Nationality of South Africa: all obtaining pathways
South Africa requires five years of permanent residence plus four accumulated years within the previous eight for ordinary naturalization, and five years of permanent residence for the marriage-based route. A further route exists for exceptional circumstances, and nationality is transmitted by birth and descent.
1Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis/limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis/limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Children born anywhere with at least one South African parent and the other parent South African or a legal resident
- Persons born in the country who would otherwise be stateless, if they register their birth
- Children born in the territory to legal resident foreigners may naturalize upon reaching the age of majority
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- South African identity document of the father or mother
- Proof of the other parent's legal residence if applicable
2Naturalisation by residence (Act 88/1995 sec 5(1), as substituted by Act 17/2010)
Naturalisation by residence (Act 88/1995 sec 5(1), as substituted by Act 17/2010)
Requirements
- Be of age and have been admitted for PERMANENT residence (permanent residence permit)
- Have been ordinarily resident in the Republic CONTINUOUSLY for at least 5 years immediately preceding the application (sec 5(1)(c))
- Good character (sec 5(1)(d))
- Intention to continue residing in the Republic or serve the Government or an international organisation (sec 5(1)(e))
- Ability to communicate in ONE of the official languages (sec 5(1)(f))
- Adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship (sec 5(1)(g))
- Declaration of allegiance per Schedule 1 (sec 5(6))
- Time in prison or conditional/temporary/unlawful sojourn does NOT count as residence (sec 5(3))
Documentation
- Naturalization application (Form DHA-17)
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport and permanent residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Proof of knowledge of the language
- 2 recent photographs
- Sworn declaration of intent to reside
3Naturalization by marriage
Naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- Marriage to a South African national
- Prescribed period of residence and approval of permanent residence
- Good character and conduct
- Dual nationality is permitted
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- South African spouse's identity document
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Permanent residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
4Naturalization for exceptional circumstances
Naturalization for exceptional circumstances
Requirements
- Proven exceptional circumstances
- Discretionary grant by the Minister of the Interior
- The normal residence requirements do not apply
Documentation
- Reasoned application to the Minister of Interior
- Evidence of the exceptional circumstances
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of South Africa
How many years of residence does South Africa require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of South Africa (Naturalisation by residence (Act 88/1995 sec 5(1), as substituted by Act 17/2010)), the term is 5 continuous years of ordinary residence + permanent residence. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of South Africa be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage pathway (5 years of permanent residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in South Africa require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application (Form DHA-17); Birth certificate; Valid passport and permanent residence permit; Criminal record certificate; Medical certificate; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of South Africa?
South Africa provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth, Naturalisation by residence, Naturalization by marriage, Naturalization for exceptional circumstances.
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