Get Your Senegal Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: You are a Senegalese citizen by birth if born in Senegal to at least one Senegalese parent, or to foreign parents who were also born in Senegal.
- By Descent: Children born abroad to a Senegalese parent may acquire citizenship by descent.
- By Marriage: Foreign spouses of Senegalese citizens may apply for citizenship after 5 years of marriage and residence in Senegal.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply for Senegalese citizenship after 5 years of continuous legal residence, good moral character, and integration into Senegalese society.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed: Senegal permits dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your original nationality when acquiring Senegalese citizenship.
Note: Special provisions exist for nationals of other Francophone African countries and former French colonies.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your eligibility path (descent, marriage, or naturalization).
- Submit your application through the Ministry of Justice or a Senegalese consulate.
- Include civil status documents, proof of residence, and character references.
- Receive citizenship decree upon approval and register your status.
Benefits of Senegalese Citizenship
- Live and work freely in Senegal
- Hold dual nationality without renouncing your previous citizenship
- Right to vote and participate in civic life
- Access to land ownership and public services
Frequently asked questions.
Does Senegal allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Senegal allows dual citizenship, so you can retain your original nationality when becoming a Senegalese citizen.
Can I get Senegalese citizenship through my parent?
Yes. If one of your parents is a Senegalese citizen, you are eligible for citizenship by descent, even if born abroad.
Can I apply through marriage?
Yes. After 5 years of marriage and cohabitation in Senegal, a foreign spouse may apply for naturalization.
How long do I need to live in Senegal to naturalize?
You must reside legally in Senegal for at least 5 years, show integration, and have no criminal convictions.
Do I have to pay taxes in Senegal as a citizen?
Senegal taxes residents on worldwide income. If you live abroad, you are generally taxed only on Senegalese-source income unless you are classified as a tax resident.