Djibouti

Dual Citizenship Djibouti

Allowed

Djiboutian nationality is governed by Title II of the Civil Code of Djibouti adopted in 2018 (Law No. 003/AN/18/8 èmeL of April 12, 2018). The provisions are mostly the same as those adopted by the Djiboutian Nationality Code of 2004 (Law No. 79/AN/04/5th L), which reformed the first Djiboutian Nationality Code, adopted in 1981. Since 2004, the law provides that nationality is attributed at birth to a child whose father or mother is a national, whether the birth takes place inside or outside the country.

Dual nationality has generally been permitted in Djibouti since 2004. However, the country's president is not allowed to have a nationality other than that of Djibouti. Acquiring a foreign nationality does not result in the loss of Djiboutian status, unless the individual renounces his or her Djiboutian nationality of his or her own free will.

Djiboutian nationality is generally obtained under the principle of jus soli , that is, by birth in Djibouti, or jus sanguinis , born abroad to parents of Djiboutian nationality. It may 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 by naturalization.

Nationality may be acquired in Djibouti at birth or later in life by naturalization. Those who acquire nationality at birth are:

• Children born anywhere and of whom at least one parent is of Djiboutian nationality by birth: or
• Abandoned or orphaned children discovered on the territory whose parents are unknown.

Djiboutian nationality may be acquired by decision of the public authority. It results from naturalization granted by decree and upon request of the person concerned. Naturalization may be granted to persons who have resided in the territory for a sufficient period of time to confirm that they understand the language, customs, and traditions of the society. The general provisions provide that applicants must be of good character and conduct, have no convictions resulting in a sentence of six months or more, be in good health, and have resided in the country for ten (10) years. Other persons who may be naturalized include:

• The spouse(s) of a Djiboutian national after ten years of marriage, or five years if the couple has children.
• Adopted children of Djiboutian nationals.
• Minor children may be automatically naturalized when their parent acquires nationality; or
• Persons who have rendered exceptional services to the nation may be naturalized after meeting a five-year residency requirement.