You can acquire South African citizenship in 3 ways; by birth, descent and naturalisation.
How much does it cost to become a South African citizen?
Original or notarized copy of a proof of a South African citizenship. Prescribed fee $25.00.
Can a foreigner get a South African ID?
Identity documents are issued to South African citizens or permanent residence permit holders who are 16 years or older. People (including spouses and children) who are working for the South African government or one of its statutory bodies outside of South Africa also qualify to receive South African ID books.
How do I become a South African resident?
You can apply for a permanent residency permit in your country of origin, residence or in South Africa. If you apply in your country of origin or residence, you must do so at a South African embassy or consulate; processing time is around 18 to 24 months.
Is dual citizenship allowed in South Africa?
South Africans are permitted to acquire multiple citizenships, under certain conditions. … Those who are under the age of 18 years are exempt and are not required to apply for dual citizenship, as long as they acquire the foreign citizenship before their 18th birthday.
Is Home Affairs open during lockdown?
Home Affairs offices will continue opening Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 15:30. We are extending our operating hours to 19:00 to accommodate people who need to register deaths and births up to 15 February 2021. … Nobody will be allowed to enter any Home Affairs office without a mask.
Can a South African marry a foreigner?
The simple answer is ‘no’. When it comes to foreigners getting married in South Africa, no waiting period is required. You can literally get married on the day that you arrive.
What happens when a South African marries a foreigner?
As a foreigner married to a South African, it negates the need for work permits or business permits to be applied for. … Spousal Permit – For those who obtain a spousal permit, they now hold permanent residency. Permanent residency means the individual is free to work, study or run/own a business.
What documents are needed to marry a foreigner in South Africa?
If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)
Is a child born in South Africa automatically a citizen?
You automatically qualify for South African citizenship if: you are born in South Africa and at least one of your parents is a South African citizen or a SA permanent residency permit holder. if you are adopted by a South African citizen.
How long do you have to live in South Africa to become a citizen?
Applications for naturalisation may only be received by the office if the applicant has been on a Permanent Residence Permit for a period of five (5) years from the date of obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) in the Republic of South Africa.
Can a permanent resident get a South African passport?
As a permanent resident, you have most of the rights and responsibilities of a South African citizen. You will not be able to obtain a South African passport nor be able to vote in South African government elections. … After receiving your permanent residence certificate, you are obliged to apply for a SA Identity Card.
Can I get citizenship through my child in South Africa?
A child born outside South Africa and of which at least one of the parents was a South African citizen at the time of the child’s birth has a claim to South African citizenship by descent. The child’s birth must, however, be registered in South Africa for the child to acquire South African citizenship.
Who qualifies for South African citizenship?
Citizenship by naturalisation
You can apply for South African citizenship through naturalisation if you have held a permanent residence permit for at least 5 years if you have married a South African, or you are a minor under 21 years with a permanent residence.
Who is eligible for dual citizenship?
A person in the United States may acquire dual citizenship in one of several ways, including: Being born in the United States to immigrant parents. Being born outside the United States to one parent who is a U.S. citizen, and another parent who is a citizen of another country.
Can you have citizenship in 2 different countries?
Dual citizenship or nationality means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. The U.S. allows (but does not encourage) dual citizenship. … Each country has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy. The dual nationality may be automatic by law.