Understanding the Retention of South African Citizenship: A Guide for Citizens Abroad

To South African expatriates, it is extremely important to maintain one’s citizenship, more so with a view to obtaining another citizenship. South Africa accepts dual citizenship, but it is a necessity to follow some procedures after dual citizenship to ensure that you still have your South African citizenship. