South African Citizenship
Understanding South African citizenship: types of citizenship, dual citizenship restrictions, retention requirements, and how to apply. The South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (as amended) governs all citizenship matters.
Types of South African Citizenship
Citizenship by Birth
You are a South African citizen by birth if you were born in South Africa and at least one parent was a SA citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth. Children born in SA to foreign parents may qualify if they have lived in SA continuously until turning 18.
Citizenship by Descent
Children born outside South Africa to at least one SA citizen parent are entitled to citizenship by descent. The birth must be registered with the DHA (see our birth registration guide). This citizenship is acquired automatically but must be registered.
Citizenship by Naturalisation
Foreign nationals can apply for SA citizenship after holding permanent residence for 5 years (reduced to 2 years if married to a SA citizen). Requirements include: good character, ability to communicate in one of the 11 official languages, knowledge of rights and obligations, and intention to reside in SA.
Dual Citizenship - Critical Rules
Warning: You Can Lose Your SA Citizenship
Under Section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act, a South African citizen who acquires the citizenship of another country by a voluntary and formal act (other than marriage) automatically loses their South African citizenship unless they have obtained prior permission (retention) from the Minister of Home Affairs.
Citizens by Birth or Descent
If you are a SA citizen by birth or descent, you must apply for retention of your SA citizenship BEFORE acquiring any foreign citizenship. Apply using Form BI-1664 submitted to the DHA through a South African embassy. Processing takes 6-18 months, so plan well in advance. If you take foreign citizenship without prior retention approval, you lose your SA citizenship automatically.
Citizens by Naturalisation
If you are a SA citizen by naturalisation, you automatically lose your SA citizenship upon acquiring any other nationality. There is no retention option for naturalised citizens. You would need to re-apply through the formal naturalisation process if you wish to regain SA citizenship.
Resumption of Citizenship
If you lost your South African citizenship (either voluntarily or by acquiring foreign citizenship without retention), you may apply for resumption of citizenship under Section 13 of the Citizenship Act. This requires:
- Completed application form
- Proof of former SA citizenship
- Police clearance from current country of residence
- Proof of the foreign citizenship (if applicable)
- Payment of applicable fees
Resumption is not automatic and is subject to DHA approval. Processing can take 12-24 months.
Renunciation of Citizenship
South African citizens who wish to formally renounce their citizenship can do so by submitting a declaration using Form BI-1665 to the Minister of Home Affairs. You must already hold citizenship of another country, as SA will not allow you to become stateless.