Can foreigners obtain Malagasy citizenship? The short answer is yes. The long answer is: it’s complicated. After reading this article, you will understand the process.

Nationality Laws of Madagascar

For foreigners interested in becoming Malagasy citizens, navigating Madagascar’s nationality laws can be complex. 

The Malagasy citizenship code, established by Ordinance n° 60-064 of 22 July 1960 and modified by Law n° 2016-038 of 25 January 2017, primarily bases Malagasy nationality on filiation, or descent. 

This means that citizenship is generally granted through Malagasy parenthood rather than by birthplace. However, citizenship can still be obtained through marriage, or by naturalization under certain conditions. 

Familiarity with these routes is essential for any foreigner seeking to become part of Madagascar’s legal and cultural community.

Paths to Malagasy Citizenship for Foreigners

For foreigners without Malagasy ancestry, obtaining Malagasy citizenship typically requires fulfilling specific criteria. Here are two main pathways:

Marriage to a Malagasy Citizen 

While a man married to a Malagasy woman does not gain additional rights based on marriage (Article 22), a foreign woman married to a Malagasy man can request Malagasy nationality. 

The declaration of her intent to acquire Malagasy nationality must be made before a civil status officer, at the latest, by the time of the marriage ceremony. 

If the marriage takes place abroad, the declaration must be made by the time the marriage is registered in the civil records maintained by Malagasy diplomatic or consular officials.

Naturalization

As a more inclusive approach, another option for foreigners to acquire Malagasy citizenship is through long-term residence in Madagascar. 

Foreigners who have lived in the country for a specified number of years and meet other criteria—such as language proficiency, a clean criminal record, and proof of integration into Malagasy society—may apply for citizenship.

Conditions for Naturalization

The conditions for naturalization are governed by the aforementioned ordinance. According to Article 27, the following conditions must be met:

1. Age requirement
   Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
2. Mental health
   Applicants must be of sound mind.
3. Physical health
   Applicants must not pose a health risk to society. However, this requirement may be waived if the applicant’s health condition arose while serving Madagascar or for the country’s benefit.
4. Good character and legal record
   Applicants must be of good moral character, with no serious criminal record. Specifically, they must not have been convicted of crimes that resulted in a prison sentence of over one year (unless rehabilitated). Additionally, the applicant must not have been convicted of crimes such as theft, fraud, embezzlement, public indecency, prostitution, vagrancy, or begging. Foreign convictions may not be taken into account unless they are recognized under Malagasy law.
5. Residency requirement
   The applicant must have had continuous residence in Madagascar for at least five years prior to applying for naturalization. This condition can be waived for individuals born to a Malagasy mother. Furthermore, the applicant must still reside in Madagascar at the time the naturalization decree is signed.
6. Integration into Malagasy society
   One of the most important criteria is the applicant’s assimilation into Malagasy society. This is assessed through various factors, with a key requirement being a sufficient knowledge of the Malagasy language, tailored to the applicant’s personal situation. Language proficiency plays a crucial role in demonstrating cultural integration and the ability to participate fully in the country’s social and political life.

These requirements ensure that applicants are committed to contributing positively to Madagascar’s society and culture. Once all the conditions are met, the foreigner can submit their application for naturalization. 

Madagascar Citizenship Application Process

The process to gain citizenship generally includes submitting the required documentation, such as proof of residence, criminal record checks, and evidence of language proficiency. 

After the application is reviewed and approved, a decree of naturalization is issued, and the applicant is granted Malagasy citizenship.

To sum up, naturalization offers a meaningful path for foreigners seeking to become part of Madagascar’s national community. 

It demonstrates the country’s long-standing tradition of hospitality while ensuring that those granted citizenship are fully integrated and dedicated to contributing to the nation. 

By offering this opportunity, Madagascar maintains its openness to the outside world, while reinforcing its national identity and values.