South African Citizenship

South African Citizenship can be obtained through birth, descent, or naturalisation. Most foreign nationals qualify after 5+ years on permanent residency. Citizenship provides full rights, long-term stability, and the power of a South African passport.

Check Your Eligibility – Free Assessment

South African Citizenship Eligibility at a Glance

Why Apply for South African Citizenship?

• Full rights: Vote, work, and live without restrictions
• Passport: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 100+ countries
• Family security: In some cases, citizenship extends to spouse/children
• Stability: No renewals, no visa uncertainty
• Recognition: Become part of South Africa’s national community

Secure your family’s future, your rights, and global mobility with a South African passport.

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South African Citizenship Requirements (2025)

By Birth

• One parent must have been a South African citizen at the time of birth.

By Descent

• Applies if adopted by a South African citizen.

Naturalisation

• Hold permanent residency for 5+ years
• Of good character
• Must reside in South Africa and intend to remain
• Cannot have left SA for more than 90 days per year during the 5 years before applying
• Must understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• Must show basic knowledge of an official language

South African Citizenship Application Process – Step by Step

1. Confirm Eligibility – by birth, descent, or naturalisation
2. Gather Documents – birth/marriage certificates, PR permit, police clearances
3. Submit Application – to the Department of Home Affairs
4. Pay Fees – DHA application fees apply
5. Adjudication – timelines vary (often 1–2 years due to backlogs)
6. Approval & Ceremony – naturalisation certificate and citizenship granted

Once approved, you can apply for a South African passport.

Costs of a South African Citizenship Application

• Government Fee: DHA application charges apply (varies by category)
• Professional Support (optional): Immigration/legal assistance fees
• Translations & Document Prep: May be needed depending on your country of origin

Budget not just for fees, but also for the time and complexity of the application process.

Citizenship by Naturalisation vs Permanent Residency

Loss or Renunciation of Citizenship

• Loss by Naturalisation Abroad: If you acquire another country’s citizenship without prior retention approval from South Africa, you may automatically lose SA citizenship.
• Fraudulent Applications: Citizenship can be revoked if obtained through false information.
• Voluntary Renunciation: You may formally renounce if required by another country’s laws.

Always apply for “retention of South African citizenship” before taking up another nationality.

Citizenship for Children Born Abroad

Children born outside South Africa to at least one South African parent may qualify for citizenship by descent, provided the birth is registered at a South African mission abroad.

Registering births promptly is essential to secure rights of citizenship for children born overseas.

Take the final step in your South African journey.

Citizenship secures your future and gives you full rights as a South African national. Our team has guided thousands through this process — from permanent residency to naturalisation.

Book Your Free Assessment Today