[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

BELARUS

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship law is based upon The Law of the Republic of Belarus, Laws of Citizenship, dated October 18, 1991. Persons who were permanent residents of Belarus during the adoption of the law remain citizens of Belarus.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Belarus does not automatically confer citizenship. The exception is a child born in the territory of Belarus to stateless or unknown parents.

BY DESCENT: Child, both of whose parents are citizens of Belarus, regardless of the country of birth. Child, one of whose parents is a citizen of Belarus and who (the parent) was born within the territory of Belarus. Child, born abroad, at least one of whose parents was permanently residing in Belarus at the time of the child's birth. Child, born abroad, one of whose parents is a citizen of Belarus and whose family is living permanently abroad, gains citizenship only upon the written request of the parents.

BY NATURALIZATION: Belarusian citizenship may be applied for upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person is capable of speaking the language, has resided in the territory for the last seven years, has a legitimate source of income, does not have citizenship of any other state, and assumes the obligation to follow the Constitution and laws of Belarus.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Permitted under Belarussian law, provided the person is not involved in any criminal proceedings and has no outstanding debts or obligations to Belarus. Contact nearest Belarussian Embassy for information on renouncing citizenship.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Belarussian citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship Person enlists in the service (military, government, etc.) of another country. Citizenship was acquired under false statements.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of the Republic of Belarus Consular Section 1619 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009

Embassy Telephone: 202-986-1604 Consular Telephone: 202-986-1606 Fax: 202-986-1805

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