South Africa, located on the southernmost African continent, has attracted many visitors due to its remarkable natural beauty, diverse culture, rich history, fertile land, and abundant mineral resources. However, for those who are closely connected to South Africans by blood, marriage or immigration, becoming a South African citizen is far more beneficial than enjoying an exciting exotic trip.
In this passage, we are going to explore how to get South African citizenship by marriage, birth, descent and naturalisation, including eligibility, requirements, documentation, cost, and processing time.
Benefits of South African Citizenship
South Africa has made great efforts to improve healthcare, education, economy, etc. Although residents or visitors with certain visas can also work and live in South Africa, they are not part of the melting pot nation. Being a South African citizen not only means you acknowledge this country’s culture, history, and policies but also allows you to enjoy the following benefits.
Rights to Vote
South African citizens can participate in democratic processes by voting in local and national elections. Therefore, you can make a contribution to the development of the country.
Access to Healthcare
As a basic livelihood issue, healthcare is quite essential in improving people’s quality of life. South African citizens can enjoy the public healthcare system with subsidies. In this case, you don’t have to pay high medical costs.
Education Opportunities
South African citizens have the privilege to receive public schools, educational subsidies, etc. Tuition fees for higher education are lower for citizens. Therefore, you or your child can continue academic and professional development.
Public Services
South African citizens are qualified for a variety of social welfare programs, such as financial assistance, housing allowance, food relief, etc. It guarantees a basic standard of living during hard times.
Job Opportunities
South African citizens are more competitive than short-term residents because of their long-term commitment to the country. Moreover, with citizenship of South Africa, you will not be restricted in fields or positions, thus easier to develop a lifelong career.
Global Mobility
South African citizens can apply for a South African passport and enjoy visa-free procedures or simplified visa procedures while traveling to Singapore, Thailand, Ireland, Zimbabwe, etc. If you are fond of exploring the world or traveling frequently, it will be quite helpful.
Sense of Belonging
Besides the civil privileges and rights, citizenship helps to cultivate a sense of belonging. It means You are a member of your society and you are closely connected with this country both physically and psychologically.
Requirement for Citizenship of South African
According to the South African government, individuals can obtain South African citizenship if they:
- are born to or adopted by a South African citizen (by descent).
- are born in South Africa (by birth).
- have held a South African permanent residency permit for at least 5 years (by naturalisation).
South African Citizenship by Descent
Applying for citizenship of South Africa by descent applies to the following persons.
individuals born outside SA and whose parent(s) is a South African citizen at the time of birth registration.
- individuals born outside SA and adopted by a South African citizen at the time of birth registration.
- individuals born in Namibia on or after March 21, 1990, and whose parent(s) is a South African citizen at the time of birth registration.
- children adopted by a South African citizen who enters the SA for permanent residency when the child is underage and registers the child’s birth within a year after receiving the certificate of resumption of citizenship.
Applicants must show the following required documents.
- Form DHA-24 to register birth
- Form BI-24 with both parents’ signatures (required for unmarried parents at the time of your birth)
- Forms DHA-529 as determination of citizenship status
- birth certificate (original or notarized copy)
- valid passport of both the applicant and parents (original copy)
- proof of South African citizenship of the parent, such as Birth certificate, ID card, or passport (original or notarized copy)
- marriage certificate of parents (if applicable)
- proof of payment
- letter of consent from the non-South African parent
- Adoption order (if applicable)
South African Citizenship by Birth
This is the easiest and fastest way to obtain SA citizenship. Anyone who is born in South Africa is automatically recognized as a South Africa citizen despite their parents’ nationality. A birth certificate is required to prove your birth in South Africa.
South African Citizenship by Naturalisation
It requires foreign nationals to legally reside in SA for at least five years before applying to be a citizen. Additionally, applicants must prove they have good character. Last but not least, it is also mandatory to master one of South Africa’s official languages, such as English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, Sesotho, Xitsonga, or siSwati. Please note that the naturalizations application should be submitted along with the following supporting documents.
