[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]

ZIMBABWE

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship laws are based upon the Constitution of Zimbabwe. (UKC-Commonwealth Nation)

BY BIRTH: Birth within the Republic of Zimbabwe does not automatically confer citizenship.

BY DESCENT: Child whose father is a citizen of Zimbabwe, regardless of the child's country of birth. Child, born out of wedlock, whose mother is a citizen of Zimbabwe, regardless of the child's country of birth.

REGISTRATION: Child adopted by citizens of Zimbabwe may be granted citizenship by registration. Citizen children born abroad must be registered at an Embassy or consulate for their citizenship to be recognized.

MARRIAGE: Person who marries a citizen of Zimbabwe must apply for Zimbabwean citizenship.

BY NATURALIZATION: Generally, only three categories of people will be considered for naturalization and residence in Zimbabwe: Persons possessing skills required but not available in the country. Aged parents and close dependents or relatives of resident citizens. Persons willing to invest capital in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following condition: Person must have dwelled in the country for at least five years before requesting naturalization.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Prohibited to anyone 18 years old and of sound mind.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship may be initiated through the nearest Zimbabwean Embassy. Person should contact the Embassy for the proper paperwork.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Zimbabwean citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship. A citizen of Zimbabwe by registration loses citizenship if absent from Zimbabwe for a continuous period of seven years.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe Consular Section 1608 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-332-7100 Fax: 202-483-9326

[email protected]

Copyright (C) 2002-2007 All rights reserved.