Rwanda

Dual Citizenship Rwanda

Allowed

According to Article 45 of the Organic Law Governing Rwandan Nationality, which allows a person to hold Rwandan nationality alongside the nationality of one or more other states, it is clear that Rwanda legally recognizes and permits the possibility of multiple nationalities.

In Rwanda, the Law Governing Rwandan Nationality permits dual citizenship, as outlined in Article 45, which defines dual citizenship as the status in which a person holds Rwandan nationality concurrently with the nationality of one or more other states. However, specific conditions and restrictions apply.

A Rwandan national with dual nationality must declare this status within three months of acquiring another nationality, as stipulated in Article 46. The procedure for making this declaration is set by an Order from the Minister, as outlined in Article 47.

Moreover, in cases involving the application of Rwandan law, only Rwandan nationality is considered for Rwandan nationals with dual citizenship. For individuals who have acquired Rwandan nationality on grounds of honor, the precedence of nationality in such cases depends on the rights and obligations conferred at the time of acquisition, as per Article 48.

The conditions for acquiring Rwandan nationality by descent emphasize the significance of lineage. According to Article 6, a person can obtain Rwandan nationality by descent if they are born to at least one parent who is a Rwandan citizen by ancestry, not by acquisition.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of their origin, such as testimonies or documents proving their connection to a Rwandan citizen. This ensures that the acquisition of nationality is grounded in thorough and legal verification.

In summary, the Rwandan Nationality Law provides a clear framework for acquiring nationality by descent, ensuring that children can inherit Rwandan nationality.