Last Change:
02/15/2024
Ethiopian Nationality Proclamation No. 378/2003
Year: 2003
Type: Domestic law
Rights Category: Nationality & facilitated naturalization
Description
The Ethiopian Nationality Proclamation administers nationality and access to citizenship. The Refugee Proclamation, under article 42, states that refugees who fulfill the necessary requirement provided in the relevant provisions of the Ethiopian Nationality Law relating to naturalization may apply to acquire Ethiopian Nationality by law.
Selected provisions
Foreigner means a person who is not an Ethiopian national.
A foreigner who applies to acquire Ethiopian nationality By law shall be Attaining majority and being legally capable; - Having domicile in Ethiopia and living in Ethiopia for at least four years preceding submission of the application; - Ability to communicate in one of the languages of nations/nationalities of the Country; - Having sufficient and lawful source of income to maintain himself and his family; - be a good person of character; - Having no record of criminal conviction; - Be able to show that he has been released from his previous nationality or possibility of obtaining such a release upon the acquisition of Ethiopian nationality or the fact that he is stateless; and - Taking oath of allegiance stated under Article 12 of the Ethiopian Nationality Proclamation.
A foreigner who applies to acquire Ethiopian nationality by law shall have no record of criminal conviction and be able to show that he has been released from his previous nationality or the possibility of obtaining such a release upon the acquisition of Ethiopian nationality or that he is a stateless person.
A foreigner who is married to an Ethiopian national may acquire Ethiopian nationality by law if: 11 the marriage is concluded in accordance with the Ethiopian laws or in accordance with the laws of any other country where the marriage is contracted; 2/there is a lapse of at least two years since the conclusion of the marriage; 3/ he has lived in Ethiopia for at least one year preceding the submission of his application; and 4/ he fulfilled the conditions stated under Sub-Articles (1), (7) and (8) of Article 5 of this Proclamation.
A child adopted by Ethiopian. national may acquire Ethiopian nationality by law if: 1/ he has not attained the age of majority; 21 he lives in Ethiopia together with his adopting parent; 31 Where one of his adopting parents is a foreigner, such parent has expressed his consent in writing; and 4/ the condition stated under Article 5(7) of this Proclamation has been fulfilled.
A foreigner who has made an outstanding contribution in the interest of Ethiopia may be conferred with Ethiopian Nationality by law irrespective of the conditions stated under Sub-Articles (2) and (3) of Article 5 of this Proclamation.