Moroccan nationality law is regulated by the Constitution of Morocco, as amended; the Moroccan Nationality Code, and its revisions; the Mudawana (Family Code; the Civil Liberties Code; and various international agreements to which the country is a signatory. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Morocco. The legal means to acquire nationality, formal legal membership in a nation, differ from the domestic relationship of rights and obligations between a national and the nation, known as citizenship. Nationality describes the relationship of an individual to the state under international law, whereas citizenship is the domestic relationship of an individual within the nation. Moroccan nationality is typically obtained under the jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth in Morocco or abroad to parents with Moroccan nationality. It can be granted to persons with an affiliation to the country, or to a permanent resident who has lived in the country for a given period of time through naturalization.
Acquisition of nationality
Nationality can be acquired in Morocco at birth or later in life through naturalization.
By birth
Moroccan law provides that those who acquire nationality at birth include:
Children born anywhere to a Moroccan national; however, nationality to a child born abroad to a Moroccan mother can be renounced once the child reaches the age of majority; Children born in Morocco to a father who was born in the territory and is from a country with a predominantly Arab-Muslim culture, or children born to foreign parents both of whom were born in Morocco and have permanent residency must register under a non-discretionary program; or Newborn foundlings born in the country whose parents are unknown.
By naturalization
Naturalization can be granted to persons who have resided in the territory for a sufficient period of time to confirm they speak Arabic or Tamazight and understand the customs and traditions of Morocco. General provisions are that applicants have good character and conduct; are in good physical and mental health; are able to economically support themselves; and have no criminal record. Applicants must typically have resided in the country for five years. Adoption under Muslim law does not create a familial relationship, therefore a child cannot acquire nationality from a Moroccan parent by virtue of being adopted. If the adopted child was a foundling, with unknown parentage, the legal guardian can apply for a child to acquire nationality, or the child can acquire nationality on their own behalf based upon birth in the territory within two years prior to reaching majority. Besides foreigners meeting the criteria, other persons who may be naturalized include:
Children born in Morocco, to foreign parents both of whom were born in Morocco, who did not previously acquire nationality and who are regular residents of Morocco, may opt for Moroccan nationality within two years of reaching majority; Minor children are automatically naturalized when their parent acquires nationality; The wife of a Moroccan national after a five-year residency period; or Persons who have performed exceptional service to or have an exceptional interest in the nation may naturalize without meeting typical requirements by royal decree.
Loss of nationality
Moroccan nationals can renounce their nationality with the approval of the authorities. Moroccans of origin may lose their nationality for working on behalf of another country without the permission of Moroccan authorities. Naturalized persons may be denaturalized in Morocco for disloyalty to the state; committing crimes against the state or state security; ordinary crimes; refusal to complete military service; or for fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment in a naturalization petition. Persons who previously had nationality and wish to repatriate must formally request reinstatement.
Dual nationality
Morocco has allowed nationals to hold dual nationality, since 1958.