Becoming Beninese by recognition
Benin officially grants its nationality to Afro-descendants, heirs of those deported through the slave trade. BENINOW supports you at every step, from eligibility to your return.
A right now written into law
Law 2024-31 on the recognition of Beninese nationality for Afro-descendants, amended by law 2025-11 of July 1, 2025 and detailed by decree 2025-373 of July 2, 2025, allows anyone who can prove sub-Saharan ancestry linked to the slave trade to apply for Beninese nationality through the official My Afro Origins platform.
Two phases to full nationality
First, nationality-by-recognition status, which grants most civil rights. Then, after a period of integration and residence, full nationality with all attached rights.
Accepted evidence
Civil-status records of the applicant and their ancestors, historical documents and archives (registers, censuses, emancipation records), notarized family trees, or a DNA test performed by a laboratory accredited by the Republic of Benin.
A typical file includes
- Proof of Afro-descendant status (documents or accredited DNA test)
- Criminal-record extract less than 3 months old
- Valid ID or birth certificate
- Proof of profession
- Proof of residence
Your journey with BENINOW
Assess your eligibility
We analyze your situation and identify usable proofs of ancestry.
Build the file
We gather and verify every document for a solid, compliant application.
Submit and follow up
Filing through the official platform and follow-up until the recognition certificate.
Prepare your return
Travel, settling in, local procedures: we stay by your side.
References: law 2024-31; law 2025-11 of 07/01/2025; decree 2025-373 of 07/02/2025. Official platform: myafroorigins.bj.