Eligibility quiz
Were you born in South Africa?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
South African passport
Every South African citizen has the right to a South African passport for international travel.
An adult passport is valid for 10 years, and a child’s for 5 years.
Passports cannot be extended, so holders must apply for a new one when theirs expires.
Live in South Africa for life
South African citizens have the right to enter, stay and live anywhere in South Africa.
Citizenship does not expire or need to be renewed or converted into permanent residence.
Study in South Africa
South African citizens can study in South Africa without an immigration visa or study permit.
The usual rules for schools and universities still apply.
Work in South Africa
South African citizens can work in South Africa without an immigration visa or work permit.
The usual rules for particular jobs and professions still apply.
Sponsor your immediate family
In South Africa, your immediate family members may receive a temporary relative’s visa if they meet the requirements.
You normally need to show you can support each person with R8,500 per month, except where the sponsor is a dependent child.
The visa is issued for a prescribed period of up to 24 months at a time and does not itself allow the holder to work.
A spouse’s permit ends if the relationship ends.
Get help abroad
South African citizens can receive consular help abroad, including advice and emergency humanitarian or practical help.
A South African mission can help in a crisis, with hospital or death communications, and with replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or expired South African passport or identity document.
Help is generally not financial and does not guarantee evacuation, payment of debts or legal representation.
Vote in elections
South African citizens can vote from age 18 in national and provincial elections if they register and meet the election rules.
Citizens abroad can vote in a national election at an accredited South African mission, but not in provincial or municipal elections.
Voting abroad requires registration, the required South African identity document and completion of the election procedures.
Use public healthcare
Everyone in South Africa has a right to access healthcare, and no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.
Access depends on available resources and does not guarantee free services in every case.
Access social support
Everyone in South Africa has rights to access sufficient food and water and social security, including suitable help if they cannot support themselves and their dependants.
These rights depend on available resources.
Citizenship alone does not guarantee a payment: social grants have separate eligibility and financial tests.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Home Affairs office that serves the area where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African Home Affairs office near your city handles citizenship by birth applications?”
Get the application form
Get the relevant citizenship form from your Home Affairs office or its forms service. The form you need depends on the service the office provides.
Find the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get the South African citizenship by birth application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the form as Home Affairs instructs. If you are applying for your child, follow the office’s instructions for completing and signing it.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the South African citizenship by birth application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Home Affairs office.
See required documentsBook an appointment
If your office requires an appointment for this service, book one through the Home Affairs Branch Appointment Booking System where the office and service are listed.
Book an appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a South African Home Affairs appointment for citizenship by birth?”
Hand in your application
Bring your completed form, original documents and copies to your Home Affairs office, or submit them as the office instructs. Give your fingerprints or other identifying details if asked, pay any required fee as directed, and keep your receipt or reference.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South African citizenship by birth application at the Home Affairs office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for Home Affairs to contact you and provide any further information it asks for.
See how longSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a South African citizenship by birth determination take at Home Affairs?”
Collect your outcome
When Home Affairs notifies you, collect your outcome or document as instructed. It records the result of your citizenship request.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my South African citizenship by birth determination from the Home Affairs office in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your South African birth certificate, with a copy. If you are applying through a South African parent, also bring their birth certificate and a copy.
Parents' residence records *
Bring proof that each parent had been admitted for permanent residence in South Africa when you were born. Bring the originals and copies.
* Only if you are applying through parents with permanent residence.
Parent's citizenship records *
Bring your South African parent’s original South African ID, passport and birth certificate, with copies. The records should show that your parent was a South African citizen when you were born.
* Only if you are applying through a South African parent.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship can be lost
Citizenship can end if a person formally gives it up, or can be taken away in cases including fraudulent acquisition.
A person with another citizenship can lose South African citizenship by serving in another country’s armed forces while that country is at war with South Africa.
In certain circumstances, a child born outside South Africa may be affected if their responsible parent loses South African citizenship.
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 and Immigration Forum
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth Africa Visa & Permit 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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