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[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]

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship is based upon the Law of Nationality, dated September 13, 1990.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Sao Tome does not automatically confer citizenship. The exceptions are as follows: Child born in the territory of Sao Tome of (non-diplomatic) foreign parents who have settled in the country. (The "settled" qualification is ambiguous; more specificity was not provided.) Child born to unknown or stateless parents.

BY DESCENT: Child born in Sao Tome, at least one of whose parents is a citizen. Child born abroad, at least one of whose parents is a citizen, if parents register the child as a citizen.

MARRIAGE: The foreign spouse of a citizen of Sao Tome may obtain citizenship upon renouncing previous citizenship, establishing residency in the country, and declaring their desire to obtain Sao Tomean citizenship.

BY NATURALIZATION: Sao Tomean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in the country for at least five years, is a legal adult, knows the language, is of good morality and integrity, has renounced previous citizenship, has a viable means of support, and obtains the approval of the Ministry of Justice.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship is permitted by law. Contact the UN Mission for details and required paperwork.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Sao Tomean citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship. Person enlists in a foreign armed force. Naturalized citizen fails to adapt to the country's customs. Person commits a crime or dangerous act against the state.

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

Permanent Mission to the United Nations Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe 400 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022

Mission Telephone: 212-317-0533 Fax: 212-317-0580

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