Birth, descent, naturalisation, marriage and in the event of being stateless.
The criteria for citizenship in each of the following categories are –
- Birth: Applies to any person born in South Africa with at least one parent being a South African citizen.
- Descent: Applies to persons born outside of South Africa to a South African citizen(s) or were adopted by a South African citizen. The birth had to be registered in accordance with the act that governs such applications.
- Naturalisation: Applies to persons who have lived in South Africa for a prescribed time with a permanent residency permit.
- Marriage: Spouses of South African citizens qualify for citizenship after a prescribed time.
- Stateless: Individuals born in South Africa with no claim to any other citizenship
Specialised citizenship services extend but are not limited to the following matters –
- Retention of citizenship: Where an application is made to the Minister of Home Affairs prior to applying foreign citizenship as a formal or voluntary act.
- Loss of citizenship: Where an individual loses his/her citizenship, either automatically or involuntarily. Citizenship can either be resumed, if qualifying factors apply, or individuals can opt for a permanent resident status.
- Resumption of citizenship: Individuals may apply to have their South African citizenship reinstated if they are a former citizen by birth or descent, or living in South Africa as a permanent resident.
- Renunciation of citizenship: Where individuals voluntarily gave up citizenship, in favour of another citizenship, particularly in cases where dual nationality is not permitted.
- Confirmation of status: Applies to individuals who have involuntarily lost their status and have no documentary proof to apply for their status.
- Certificate of citizenship status: A certificate confirming South African citizenship status (when in doubt or otherwise).
- Exemption applications: Any person applying to the Minister to be exempt from any statutory provision.