Section Two: Citizenship
Article 39: Venezuelans who are not subject to political disablement or civil interdiction, and meet the age requirements provided for
in this Constitution, can exercise citizenship and therefore are entitled
to political rights and duties in accordance to this Constitution.
Article 40: Political rights are reserved to those who are
Venezuelans, with the exceptions established in this Constitution.
Naturalized Venezuelans who have entered the country prior to reaching the age of seven years and have resided permanently in Venezuela until reaching legal age shall enjoy the same rights as Venezuelans by birth.
Article 41: Only Venezuelans by birth who have no other nationality shall be permitted to hold the offices of President of the
Republic, Executive Vice President, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of
the National Assembly, Justices of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice,
Chairman of the National Board of Elections, Attorney General of the
Republic, Comptroller General of the Republic, General Prosecutor of
the Republic, People Defender, Ministers with responsibilities relating to national security, finance, energy and mining or education;
Governors and Mayors of border States and Municipalities and those
contemplated under the Organic Law on the National Armed Forces.
In order to hold the position of member of the National Assembly, Minister or Governors and Mayors of non-border States and Municipalities, naturalized Venezuelans must be domiciled in Venezuela with at least fifteen years of permanent residence, as well as meeting the capability requirements provided for by law.
Article 42: Anyone who loses or renounces to nationality loses citizenship. The exercise of citizenship or any political rights can be suspended only by final judicial decision in the cases provided by law.
