Can I hold both South African and British/US/Australian citizenship?

Yes, but only if you applied for and received retention before acquiring the foreign nationality. Dual citizenship acquired by birth or as a minor is automatic.

How long does the retention application take?

Processing times vary, typically 6-24 months. Apply well in advance of your planned naturalisation date.

Do I need to pay tax in both countries?

Potentially yes, but South Africa has DTAs with over 80 countries. Consider formalising non-resident tax status with SARS if permanently emigrated.

Can I renounce my South African citizenship?

Yes. Complete Form DHA-119 at an embassy. You must already hold foreign citizenship. Renunciation is irrevocable.

Citizenship

South African Dual Citizenship

South Africa permits dual citizenship under specific circumstances, but adults who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship risk losing their SA nationality. Understanding the rules is essential before taking citizenship of another country. This guide covers Section 26(b), the retention process, tax implications, and what you need to know.

When Dual Citizenship Is Allowed

Automatically Permitted

Birth: Children born abroad to at least one SA parent (citizenship by descent)
Birth in SA: Children born in South Africa who also acquire foreign citizenship through a parent
Minors: Children under 18 who acquire foreign citizenship through a parent's naturalisation
Marriage: SA citizens who automatically acquire foreign citizenship through marriage (not all countries grant this)

Requires Prior Approval

Voluntary acquisition: Adults who choose to naturalise in another country must apply for retention before acquiring the new citizenship
Section 26(b): This is the legal provision under the SA Citizenship Act that governs voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship
No retrospective approval: If you acquire foreign citizenship without prior permission, you automatically lose SA citizenship

Section 26(b) Retention Process

Under Section 26(b) of the South African Citizenship Act (No. 88 of 1995, as amended), South African citizens who wish to voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship must first obtain permission from the Minister of Home Affairs to retain their SA citizenship.

Step 1Complete Form DHA-1664

Obtain the prescribed application form from your nearest South African embassy or high commission. Complete all sections in black ink. Both the applicant and a commissioner of oaths must sign the form.

Step 2Gather Supporting Documents

Certified copy of your South African passport and/or ID document
Certified copy of your foreign permanent residence or proof of intention to naturalise
Unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents)
Motivation letter explaining why you wish to acquire foreign citizenship while retaining SA citizenship
Proof of payment of the prescribed fee

Step 3Submit at Your Embassy

Lodge the application at your nearest South African embassy or high commission. The embassy will forward it to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. You will receive an acknowledgement receipt.

Step 4Await Ministerial Decision

Processing typically takes 6-24 months. The Minister of Home Affairs will grant or refuse the application. Once approved, you will receive a letter of exemption allowing you to acquire foreign citizenship without losing your SA nationality.

Critical: Do NOT acquire foreign citizenship until you have received written approval. There is no way to reverse automatic loss of citizenship after the fact through the retention process.

Lost Your SA Citizenship? Resumption Process

If you acquired foreign citizenship without prior retention and lost your SA citizenship, you may apply for resumption (restoration) under Section 13 of the Citizenship Act.

Form: DHA-175 (Application for Resumption of South African Citizenship)
Documents: Birth certificate, proof of previous SA citizenship, proof of foreign citizenship, motivation letter
Processing time: 12-24 months or longer
Fee: Prescribed fee payable at the embassy
Note: Approval is not guaranteed and is at the Minister's discretion

Tax Implications (SARS)

South Africa operates a residence-based tax system. Dual citizens must understand their tax obligations to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Status	Tax Obligation	Key Details
Tax resident of SA	Worldwide income taxable	Even if living abroad, if SARS considers you ordinarily resident or you meet the physical presence test, your global income is taxable
Non-resident	SA-source income only	If you have financially emigrated or clearly ceased to be ordinarily resident, only SA-source income (rent, dividends, etc.) is taxable
Foreign employment exemption	Partial exemption up to R1.25 million per year	SA tax residents working abroad for 183+ days in a 12-month period (60+ consecutive days) may qualify for Section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption

Important: Simply holding dual citizenship does not determine your tax status. SARS looks at where you are ordinarily resident, your permanent home, economic ties, and physical presence. Consider formal tax emigration through SARS if you have permanently left South Africa.

Other Implications of Dual Citizenship

Voting Rights

Dual citizens who are 18+ and registered can vote in South African elections from abroad. You must register as a voter at your nearest embassy during registration periods. Only SA citizens (including dual citizens) may vote.

Military Service

South Africa does not have compulsory military service. The SA National Defence Force is an all-volunteer force. Dual citizens are not obligated to serve, but may volunteer. Check your other country's military obligations separately.

Property Ownership

Dual citizens may own property in South Africa without restriction. Non-residents (including dual citizens living abroad) may need to comply with exchange control regulations when transferring funds for property purchases.

Travel on SA Passport

Dual citizens must enter and leave South Africa on their SA passport. You may use your foreign passport for travel to other countries. Always carry both passports when travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only if you applied for and received retention of SA citizenship before acquiring the foreign nationality. If you acquired the foreign citizenship as a minor or by birth, dual citizenship is automatic. South Africa does not prohibit any particular nationality combination.

Processing times vary significantly, typically 6-24 months. Some applicants report waiting longer. Apply well in advance of your planned naturalisation date. You can check the status through your embassy.

If your retention application is refused, you face a choice: remain solely a South African citizen or acquire foreign citizenship and lose your SA nationality. You may reapply with a stronger motivation letter, or seek legal advice from an immigration attorney specialising in SA citizenship law.

Potentially yes, but South Africa has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with over 80 countries to prevent double taxation. If you are tax resident in SA, you may claim foreign tax credits. If you have permanently emigrated, consider formalising your non-resident tax status with SARS. Consult a cross-border tax specialist.

Yes. South African citizens who hold another nationality may renounce SA citizenship by completing Form DHA-119 and submitting it at an embassy. Renunciation is irrevocable. You must already hold foreign citizenship to renounce, as you cannot be left stateless. A prescribed fee applies.

Critical Reminder

Always apply for retention of SA citizenship before acquiring foreign citizenship. There is no retrospective approval. Loss of citizenship is automatic and immediate upon voluntary acquisition without prior permission.