Central African Republic citizenship test: requirements and civics quiz
Central African Republic has no published official citizenship test question list. This page explains what naturalisation requires, links to the official source, and offers a free 21-question general civics quiz for learning. The quiz is not an official exam.
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Is there an official Central African Republic citizenship test? We have not found a published official question list. Naturalisation requirements are summarised below with a link to the official source. The quiz on this page is a general civics quiz for learning and is not linked to any official process.
Does Central African Republic have a citizenship test? How naturalisation works
Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Checked against the official source linked on this page.
The Central African Republic has no citizenship test. Nationality is governed by the Code de la nationalité centrafricaine (Loi n° 1961.212, amended by Ordonnance 84-022 of 1984). Naturalisation is granted by a decree adopted in the Council of Ministers on the report of the Minister of the Interior, after an administrative enquiry (enquête) into your residence, conduct and compliance with immigration law. The Code prescribes no language exam, civics test or oath.
Residence requirements
The general rule is five years of habitual residence before applying (Article 27), residence in the country when the decree is issued (Article 26) and age 18 (Article 30); the 35-year rule introduced in 1966 was repealed in 1984. Two years are enough if you were born in the CAR, are a man married to a Central African woman, have rendered important services in the arts, science, industry or agriculture, or have made a significant real-estate investment (Article 28). The spouse and children of a foreigner who is naturalising, adult adoptees and people who have given exceptional service need no residence period (Article 29).
Marriage
A foreign woman who marries a Central African man acquires nationality automatically at the marriage unless she declines or the Government opposes it within six months (Articles 13–15). Central African women cannot pass nationality to a foreign husband, who must use the two-year naturalisation route.
Decision, restrictions and dual nationality
Refusals are notified by the Minister of the Interior and grants are published in the Journal Officiel; processing times and fees are not published. Newly naturalised citizens cannot vote for three years, stand for elected office for five, or hold public salaried posts, practise at the bar or serve as ministers for three years (Articles 41–42). Dual nationality is not allowed by default: voluntarily acquiring another nationality causes loss of Central African nationality (Article 46) and the Government may strip dual nationals by decree (Article 47). The Constitution of 30 August 2023 requires exclusive Central African nationality of origin for presidential candidates.
The quiz below is a general civics quiz about the CAR’s history, institutions and symbols for learning only. For countries that do run a knowledge test, see which countries have a citizenship test.
| Official citizenship test | No. Central African Republic has no published citizenship knowledge test. Naturalisation requirements still apply; see below and the official source. |
|---|---|
| How naturalisation works | There is no citizenship test. Under the Nationality Code of 1961 (Loi n° 1961.212, amended in 1984), naturalisation is granted by decree adopted in the Council of Ministers after an administrative enquiry into residence, conduct and compliance with immigration law; the Code sets no language exam, civics test or oath. |
| Language requirement | No statutory language requirement is set out in the Nationality Code. Sango and French are the official languages, and integration is considered in the administrative enquiry. |
| Who it applies to | Foreign nationals aged 18 or over with 5 years of habitual residence (Article 27). Two years suffice for people born in the CAR, men married to a Central African woman, people who have rendered important services or made a significant property investment (Article 28); spouses and children of a naturalising foreigner and people with exceptional services need no residence period (Article 29). |
| Exemptions | No test exists. A foreign woman who marries a Central African man acquires nationality automatically at the marriage unless she declines or the Government objects within six months. Dual nationality is not allowed by default: voluntarily acquiring another nationality causes loss (Article 46), and the 2023 Constitution requires exclusive nationality of origin for presidential candidates. |
Topics in the general civics quiz
- Constitution and governmentHead of state, parliament, courts and the constitution.4 questions
- History and national symbolsIndependence, key dates, flag, anthem and other national symbols.8 questions
- Geography and societyCapital, geography, languages, currency and public holidays.8 questions
- Naturalisation rulesWhat the law requires for citizenship: residence, language, tests, fees and dual nationality.1 questions
Sample questions
Answer: 13 August 1960. The CAR gained independence from France on 13 August 1960.
Answer: 2023. The referendum was held on 30 July 2023 and the Constitution promulgated on 30 August 2023.
Answer: Unity, Dignity, Work. The French motto "Unité, Dignité, Travail" means Unity, Dignity, Work.
How to prepare
Work out which residence article applies to you – five years, two years or none – before you file.
Keep proof of continuous residence and lawful immigration status: the administrative enquiry focuses on these.
Use the quiz to learn the CAR's history, symbols and institutions; it is not an official exam.
Central African Republic citizenship FAQ
Is there a citizenship test in the Central African Republic?
No. Naturalisation is granted by decree of the Council of Ministers after an administrative enquiry into residence, conduct and compliance with immigration law; the Nationality Code sets no language exam, civics test or oath.
How long must I live in the CAR to naturalise?
Five years of habitual residence (Article 27), reduced to two years if you were born in the CAR, married a Central African woman, rendered important services or made a significant property investment.
Does marriage give Central African nationality?
A foreign woman who marries a Central African man acquires nationality automatically at the wedding unless she declines or the Government objects within six months. A foreign man married to a Central African woman must naturalise under the two-year route.
Does the CAR allow dual nationality?
Not by default: voluntarily taking another nationality causes loss of Central African nationality, and the 2023 Constitution requires exclusive nationality of origin for presidential candidates.
Who decides naturalisation in the CAR and what restrictions follow?
The Minister of the Interior processes the file and the President grants nationality by decree in the Council of Ministers; new citizens cannot vote for three years or stand for elected office for five.