Last Change:
06/26/2025
Nationality Act, as amended by Law no. 16/87
Original names of the law: Lei da Nacionalidade, alterada pela Lei No.16/87
Year: 1975
Type: Domestic law
Rights Category: Nationality, Integration & Public Affairs
Description
The Mozambican Nationality Law, outlines the criteria and conditions under which individuals can acquire Mozambican nationality either by origin or through naturalization. Furthermore, it details the circumstances under which Mozambican nationality may be lost, such as by acquiring foreign nationality or engaging in activities against the interests of Mozambique. The decree includes provisions for the reacquisition of nationality and specifies that Mozambican nationality takes precedence over any other nationality within the country’s legal framework. Overall, the law aims to define national identity in post-independence Mozambique, ensuring that those who have a legitimate claim or significant ties to the country are recognized as nationals.
Selected provisions
Article 1
1. The following shall be Mozambican nationals, provided they are born in Mozambique:
(A) Persons whose father or mother was born in Mozambique;
(B) Persons born of stateless parents or parents of unknown nationality or of unknown parents;
(C) Persons domiciled in Mozambique on the date of independence;
(D) Persons who have established their domicile in the country within 90 days of independence. The President of the Republic may, in duly justified cases., grant nationality of origin even after the expiry of that period.
2. The persons mentioned in subparagraph (c) of paragraph 1, if children of foreign father and mother, shall not be Mozambican nationals if they declare, for themselves being over 18 years of age at the time, or through their legal representatives if under that age, that they do not wish to be Mozambican nationals.
3. The time limit for the declaration referred to in paragraph 2 above shall be ninety days counted from the date of the proclamation of independence.