How to obtain Moroccan citizenship by descent for Ukrainians – explained by Visit Ukraine lawyers

Moroccan law allows you to obtain citizenship by descent, even if your parents (one of whom is a citizen of the country) are not married. Find out how to prove family ties, what documents are required, and how to apply for citizenship correctly using a real request to VU lawyers as an example

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Is your mother a citizen of Ukraine and your father a citizen of Morocco, with whom you have lost contact at some point, but you have a birth certificate where he is listed as your father? In this case, you are entitled to Moroccan citizenship by descent, even if your parents' marriage was not officially registered.

In this article, Visit Ukraine lawyers explain step by step what you need to know and how to proceed if you want to exercise this right — even without direct contact with your father — using a real request from one of our clients as an example.

Client request (anonymized): I am interested in the possibility of acquiring Moroccan citizenship by descent. My father is a Moroccan citizen, but we have lost contact with him and I live in Ukraine. I need legal advice on the following issues:

1. Where do I start the process of acquiring citizenship by descent?

2. How does one obtain citizenship of another country?

3. Which authorities or institutions should I contact?

4. How will my family relationship with my father be confirmed and how will he be located?

5. What documents are required and how should they be certified?

6. What is the liability in Ukraine for acquiring dual citizenship?

7. What should be included in the power of attorney in my mother's name, who will act on my behalf in this matter?

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How to obtain Moroccan citizenship by descent – legal advice from Visit Ukraine

According to Moroccan law (in particular, Dahir n° 1-58-250 du 6 septembre 1958 portant code de la nationalité marocaine), a person is entitled to acquire citizenship by descent if one of their parents is a Moroccan citizen. This right applies regardless of whether the marriage between the parents was registered or not.

Where to start the process of obtaining Moroccan citizenship?

The procedure should begin with:

1. Preparing and collecting documents confirming descent from a Moroccan citizen;

2. Applying to the Moroccan diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) with an official application;

3. If there is no contact with the father, prepare evidence of family ties to confirm paternity.

How is citizenship of another country obtained?

Obtaining Moroccan citizenship by descent can be carried out in a simplified procedure if supporting documents are available. In the absence of a father or if it is impossible to obtain his official statements, alternative means of proving origin are used, in particular:

● Birth certificate indicating the father as a Moroccan citizen;

● Eyewitness testimony;

● Photos, correspondence, documents from educational institutions, housing documents, etc.;

● DNA testing – only possible with the participation of the father or his relatives.

Where should I apply for Moroccan citizenship?

1. The Moroccan embassy or consulate (the nearest one is currently not available in Ukraine; most citizens apply to the embassy in Poland, Germany, or Egypt).

2. The Ministry of the Interior of the Kingdom of Morocco — if you're submitting documents through a representative in Morocco.

3. Through an authorized lawyer in Morocco (recommended if it's hard to find your dad or if you're going through court).

How do you prove your connection to your dad and how do you find him — what should you do if you've lost touch with your dad?

Family ties can be confirmed by:

● a birth certificate where the father is listed as a Moroccan citizen;

● additional documents: joint registration, joint residence, correspondence, photos, documents from the KPI, apartment, etc.;

● DNA testing, if the father's relatives can be found (e.g., father/mother/sister/brother, etc.).

The search for the father can be started through:

● Moroccan social networks;

● Community organizations of the Moroccan diaspora;

● Submitting a lawyer's request in Morocco.

What documents are needed and how to prepare them?

Approximate list:

● Birth certificate where the father is listed as a Moroccan citizen;

● Mother's birth certificate;

● Ukrainian passport;

● Proof of the father's residence in Ukraine (statements from the place of work/study, documents for the apartment, etc.);

● Letters, photos, joint registration, official or unofficial correspondence;

● Certificate of no criminal record with an apostille;

● Translations of all documents into French or Arabic, certified by a notary;

● Power of attorney for the mother if she is acting on your behalf.

Important: all Ukrainian documents must be apostilled (Ministry of Justice/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine) and translated into French or Arabic with notarization.

What is the responsibility for acquiring dual citizenship in Ukraine?

According to the current legislation of Ukraine (as of 2025), dual citizenship is not officially permitted, however:

1. Upon acquiring another citizenship, a citizen does not lose their Ukrainian citizenship (Article 2 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship”).

2. There is no liability for acquiring citizenship of another country, but it is not recommended to conceal it in official procedures unless expressly required.

Morocco allows dual citizenship, so there will be no problems on their part.

What should a power of attorney for a mother contain in order to apply for citizenship?

The power of attorney must be notarized, apostilled, and translated into French (or Arabic), and include the following powers:

● Represent the interests (full name of the person) in the consular offices of the Kingdom of Morocco;

● Sign and submit documents, obtain certificates;

● Contact lawyers, notaries, and Moroccan authorities;

● Receive decisions on the granting of citizenship;

● Represent interests in court (if necessary);

● Receive responses from institutions, including through diplomatic channels.

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians

Are you in a similar situation or would you like to find out if you can exercise your right to citizenship of another country? Request a consultation with Visit Ukraine lawyers — our specialists will analyze your case and offer solutions, and if necessary, they can fully accompany you through the process of obtaining citizenship.

To schedule a consultation:

1. Select a convenient format (support, written or oral consultation)

2. Fill out the form with your details (full name, email, contact phone number).

4. Select a convenient date for the consultation.

5. Read the terms of the agreement and make the payment.

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

We remind you! In the previous article, Visit Ukraine lawyers explained whether it is possible to restore Ukrainian citizenship while retaining German citizenship.

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