25 Jun South African Citizenship: Resumption of Citizenship

A loss of citizenship equates to the loss of rights, privileges, and benefits reserved for citizens of a country. According to Section 20 of the South African Constitution, no South African citizen may be deprived of their citizenship. Section 20 is meant to protect against the loss of citizenship and prevent citizens from being stateless.

There are various ways in which one can lose their South African citizenship, one way is by taking up a foreign citizenship without retaining their South African citizenship. If you do not retain your South African citizenship, you will lose it. However, you will be given South African permanent residency, which can be confirmed by doing a determination of citizenship application.

There are three different ways to acquire South African citizenship. By birth, descent, and naturalisation. If you are a former South African citizen by birth or descent and have returned to South Africa and plan to live permanently in the country, you can apply for a resumption of citizenship. If you are a former citizen by naturalisation, you will have to reapply for a permanent residency visa or apply for an exemption before applying for resumption.

Citizenship By Birth

Previously, citizenship by birth referred to anyone born in South Africa who had at least one parent who was a South African citizen or a South African permanent residence holder at the time of their birth.

This stance has now slightly changed. The South African Citizenship Act of 1995 was amended by the South African Citizenship Amendment Act of 2010, and it brought about updated requirements around citizenship. Currently, any child born in South Africa to permanent residence holders is no longer an automatic citizen by birth. However, any child born and raised in South Africa qualifies for naturalisation on their 18th birthday.

How To Apply For Resumption of South African Citizenship

You will need to complete two forms, the DHA-175 and the DHA-52, followed by the completion of an identity document form, the DHA-9. Two identity document photographs are required; these must meet the correct specifications required for the ID photograph.

You will need to prove that you live in South Africa and have done so for 12 consecutive months. You can do this by providing both an original and a copy of a municipal account. If you are married, you will need to submit a marriage certificate. You can complete this process at your nearest Home Affairs office. There is a prescribed fee that is required for this application, which can be paid in cash at the time of submission.

If you have lost your South African citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country before October 6, 1995, you may apply for an exemption from loss. The documentation you will need to complete is the DHA-1666 and DHA-529 forms.

For more information on the resumption of citizenship, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

With almost a decade of experience successfully handling thousands of immigration-related applications, June Luna Immigration Attorneys is well-equipped to help you navigate the intricacies of the Department of Home Affairs’s applications.

With our team of legal specialists, we offer guidance and practical steps to ensure a seamless application process. For more information, contact us today.