Residence & citizenship
Central African Citizenship by Naturalisation
For long-term residents acquiring Central African citizenship through naturalisation after a qualifying period of lawful residence.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The required residence period and detailed naturalisation criteria are not confirmed from an official published source; verify against the current Central African nationality law and the competent ministry.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Central African Republic government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Naturalisation (acquisition of Central African nationality)
- Route type
- Citizenship by naturalisation
- Basis
- Central African nationality law
- Legal basis
- Code de la nationalité (Law No. 1961.212 of 20 April 1961, as amended)
- Residence period
- Long residence required (figure disputed)
- Sources differ between a 35-year general requirement and a restored 5-year period — verify against the current code.
- Reduced residence
- 2 years for a spouse of a CAR national, and for those born in CAR
- Granted by
- Presidential decree after investigation
- Administrative fee
- Reported 5,000,000 XAF (approx. EUR 7,600)
- Dated 2012 figure — must be re-verified.
Who it is for
- Long-term lawful residents seeking Central African citizenship
- People with a qualifying connection to the country under nationality law
How to apply
- Apply to the competent Central African authorities under the nationality law
- Provide evidence of lawful residence and any other criteria required
- Confirm the current residence period and documentary requirements before applying
Requirements
- Naturalisation is governed by the Central African Code de la nationalité (Law No. 1961.212 of 20 April 1961), as amended.
- Ordinary applicants must have a long period of lawful residence in the Central African Republic (see the review note — sources differ between a long general residence requirement and a shorter 5-year period).
- Reduced residence applies in certain cases, including two years for the foreign spouse of a Central African national and for a person born in the Central African Republic who did not acquire nationality before adulthood.
- Applicants are expected to show integration into the community, including an understanding of the customs and traditions of the society, and evidence of investment in property or agriculture.
- Continuous residence in the country in the years immediately preceding the application is assessed during the investigation.
Documents you may need
- Current passport and residence permit (titre de séjour)
- Medical certificate
- Criminal-record / good-character verification
- Proof of investment in real estate or agriculture
- Evidence of continuous residence in the Central African Republic
Frequently asked questions
The Code de la nationalité provides a reduced residence requirement of two years for the foreign spouse of a Central African national, compared with the much longer ordinary residence requirement, but the application is still subject to investigation and is granted by presidential decree.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.