native-born Central African national; Children born in the Central African Republic who are at least twelve years old and under the age of majority regardless of the nationality of their parents; or Foundlings or orphans discovered in the territory whose parents are unknown.
By naturalization
Naturalization can be granted to persons who have resided in the territory for a sufficient period of time to confirm they understand the customs and traditions of the society. General provisions are that applicants have made investment in real estate or agriculture, have received a national honor, and have resided in the country for thirty-five years. The residency investigation must confirm that in the five years immediately preceding application for naturalization, the person has continuously lived in the Central African Republic. Applicants are required to submit documentation including their current passport and residency permit, a medical certification, and verification of their criminal history and proof of investment in property. As of 2012, the administrative fees to process an application for naturalization were 5 million XAF (equivalent to €7,622.45 or $9,021.62 US). After investigation of an applicant, nationalization occurs by a presidential decree. Besides foreigners meeting the criteria, other persons who may be naturalized include:
The wife of a Central African national automatically derives her husband's nationality upon marriage; The husband of a Central African national may naturalize after two year's residency; Persons born in the Central African Republic who did not acquire nationality prior to the age of majority can naturalize after two year's residency; Children and the wife of a naturalized foreigner may naturalize without a residency period when the father/husband acquires nationality; Children who are legitimated by a father, automatically acquire his nationality upon completion of a legitimizing adoption Adoptees whose parents are Central African can choose to obtain nationality in the Central African Republic and can naturalize without confirming residency upon reaching majority; or A foreigner who has performed exceptional services in the fields of art, business, or science can naturalize without confirming residency.
Loss of nationality
Nationality may be lost in the Central African Republic for acting in the service of a foreign government or as a national of another country; having dual citizenship; committing crimes against the state or ordinary crimes; or for fraud in a naturalization petition, or disloyal or treasonous acts.
Dual nationality
Dual nationality in the Central African Republic is only allowed in the instance of a wife marrying a Central African and not giving up her nationality of origin.