Burundian nationality law is the body of law concerning who is a citizen of Burundi. The basis of Burundian nationality law is Loi no. 1-013 du 18 juillet 2000 portant reforme du Code de la nationalité.
Contents
By birth
Birth in Burundi alone is not sufficient grounds for a right to Burundian citizenship, unless the parents are unknown. Burundi is considered to have weak protections against statelessness.
By descent
A child born in wedlock to a Burundian citizen father is entitled to Burundian citizenship from birth regardless of the location of the birth. A child born out of wedlock to a Burundian citizen father may claim Burundian citizenship through an administrative process regardless of the location of the birth. A child born to a Burundian citizen mother but not a Burundian citizen father may claim Burundian citizenship through an administrative process only if the father is stateless or of unknown nationality, or the father does not claim the child.
By marriage
The spouse of a male Burundian citizen automatically acquires Burundian citizenship. The same is not true of the spouse of a female Burundian citizen.
By naturalisation
A foreign national may apply for Burundian citizenship upon meeting the following conditions:
An exception to the residence requirement may be made for those who have performed an exceptional service to Burundi.
Multiple citizenship
As of 2000, Burundian citizens are permitted to hold dual or multiple citizenships.
Loss of citizenship
Burundian citizenship acquired by birth cannot be involuntarily revoked. Burundian citizenship acquired by naturalisation may be revoked upon a finding the it was fraudulently acquired. Those who have their citizenship revoked have a right to challenge the revocation in court.