Citizenship and Immigration Services is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications and establishing policies regarding immigration services.
Citizenship Services In South Africa
Since our inception we have focussed on a holistic approach to South African citizenship law, from its development in 1949, and through its major transformations in 1995 and 2013.
We have built considerable expertise over the past 20 years in all aspects of citizenship to bring unique insights and solutions to both foreigners and South African permanent residents, citizens and former citizens.
Advising on all aspects of the South African Citizenship Act of 1995 and on allied statutes, including the repealed South African Citizenship Act of 1949, and the Attainment of Independence by Namibia Regulation Act of1990, their amendments, their regulations, and case law
Advising on and preparing the following citizenship applications:
Naturalization
Descent
Citizenship retention and exemption applications
Citizenship resumption applications
Determination of citizenship applications
Advising on and preparing administrative reviews and appeals and in relation to litigation on issues of citizenship status, and in cases of fraud and misrepresentation cases
South Africa Immigration Services – South African Citizenship
How to get Citizenship in South Africa
Achieving South African citizenship, when immigrating to South Africa, is often a ‘three step’ process. An immigrant cannot simply apply for citizenship straight away but must first hold permanent residency. As permanent residency can take up to 30 months (in some cases longer) to achieve, immigrants mainly first apply for temporary residency, whilst waiting for their permanent residency to be approved.
For more information on temporary residency please click here
For more information on permanent residency please click here
Once permanent residency is approved the following criteria will apply:
For people who are citizens of another country but want South African citizenship she or he can apply to the Minister of Home Affairs for citizenship.
These are the conditions that the person must fulfil:
Must be over the age of 21
Must have a permanent residence permit to live in South Africa
Must have lived in South Africa with that permit for at least 5 years before applying for citizenship, and one of those years must have been the year before making the application. The other 4 years must have been within the 8 years before making the application. This 5 year period can be shortened to 2 years if the person is the wife or husband of a South African citizen.
Must be able to communicate in one of our official languages
Must be of good character
How long does it take to get a citizenship in South Africa?
Unless you are born in South Africa or have South African parents, you can apply for South African citizenship after holding a permanent residence permit for five years, by marrying a South African citizen or by being a minor with a permanent residence visa.
Can you buy South African citizenship?
You can acquire South African citizenship in 3 ways; by birth, descent and naturalization. The South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act 88 of 1995) was amended by the South African Citizenship Amendment Act, 2010 (Act No. It brought in updated requirements for applications around Citizenship.
How much do you need to invest in South Africa to get citizenship?
Applicants must prove a net worth of ZAR12 million (approximately USD700,000) in cash. Applicants will be required to pay a fee of ZAR120,000 (approximately USD7,000) to the Department of Home Affairs before the application is finalized.
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.
Which countries allow dual citizenship with South Africa?
If you obtain your South African citizenship through this method, you will gain full residency rights. You will be given a new ID number and your voting rights will not be reinstated. Most countries allow dual nationality. Andorra, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Botswana.