Eligibility quiz
Was one of your parents a South African citizen when you were born?
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 a Home Affairs office
Find a Department of Home Affairs office in South Africa where you can hand in your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where is a South Africa Department of Home Affairs office near your city for foreign birth registration?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Home Affairs office.
See required documentsPick up the forms
Get the DHA-24 Notice of Birth form and the DHA-529 or BI-529 citizenship determination forms from the Home Affairs office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get South Africa foreign birth registration forms DHA-24 and DHA-529 at a Home Affairs office near your city?”
Fill in the forms
Fill in the forms for yourself or your child and sign where required. Complete a citizenship determination form for the applicant and for each South African parent; if the applicant is aged 1 to 15, also complete the DHA-288 affidavit.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in South Africa foreign birth registration forms DHA-24, DHA-529 and DHA-288?”
Book an appointment
If your Home Affairs office requires an appointment, create an account and book one through the branch appointment system.
Book an appointmentHand in your application
Bring the completed forms and your documents, including originals and copies, to the Home Affairs office. Follow the office’s instructions for any interview or extra checks that apply to you or your child.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Africa foreign birth registration application at a Home Affairs office near your city?”
Wait for your certificate
Wait for Home Affairs to register the birth and issue the South African birth certificate. Respond to any requests for more information; once you have the certificate, you can use it to apply for a South African passport.
Ask about your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I ask South Africa Home Affairs about the status of a foreign birth registration application?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your full birth certificate showing your parents’ details, and birth certificates for your parents and grandparents. Bring the original and a copy of your South African parent’s birth certificate. If you were adopted, add the adoption decision.
Parents' marriage certificate *
Bring your parents’ marriage certificate. Ask the office whether it needs the original and a copy.
* Only if your parents are married.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationProof of paternity *
The office may ask for an acknowledgement of paternity or a DNA test. Follow its instructions on the evidence to submit.
* Only if the office asks for proof of paternity.
Parents' passports *
Bring your South African parent’s original South African passport and a copy of its photo page, if they have one. If a parent is not a South African citizen, bring that parent’s original passport and a copy too.
* Only if your South African parent has a South African passport or a parent is not a South African citizen.
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
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated