Section 38: Citizenship by registration
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Any person who has been married to a Zimbabwean citizen for at least five years, whether before or after the effective date, and who satisfies the conditions prescribed by an Act of Parliament, is entitled, on application, to be registered as a Zimbabwean citizen.
(2) Any person who has been continuously and lawfully resident in Zimbabwe for at least ten years, whether before or after the effective date, and who satisfies the conditions prescribed by an Act of Parliament, is entitled, on application, to be registered as a Zimbabwean citizen.
(3) A child who is not a Zimbabwean citizen, but is adopted by a Zimbabwean citizen, whether before or after the effective date, is entitled, on application, to be registered as a Zimbabwean citizen.
Insight: This section establishes pathways to Zimbabwean citizenship through personal connections rather than birth, allowing integration of those with established ties to the country. It recognizes three distinct qualifying relationships: marital (5+ years to a citizen), residential (10+ years of lawful residency), and familial (adoption by a citizen). Note that in all cases, citizenship is not automatic but requires application and meeting additional conditions set by Parliament.