South African Citizenship Law Explained

Understanding how to obtain South African citizenship as a permanent resident or foreigner is crucial to recognising your roots and formalising your status as a South African. As a citizen, you’ll have full voting rights, be able to run for office, own property without restrictions, and access government services and benefits.

In this post, we’ll outline who qualifies for citizenship, how to become a citizen after permanent residency, the unique rights South African citizenship offers, and why you should trust June Luna Immigration Attorneys to help you apply.

Types of South African Citizenship

There are three types of citizenship in South Africa: citizenship by birth inside South Africa, citizenship by birth or descent outside of South Africa, and citizenship by naturalisation.

What Is South African Citizenship by Birth Inside South Africa?

This citizenship is for people born in South Africa who have at least one South African parent. If a South African permanent resident had their child in South Africa, the child can apply for citizenship upon the age of 18 if they live in South Africa for the majority of their life. If a child in South Africa would otherwise be stateless, they can apply for citizenship by birth.

What Is South African Citizenship by Birth or Descent Outside South Africa?

The rules for citizenship by birth also apply to children born outside of South Africa to a South African parent. To qualify, the birth must be registered at a South African embassy, consulate, or the Department of Home Affairs through a ‘foreign birth registration’. This ensures that citizenship is legally recognised.

Citizenship by birth inside South Africa, citizenship by birth or descent outside of South Africa, and citizenship by naturalisation.

This also applies to children who were adopted by South African parents.

South African Citizenship by Naturalisation

If you’ve held permanent residence for more than five years, you can apply for citizenship by naturalisation. You should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of one of our eleven official languages. There’s also a minimum physical presence mandate, you must be of good character, and you must intend to live here permanently.

The Rights of South African Citizens

All South African citizens have the rights outlined in the South African constitution, which include:

  • Freedom of speech and expression.
  • The right to live and move freely anywhere in South Africa.
  • Freedom of trade, occupation, and profession.
  • The right to join trade unions and go on strike.
  • To not have your property taken from you.
  • The right to healthcare facilities
  • Basic and adult education
  • The right to choose your language and culture
  • Fair detainment and care during detainment
  • Access to court
  • Protection of your human rights

You’ll have access to all of these rights and more as a citizen of South Africa.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

June Luna Immigration Attorneys can help you apply for citizenship and have your application approved, whether that’s citizenship by birth inside or outside of South Africa, descent, or naturalisation.

Our team of experts have helped hundreds of people enjoy South African citizenship and the numerous benefits that come with it. To learn more, contact June Luna Immigration Attorneys today.