South African citizenship

Citizenship can be obtained automatically by children born inside South Africa if either parent is a South African national/resident.

Citizenship can be obtained automatically by children born outside South Africa if either parent is a South African national/resident.

Foreign national is eligible for citizenship if he has been lived in South Africa for 5 years.

In case an alien is a spouse of South African national the terms for citizenship application is reduced to 2 years.

For citizenship acquiring by naturalization it is required:

• Reside lawfully in the country for the minimum period of 10 years;
• Provide government officials with all required information about applicant;
• Submit police clearance certificate and a permission letter for citizenship obtaining from home country;
• Pass proficiency tests on one of official languages of South Africa:
• Go through the ceremony of citizenship granting and appear before a judge who issues the passport of the country (refusal to participate in the ceremony may be a compelling reason for citizenship denial).

Foreign national deprived from South African citizenship for one reason or another can apply for its restoration. Moving to South Africa for permanent residence is a prerequisite.

South Africa recognizes dual citizenship, therefore it is not necessary to renounce citizenship of native country.