Eligibility quiz
Has a parent who is now a South African citizen legally adopted you?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Live in South Africa for life
You can live in South Africa indefinitely, as long as your status does not lapse or get withdrawn.
Study in South Africa
You can study without a study visa.
You can also use public education on the same legal basis as others who are entitled to it.
Work in South Africa
You can work without a work visa, though rules such as professional licensing still apply.
Use a travel document
You may qualify for a South African travel document if you prove permanent residence and your country confirms it cannot issue you a passport.
Use public healthcare
You can use public healthcare on the same legal basis as others who are entitled to it, though fees may apply.
No one may be refused emergency medical treatment.
Receive social grants
You can qualify for social grants, including older-person and disability grants, if you meet the relevant age, residence, disability, income and other conditions.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Home Affairs regional office that serves the place where you and your child live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African Home Affairs regional office serves your city for permanent residence for a child applications?”
Download the application form
Download Form BI-947 for your child's application.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the form in English for your child without handwriting it. Both parents must sign it.
Get form filling helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do parents complete and sign South Africa's permanent residence for a child application form BI-947?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your child's application to the regional office.
See required documentsArrange an interview
Contact the regional office to arrange your child's interview. If the office requires an online booking, register or sign in to book it.
Book an appointmentGo to the interview
Take your child, the completed form and supporting documents to the regional office, and pay the fee using the method the office gives you. Your child gives biometrics if required, and you should keep copies of the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for permanent residence for a child at South African Home Affairs in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Keep your child's temporary permission to stay valid while you wait, and respond to any requests from Home Affairs. You can ask about the application or track its status.
Track the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track a South Africa permanent residence for a child application?”
Apply for residence confirmation
Once your child turns 21, they must apply for confirmation of their permanent residence within two years or their permit will lapse. Confirmation lets them keep their permanent residence.
Find confirmation instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a child apply for confirmation of permanent residence after turning 21 in South Africa?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide your full birth certificate or an extract from your birth record. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Adoption certificate
Provide your legal adoption certificate to show that you were adopted by your South African parent. It can also show a name change resulting from the adoption.
Parent's citizenship records
Provide proof that your adoptive parent is a South African citizen. Ask the receiving office which documents it accepts.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Residence can be lost
Your status lapses unless you apply for confirmation within 2 years after turning 18.
It may be withdrawn for breaking permit conditions, certain convictions, or not moving to South Africa within 1 year of issue.
Over 3 years abroad risks withdrawal, with exemptions and exceptions for some state, employer, international-organisation and family absences; an extension can be sought beforehand for good cause.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Visas and permits sa
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa Applications - Help
English Facebook group for people interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa and Immigration Forum
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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