Is dual citizenship allowed in Mauritania?

    Yes, dual citizenship is allowed in Mauritania.

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    Mauritanian citizenship can be obtained:

1. By birth
2. Through naturalization.

    1. By birth

    Mauritanian law distinguishes between the derived citizenship for children from the mother and the father, as well as by birth in the country. If the father of a child born in Mauritania is not a foreigner, stateless or unknown, the child cannot acquire citizenship from the mother. Children born abroad to a Moorish mother and a foreign father cannot acquire Mauritanian citizenship until the year before they come of age. This means that if the child does not automatically acquire the citizenship of the father, he/she will remain stateless until he comes of age. After reaching the age of majority, children can renounce the citizenship obtained through their mother.

    Those who acquire citizenship by birth include:

• Children born anywhere to a Moorish father;
• Children born in Mauritania to a Mauritanian mother, if the father is foreign, stateless or unknown;
• Newborns born in Mauritania and whose parents are unknown.

    2. Through naturalization

    Naturalization can be granted to individuals who have resided in the territory for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate that they understand Mauritanian customs and traditions and are integrated into society. Applicants must be fluent in Arabic, Pular, Soninkei, or Wolof. The general provisions are that applicants are of good character and conduct; are in good physical and mental condition; and have no criminal record. Applicants must normally have lived in the country for ten years. In addition to foreigners who meet these criteria, other individuals who may be naturalized include:

• Children legally adopted by Mauritanian parents may acquire Mauritanian citizenship at the discretion of the authorities at the time of completion of the legal adoption;
• Children born abroad to a Moorish mother and a foreign father can apply for registration as a citizen in the year preceding their coming of age;
• Minor children are automatically naturalized when their parents acquire citizenship;
• Persons born in the territory who did not acquire citizenship at birth may naturalize after five years of residence;
• Wife of a citizen of Mauritania after a five-year period of residence;
• Husband of a Mauritanian citizen who was married under Sharia law after living in the country for five years;
• Persons of exceptional service to the nation may be naturalized after a five-year period of residence.