Becoming Beninese by recognition
Benin recognises Beninese nationality for Afro-descendants, heirs of those deported during the slave trade. BENINOW informs and guides you — the application itself is filed directly, by you, on the Beninese State's official platform.
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Civil-status records of the applicant and their ancestors, historical documents and archives (registers, censuses, emancipation records), notarized family trees, or a DNA test performed by a laboratory accredited by the Republic of Benin.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
Take the free 3-minute test and identify the proofs of ancestry available in your situation.
Prepare your documents
Follow the official list of required documents — our guides explain each one in plain language.
File your application yourself
Applications are filed online, personally, on the Beninese State's official platform My Afro Origins.
Prepare your return
Memory journeys, discovery, settling in: BENINOW supports you in living your return to Benin.
My Afro Origins — the Beninese State's official portal
Nationality recognition applications are filed exclusively online, personally and without intermediaries, on the Government of Benin's official platform (official processing fee: USD 100, paid directly to the State).
File my application on myafroorigins.bjExternal link to the official website. BENINOW does not file applications on your behalf; the decision rests solely with the Beninese State.
References: law 2024-31; law 2025-11 of 07/01/2025; decree 2025-373 of 07/02/2025. Official platform: myafroorigins.bj.