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 local council 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 the Oath of Citizenship 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 conscription 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 automatically 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:
- Membership in the Popular Assembly or Senate
- Participate in elections to the Esquarian Parliament
- Live and work indefinitely in Montecara
- Obtain a Montecaran passport
- Enter or leave Montecara at will
Citizens of Montecara have the duty to:
- Serve in civil office or as a lay judge when called upon
- Protect Montecara through military service when called upon
- Obey Montecaran laws
Passport and visas
| Montecaran passport | |
|---|---|
 The front over of a current Montecaran regular passport | |
| Issued by | Secretariat of State |
| Valid in | All countries and territories in Esquarium |
| Type of document | Passport |
| Purpose | Identification |
| Eligibility requirements | Montecaran citizenship |
| Expiration | 10 years if aged 16 or over 5 years if under 16 |
| Cost | Ł250 (first issue) Ł175 (renewal or replacement) |
The standard Montecaran passport has a burgundy cover with the name of the state, the national coat of arms and, as required by EC law, the words "Esquarian Community" in Montecaran.
Information on the data page includes the passport holder's photo, name and date of birth, nationality, and sex, and the passport's number, issuing authority, and dates of issuance and expiration. The passport holder's place of birth is also included; in most cases, this is the name of the relevant country (according to modern borders), but there are some exceptions. For people born in the Luziycan-controlled portion of Nantai, also referred to as the Republic of Nantai, the place of birth is recorded as NANTAI. For those born in Namorese-controlled Nantai, also known as Nantai Prefecture, the place of birth is recorded as NAMOR.
External territories are also treated separately from their parent country. For instance, the Aininian territory of the Charline Islands is recorded as ISOLE CARLO.
People born in Hyporia have their place of birth listed as IPORIA. Those born in international waters or skies have their place of birth recorded as ALTA MARE ("high seas") or I ÇIELI ("the skies"), respectively.
Visas
Montecaran citizens have freedom of movement in all members of the Esquarian Community and visa-free access to Namor for visits of up to 90 days at a time.
Travelers who do not enjoy freedom of movement or qualify for a visa waiver must apply for a visa at a Montecaran diplomatic mission abroad. The fee for a visa application varies from Ł250 to Ł7,500 depending on the type applied for.
Visa-waiver
Citizens of Montecara and all other EC Member States have access to Montecara for all purposes as of right. No visas are required or issued. In accordance with EC visa policy, the following nationalities are eligible for a visa waiver if otherwise admissible:
Namor: Visa-free access for 90 days in any 180-day period
Visa categories
| Code | Visa type | Entries | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Short-stay | 1 | For tourism, business, or personal visits to Montecara. Valid for 90 days. Not valid for local employment or study. |
| D | Diplomatic | 1/M | Affixed to diplomatic passports only. Issued for diplomatic visits to Montecara. |
| L | Temporary worker | M | For paid employment in Montecara of less than one year's duration. |
| N | Crewmember | M | For airline or ship crews visiting Montecara in the course of their duties. Requires certification. |
| P | Visiting performer | 1/M | For musicians, athletes, etc. performing in Montecara for pay. Withholding tax documents must be filed prior to issue. |
| S | Study | M | For enrollment in a Montecaran school or university. |
| T | Transit | 1/M | For airside/shipside transit through Montecara. Disembarkation not permitted. |
| U | Humanitarian | 1/M | Issued for humanitarian reasons, e.g. medical treatment in Montecara, visiting a dying family member, etc. |