How long does retention take?

Processing takes 6-12 months, sometimes longer. Requires ministerial approval.

Can I use my SA passport while waiting?

Yes, you remain a full SA citizen until you actually acquire foreign citizenship.

What if my application is refused?

You can keep SA citizenship and not naturalise, or proceed and lose SA citizenship with the option to apply for restoration later.

Citizenship

Retaining South African Citizenship

If you are a South African citizen planning to acquire foreign citizenship, you must apply to retain your SA citizenship before the foreign naturalisation. Failure to do so results in automatic loss of your South African citizenship under the SA Citizenship Act.

Critical warning: You will automatically lose your South African citizenship the moment you voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship -- unless you have prior written permission from the Minister of Home Affairs to retain it. Apply early.

The Law

Under Section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act (Act 88 of 1995, as amended), a South African citizen who acquires the citizenship of another country by a voluntary and formal act shall lose their SA citizenship -- unless they have been granted written permission to retain it prior to acquiring the foreign citizenship.

Who Needs to Apply?

Must Apply

SA citizens becoming citizens of another country (naturalisation)
SA citizens marrying a foreigner and acquiring spouse's citizenship
SA citizens registering for citizenship in another country

Exempt

Children who acquire SA citizenship by descent (automatic dual)
SA citizens who acquired foreign citizenship at birth (born abroad to SA parents)
Minors whose parents naturalise abroad on their behalf

How to Apply

1Complete the Application Form

Obtain the prescribed retention form from your nearest SA embassy. Complete in black ink.

2Gather Documents

Certified copy of SA passport and ID
Proof of the foreign citizenship application (letter from foreign immigration)
Motivation letter explaining why you wish to retain SA citizenship
Proof of residence abroad
Payment of applicable fee

3Submit at Embassy

Submit all documents at your nearest SA embassy or high commission. The application is forwarded to the Minister of Home Affairs.

4Wait for Ministerial Decision

Processing can take 6-12 months or longer. You will receive a letter of approval or refusal. Do not acquire foreign citizenship until you have the retention letter.

Lost Your Citizenship Already?

If you already acquired foreign citizenship without first obtaining retention permission, your SA citizenship was automatically lost. However, you may apply for resumption (restoration) of citizenship. See our citizenship guide for the restoration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processing typically takes 6-12 months, sometimes longer. Applications go through the DHA and require ministerial approval. Start the process as early as possible before your planned foreign naturalisation date.

Yes, while your retention application is being processed, you remain a full SA citizen and can use your SA passport. Your citizenship is only affected when you actually acquire the foreign citizenship.

If refused, you face a choice: keep your SA citizenship and do not naturalise abroad, or proceed with foreign naturalisation and lose your SA citizenship (with the option to apply for restoration later). You can appeal the decision or reapply with a stronger motivation.