- Application Form DHA-63
- a valid permanent residency permit
- marriage certificate (if applicable)
- passport and visa or other traveling documentation of applicants
- language test results
- knowledge test results (if applicable)
- evidence of no criminal convictions during residency, such as a police clearance certificate.
- proof of payment
South African Citizenship by Marriage
Marrying a South African citizen does not guarantee that you are automatically granted citizenship, but it allows you to get a special permit and visa to reside in the country. After two years of residency, you are eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation. Moreover, you also need to show the documentation and evidence listed below.
- application form
- a valid permanent residency permit
- marriage certificate (if applicable)
- passport and visa or other traveling documentation of applicants
- language test results
- knowledge test results (if applicable)
- evidence of no criminal convictions during residency, such as a police clearance certificate.
- proof of payment
How To Get South African Citizenship
South African citizenship application involves the following few steps.
● Decide your eligibility.
According to the requirements we stated before, you have to verify the pathway you are qualified for, including by birth, descent or naturalization, which determines what supporting documents you should prepare.
● Fill out the application form
It is used to gather your personal information, particulars of residency, parent’s details, etc. According to your application pathways, you need to complete different forms which can be obtained at the Department of Home Affairs office.
● Fulfill payment
The application fee costs ZAR 1,330 (about USD 73). There might be extra costs for language and knowledge tests, legal advice, biometric data collection, etc.
● Submit application
The application form and supporting documents should be handed in to the South African embassy or consulate, or the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. To find a nearest DHA office, please go to DHA website and pull down to find the “DHA Office Locator” button.
● Submit biometrics
The authority might require you to attend an interview and provide fingerprints and biometric data, which aims to verify your identity and intention of residing in South Africa.
● Wait for approval
It takes a few months to process your application. Once approved, you need to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will take an oath and receive your citizenship certificate.
Dual Citizenship
Individuals with dual citizenship or second citizenship can enjoy benefits of both countries. They are eligible to obtain two passports, providing enhanced freedom to travel internationally, consular protection, and broader financial opportunities.
Dual citizenship is recognized in South Africa. That is to say, you can retain citizenship of another country while requesting South African citizenship as long as the other country also recognizes second citizenship.
FAQs
Q: If I marry a South African do I get citizenship?
A: No. You can’t gain South African citizenship by marriage automatically and you still need to apply for it by naturalisation. The good news is that the requirement for permanent residency period is shortened from 5 years to 2 years.
Q: Does South Africa recognize dual citizenship?
A: Yes. You can retain citizenship of another country while requesting South African citizenship as long as the other country also recognizes second citizenship.
Q: I was born outside South Africa and only one of my parents is a South African citizen. Can I obtain citizenship of South Africa by descent?
A: Yes. Your parents don’t need to be both South Africans.
Q: How long does it take to get citizenship of South African?
A: It depends on which way you apply through. You have to wait until your permanent residency permit lasts 5 years or 2 years after marriage unless you are born in South Africa or born to a South African citizen or South African permanent resident. The processing time for South African citizenship application might take several months.
Q: If I obtained citizenship of South Africa by descent, can my child be a South African citizen by descent, too?
A: Yes, as long as you retain the citizenship at the time of application.
Q: Do I need to apply for permanent residence if my parent is a South African national?
A: No. Children of South Africans automatically qualify for South African citizenship.
Q: Is there any age restriction to acquire South African citizenship by descent?
A: No, as long as you can show proof of lineage or being born in South Africa.
Summary
South African citizen has the right to vote, enjoy healthcare and educational benefits, access public service and more job opportunities. When it comes to South African citizenship application, requirements vary due to the pathways, including by descent, by birth and by naturalisation. The first two pathway is the most straightforward way while the latter one requires applicants to legally reside in the country for a certain period. If you come from a country that also recognizes dual citizenship, you can obtain citizenship of South African and enjoy more civil benefits. As it takes a few months to be approved, please submit the application as soon as possible once you are eligible.
Erin Lo