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Togolese Nationality Certificate: Obtaining & Duplicating Nationality in Lomé

Togolese Nationality Service / Ministry of Justice

Certificate of Togolese Nationality

The Certificate of Togolese Nationality is the fundamental legal document proving Togolese citizenship beyond dispute. It is an indispensable prerequisite for obtaining a Togolese Passport and a National Identity Card (CNI).

The issuance of the original certificate and its certified duplicates is managed by the Togolese Nationality Service, under the Ministry of Justice at the Lomé Law Courts (Palais de Justice) and regional prefecture courts.

1. Acquisition and Required Documents (First-Time Application)

The Togolese Nationality Code provides two primary methods for acquiring and claiming citizenship:

A. Nationality by Filiation (Togolese Parentage / Right of Blood)

Every child born to at least one Togolese parent (father or mother) possesses Togolese nationality by right.

  • Required Documents:
    1. Original Birth Certificate of the applicant.
    2. Father's OR Mother's Certificate of Togolese Nationality (original or certified true copy).
    3. Birth certificate of the Togolese parent.
    4. Recent passport photograph.
    5. Fee payment receipt (5,000 XOF).

B. Nationality by Marriage (Spouse of a Togolese Citizen)

A foreign national legally married to a Togolese citizen may apply for Togolese nationality by declaration submitted to the Ministry of Justice:

  • Statutory Requirements: Legally solemnized marriage (civil marriage certificate), continuous cohabitation during the statutory residence period, and residence in Togo.
  • Additional Required Documents:
    1. Certified true copy of the Civil Marriage Certificate.
    2. Togolese Nationality Certificate of the spouse.
    3. Police record / background check of the foreign spouse less than 3 months old.
    4. Certificate of residence in Togo issued by the local municipal city hall.
    5. Administrative inquiry report confirming genuine marital cohabitation.

2. Procedure to Obtain Official Duplicates

Since the original certificate should never be permanently handed over to third-party institutions (only copies are submitted), you can request certified official duplicates:

  1. Present the original first Certificate of Nationality at the Nationality Service counter.
  2. Provide a copy of your Birth Certificate and one passport photo.
  3. Pay the duplicate issuance fee (typically 1,000 to 2,000 CFA Francs per copy).
  4. Collect your official duplicates stamped with the Ministry of Justice seal.

3. Official Costs and Processing Times in Lomé

  • Official Fee: 5,000 CFA Francs for initial application.
  • Duplicate Fee: 1,000 to 2,000 CFA Francs per additional copy.
  • Processing Time: 2 to 4 weeks depending on nationality commission review sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Togolese nationality be claimed through maternal lineage?

Yes, under the revised Togolese Nationality Code, a child born to at least one Togolese parent (father or mother) is entitled by right to Togolese nationality.

What should I do if I lose the original copy of my Certificate of Nationality?

You must file a report of loss at a police or gendarmerie station and present yourself to the Nationality Service at the Lomé Law Courts with reference details (number and issue date) of your original certificate to obtain an official duplicate.

Last verified: September 12, 2026
Official sources: Ministry of Justice of Togo, Public Services Portal

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