Can my grandchild get SA citizenship?

Citizenship by descent passes from parent to child only. Your child must first be registered, then they can register their own children.

Is there a time limit to register a birth abroad?

While 30 days is recommended, late registrations are accepted with additional documentation and a R25 fee.

Do I lose SA citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?

Yes, unless you apply for retention before acquiring foreign citizenship. Minors and those with citizenship by descent are exempt.

Can I pass SA citizenship if I acquired it by descent?

Yes, as long as you are an SA citizen at the time of your child's birth.

Citizenship

South African Citizenship by Descent

Children born outside South Africa to at least one South African parent are entitled to South African citizenship by descent. This guide explains how to register your child's birth, obtain SA citizenship, and navigate dual citizenship rules.

Who Qualifies?

You may obtain South African citizenship by descent if:

At least one parent was a South African citizen at the time of your birth
You were born outside South Africa
Your birth has been registered with the South African Department of Home Affairs
You were adopted by a South African citizen and the adoption was finalised

Dual citizenship for children: Children born abroad whose births are registered in South Africa are automatically allowed to maintain dual citizenship. They can hold both South African and foreign citizenship.

How to Register a Birth Abroad

Step 1Complete Form DHA-24 (Notice of Birth)

This form must be completed and signed by the South African parent. If both parents are South African citizens, the father must complete and sign the form.

Complete in black ink only
All sections must be filled in
Available from any SA embassy or high commission

Step 2Gather Required Documents

Original birth certificate from the country of birth (translated into English if necessary by a sworn translator)
South African parent's valid passport and ID (certified copies)
Marriage certificate of parents (if applicable)
Foreign parent's passport (certified copy, if applicable)
If unmarried parents: paternity acknowledgement

Step 3Submit at Your Embassy

Submit the completed DHA-24 form and all supporting documents at your nearest South African embassy or high commission. The application will be forwarded to the DHA in Pretoria for processing.

Deadline: Register within 30 days of birth if possible. Late registration (after 30 days) attracts a fee of R25 and may require additional documentation.

Step 4Receive Birth Certificate & Apply for Passport

Processing takes approximately 4 months. Once finalised, an abridged birth certificate will be mailed to you. You can then apply for:

South African passport for the child
Unabridged birth certificate (full version showing both parents)
South African ID number assignment

Dual Citizenship Rules

Children Born Abroad

Children who acquire South African citizenship by descent are automatically permitted to hold dual (or multiple) citizenship. They do not need to choose between nationalities.

Adults Acquiring Foreign Citizenship

South African citizens who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship as adults must apply to the Minister of Home Affairs to retain their SA citizenship before acquiring the foreign nationality. Failure to do so results in automatic loss of SA citizenship.

Restoring Lost SA Citizenship

If you lost your South African citizenship by acquiring foreign citizenship without prior retention, you may apply to have it restored. The South African Citizenship Act allows former citizens to apply for resumption of citizenship.

Requirements for Restoration

Complete the prescribed application form
Submit at your nearest SA embassy
Provide proof of previous SA citizenship
Provide evidence of foreign citizenship acquisition
Pay the applicable fee
Processing time: 6-12 months or longer

Frequently Asked Questions

SA citizenship by descent only passes from parent to child, not from grandparent to grandchild. Your child must first be registered as a South African citizen. If your child has SA citizenship, they can then register their own children (your grandchildren) for citizenship by descent.

While you should register within 30 days of birth, there is no absolute deadline. Late registrations are accepted but may require additional documentation (such as an affidavit explaining the delay) and a late registration fee of R25. Children of any age can be registered, but earlier is better.

If you voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship as an adult South African citizen, you will automatically lose your SA citizenship unless you apply for and receive permission to retain it before acquiring the foreign nationality. Apply through your nearest SA embassy using the prescribed retention form. Minors and those who acquire citizenship by descent are exempt from this requirement.

Yes, as long as you are a South African citizen (whether by birth, descent, or naturalisation) at the time of your child's birth, your child is eligible for citizenship by descent. Register the birth at your nearest SA embassy.