How to acquire South African citizenship by naturalisation

Following weeks of coverage over the Chidimma Adetshina case by The South African, we’ve been asked to explain what it takes to become a naturalised South African citizen. Naturally, everyone’s immigration journey is unique, so we’ve included some helpful expert links at the bottom of this story to help with yours. However, in the broadest terms possible, this is what’s required to be eligible to become a naturalised South African citizen. Remember, citizenship can only follow a stint as a permanent resident in the country.

NATURALISED SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZEN

According to the South African Citizenship Amendment Act 2010 (which came into operation on 1 January 2013), it explains the journey to become a naturalised South African citizen like so. First, an application for Determination of Citizenship must be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), before an application can be submitted.

This is known as a DHA/BI-529 and it is vital for anyone who wants to become a naturalised South African citizen. Critically, identity documents, passports and other services will only be accepted following confirmation of determination of citizenship status by the applicant.

DETERMINATION OF CITIZENSHIP

All elements in your Determination of Citizenship Status application must be fully completed in order to comply with legal due process. They include (follow the LINKS to download documents):  

• DHA-175 (application form).
• DHA-529 (applicant form).
• Proof of continuous residence of at least one year prior to application.
• RSA Police report valid for six months from the date of issue.
• Police clearance from country or countries of present nationalities.
• Letter confirming acceptance of dual nationality.
• Proof of payment of the R300 application fee.
• All supporting documents and copies must be attached to enable easy reference to the application.
• Offices and embassies will ensure stamps and sign-offs are adequately done on each application submitted.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

Okay, so the Determination of Citizenship Status is only the beginning. Once you’ve done all that, your actual application to become a naturalised South African citizen starts here with the DHA. You will need:

• An original South African non-citizen identity document.
• Forms DHA-63 and DHA-757.
• Your marriage certificate and/or divorce decree (if applicable).
• An application form BI-9, completed in black ink for the re-issue of your identity document Two recent ID photographs. HERE is an example of how it can be filled out.
• The fee for the re-issue of your identity document is R140.
• You must supply proof of permanent residence.
• Form SAP 91 with a full set of fingerprints (needed for a police clearance report for applicants aged 18 years and over).
• If you’re less than 18-years of age, your parents or legal guardian must sign the application form (BI-63).

Furthermore, the process can take extraordinarily long and experts recommend you get a legal expert to assist with your application. This will come at additional cost.