Montecaran nationality law
Montecaran citizenship is the status of being a citizen of Montecara. It can be obtained by either birth or naturalization. It is based on the following principles:
- Jus sanguinis
- Sole allegiance (i.e. no multiple citizenship)
- Citizenship as a set of duties as well as rights
Acquisition of citizenship
By birth
Anyone who is born to a parent who is a Montecaran citizen is a Montecaran citizen by right. This is considered prima facie if the child is the offspring either of a married couple where at least one parent is Montecaran, or of a single Montecaran woman. In cases where Montecaran citizenship would issue through an unmarried Montecaran father, a paternity test is required. Foreign children adopted by Montecarans become citizens when the adoption is finalized. Foundlings in Montecaran territory are considered Montecaran citizens until a parent is discovered.
The birth or adoption must be registered with the Secretariat of Social Protection or, if abroad, a Montecaran consul.
By naturalization
Acquiring Montecaran citizenship is a lengthy and arduous process. Applicants generally must first acquire permanent resident status and live in Montecara for at least sixteen years while adhering to the terms of their residency agreement. (Time spent living in Montecara while a minor counts double.) Once these requirements are met, the commune must favorably approve the application, which is then placed on the ballot for approval by the entire citizenry in keeping with Montecara's constitution. If the vote is in favor, the aspiring citizen will attend a naturalization ceremony before the Colegio where he or she will take an oath and receive a certificate of naturalization.
In order for an application to be successful, the permanent resident must:
- Speak fluent Montecaran,
- Assimilate into Montecaran society and the local community,
- Obey Montecaran law,
- If under the age of 30, fulfill national service requirements.
Because the conditions for naturalization are so difficult to meet, fewer than 50 new Montecaran citizens are naturalized in a typical year.
Loss of citizenship
Montecaran citizenship may be lost immediately by performing certain actions, including:
- Intentionally acquiring the citizenship of another country
- Becoming a member of a royal or noble house
- Serving in the military of a foreign country
- Serving in civil office in a foreign country
- Being adopted by foreign parents
Montecarans may voluntarily renounce their citizenship only before a consul abroad, and any renunciation will be accepted only if another citizenship has been acquired in order to prevent statelessness.
Rights and duties of citizens
Citizens of Montecara have the right to:
- Participate in politics, including by membership in the Popular Assembly or Senate
- Live and work indefinitely in Montecara
- Obtain a Montecaran passport
- Enter or leave Montecara at will
- Own real property in Montecara
Citizens of Montecara have the duty to:
- Serve in civil office or as a lay judge when called upon
- Protect Montecara through military service or essential service under civil direction when called upon
- Obey all Montecaran laws
- Pay all applicable taxes and excises