Lebanese nationality is based primarily on the principle of Jus sanguinis, transmitted by way of the father. However, this gives the right to Lebanese to transmit citizenship to their children and foreign wives only if entered in the Civil Acts Register in the Republic of Lebanon. Under the current law, expatriates can only receive citizenship from their father. Under the Lebanese law, women cannot pass on citizenship to their spouse or children.[1]

The code

The code covering the Lebanese nationality was issued in 1926.

Dual nationality

A person having a dual nationality does not lose Lebanese nationality according to the 1926 constitution.

Acquisition of Lebanese Citizenship

Jus sanguinis

A child is Lebanese at birth if:

He/She is the child of a married couple of whom the father is a Lebanese citizen.

A child of a Lebanese father not married to the mother is considered Lebanese by birth when a link of paternity is declared.

Citizenship requirements

Children born to Lebanese fathers are entitled to Lebanese citizenship only if entered in the Civil Acts Register in Lebanon.

Lebanon  accepts the principle of dual citizenship. Acquiring another nationality does not result in losing the original Lebanese citizenship.

Foreign wives of Lebanese husbands may apply and obtain Lebanese citizenship. They will become entitled to it one year after the marriage has been entered in the Civil Acts Register in Lebanon, provided they apply for it with their husband's approval.[2]

Simplified naturalisation by virtue of marriage

A foreign wife married to a Lebanese citizen may apply for Lebanese citizenship by facilitated naturalization after having been married for at least one year. No language test is required, but one must show the following:

integration into the Lebanese way of life; compliance with the Lebanese rule of law; no danger to the Republic of Lebanon's internal or external security.

It is also possible for the foreign wife of a Lebanese citizen to apply for facilitated naturalization while resident overseas after the following:

one year of marriage to a husband who is a Lebanese citizen; and close ties to Lebanon.

Birth in the Republic of Lebanon

Birth in the Republic of Lebanon does not in itself confer Lebanese citizenship. It could lead to Lebanese citizenship only in the case if the father is a Lebanese citizen.

Loss of Lebanese citizenship

Loss due to cessation of paternity

A child whose Lebanese citizenship depends on paternal links loses citizenship when those are cut.

Dual Citizenship

Even though Lebanese nationality law permits multiple citizenship, a Lebanese national who also holds another country's citizenship may be required to renounce the foreign citizenship, under the foreign country's nationality law. A dual Lebanese-Japanese national must, for instance, make a declaration of choice, to the Japanese Ministry of Justice, before turning 22, as to whether he or she wants to keep the Lebanese or Japanese citizenship.