Egyptian nationality law

Egyptian nationality law is regulated by the Constitution of Egypt, as amended; the Egyptian Nationality Law, and its revisions; and various international agreements to which the country is a signatory. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Egypt. 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. Egyptian nationality is typically obtained under the principle of jus soli, i.e. by birth in Egypt, or jus sanguinis, born to parents with Egyptian 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. Nationality can be acquired in Egypt at birth or later in life through naturalization. Those who acquire nationality at birth include: Children born anywhere who have at least one parent who is an Egyptian national by birth; or Abandoned children or orphans discovered in the territory whose parents are unknown. Naturalization can be granted to persons who have resided in the territory for a sufficient period of time to confirm they understand the Arabic language, customs and traditions of the society. General provisions are that applicants have good character and conduct; have no criminal convictions; have good mental and physical health; can economically be self-sufficient; and have resided in the country for ten years. Egyptian nationality law does not reference whether adoptees can acquire nationality.