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A noncommercial collection of information about citizenship, dual citizenship and multiple citizenship
 
     

[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

CONGO (Formerly Zaire)


CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship is based upon the Congolese Civil Code and the Special Law on Congolese Nationality (date unknown).

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Congo does not automatically confer citizenship.

BY DESCENT: Child of a Congolese parent, regardless of the child's country of birth.

REGISTRATION: Citizenship may be granted by registration for the following persons: Foreign woman who has been, or is, married to a citizen of Congo. Foreign child adopted by citizens of Congo.

BY NATURALIZATION: Congolese citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following condition: Person has legally resided in the country for at least five years.


DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Exception: Child born abroad, who obtains the citizenship of the country of birth may retain dual citizenship until their 21st birthday. Person then has 12 months to renounce foreign citizenship or Congolese citizenship will be revoked.


LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Congolese citizenship is permitted by law. Though the Embassy can provide information and assistance, the person seeking to renounce citizenship must return to Congo and present their case to a court of law. Due to this procedure, assume that renunciation is neither automatic nor guaranteed.

INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of Congolese citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship and is not covered by the dual citizenship exception listed above.


ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Consular Section 1800 New Hampshire Ave. NW Washington, DC 20009

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-234-7690/91 Fax: 202-234-2609

 

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