Section 36: Citizenship by birth
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Persons are Zimbabwean citizens by birth if they were born in Zimbabwe and, when they were born—
(a) either their mother or their father was a Zimbabwean citizen; or
(b) any of their grandparents was a Zimbabwean citizen by birth or descent.
(2) Persons born outside Zimbabwe are Zimbabwean citizens by birth if, when they were born, either of their parents was a Zimbabwean citizen and—
(a) ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe; or
(b) working outside Zimbabwe for the State or an international organisation.
(3) A child found in Zimbabwe who is, or appears to be, less than fifteen years of age, and whose nationality and parents are not known, is presumed to be a Zimbabwean citizen by birth.
Key Insight: Zimbabwean Citizenship by Birth
This section establishes three pathways to citizenship by birth: for those born in Zimbabwe with Zimbabwean parentage or grandparentage, for those born abroad to Zimbabwean parents who maintain strong ties to Zimbabwe, and for abandoned children found within Zimbabwe's borders. This reflects Zimbabwe's approach to citizenship that balances both jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood/descent) and jus soli (citizenship by birthplace) principles, while providing humanitarian protection for children of unknown origin.