Recognition of a child born out of wedlock

• There is no provision for a matre recognition under Malagasy legislation;

• Recognition of paternity is carried out by the father himself or by his proxy furnished with an authentic or authenticated special power of attorney designating individually the child to be recognised;

• It is preferable that the parties concerned (father and child) both be Malagasy nationals

Change of name

• The declaration may only be accepted on production by the party concerned of a birth certificate or supplementary ruling and in the presence of five witnesses of legal age;

• Only one name change may be made after reaching legal age

Declaration with a view to acquiring Malagasy nationality undertaken by a foreign woman about to marry a Malagasy national

• It must be undertaken before the marriage is conducted by the local registrar

• Two copies must be sent for registration to the Ministry of Justice in Antananarivo

• A copy of the marriage certificate must be attached to the declaration