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How to Obtain Cape Verdean Citizenship: A Complete Guide
How to obtain Cape Verdean citizenship: A complete guide. Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) offers several pathways to obtain citizenship. The laws governing nationality are outlined in the Cape Verde Nationality Law and provide options for citizenship by birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, or other specific conditions. Below is a detailed explanation of each pathway:
1. Citizenship by Birth
- A person born in Cape Verde automatically acquires Cape Verdean citizenship if at least one parent is a Cape Verdean citizen.
- A person born in Cape Verde to foreign parents may also acquire citizenship if:
- One parent was born in Cape Verde, or
- The child does not acquire another nationality through their parents (to avoid statelessness).
2. Citizenship by Descent
- A person born outside Cape Verde can acquire citizenship if at least one parent is a Cape Verdean citizen at the time of their birth.
- The applicant must register their birth at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate and provide proof of their lineage.
3. Citizenship by Marriage
Foreign nationals married to a Cape Verdean citizen can apply for Cape Verdean citizenship if they meet the following requirements:
- The marriage has lasted for at least five years.
- The couple must demonstrate that the marriage is genuine (not for immigration purposes).
- The applicant must reside in Cape Verde or show significant ties to the country.
4. Citizenship by Naturalization
Foreign nationals may apply for Cape Verdean citizenship through naturalization, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Residency Requirement: The applicant must have legally resided in Cape Verde for at least five years.
- Good Character: Must have a clean criminal record and demonstrate good moral standing.
- Integration: Evidence of integration into Cape Verdean society, including knowledge of its language, culture, and traditions.
- Economic Independence: Demonstrate financial stability or the ability to support themselves without relying on public funds.
Steps to Apply:
- Submit an application to the Directorate-General of Immigration and Border Control (Direção-Geral de Imigração e Fronteiras).
- Provide supporting documents, including:
- A valid residence permit.
- Proof of residence duration (utility bills, rental agreements, etc.).
- A police clearance certificate from both Cape Verde and the applicant’s country of origin.
- Birth certificate and other personal identification documents.
- Attend interviews or hearings as required by the authorities.
- Await approval from the relevant Cape Verdean government bodies.
5. Citizenship by Adoption
- A child adopted by a Cape Verdean citizen automatically acquires Cape Verdean citizenship, regardless of the child’s country of origin.
6. Citizenship by Declaration
- Individuals who are descendants of Cape Verdean citizens but do not meet the typical descent requirements may apply for citizenship by declaration. This process often applies to descendants in the diaspora.
7. Dual Citizenship
- Cape Verde allows dual citizenship, meaning an individual can hold Cape Verdean citizenship alongside another nationality.
- Foreign nationals applying for Cape Verdean citizenship are not required to renounce their previous nationality unless their country of origin prohibits dual citizenship.
8. Special Circumstances
- Stateless individuals or refugees residing in Cape Verde for an extended period may apply for citizenship under humanitarian grounds, subject to specific conditions.
- Exceptional cases may be considered at the discretion of the President of Cape Verde.
9. Revocation of Citizenship
- Citizenship can be revoked if obtained fraudulently or if the individual commits acts deemed harmful to the state.
Contacting Relevant Authorities
For further assistance, applicants should contact:
- Cape Verdean Embassies and Consulates: For assistance with applications from abroad.
- Ministry of Justice: Handles citizenship applications and naturalization processes.
- Directorate-General of Immigration and Border Control (Direção-Geral de Imigração e Fronteiras): Provides detailed information and processes applications.
Key Points to Remember
- The process for obtaining citizenship can take several months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the volume of applications.
- Legal assistance is recommended for complex cases, particularly for individuals applying through naturalization or special declarations.
- Accurate and complete documentation is critical for a successful application.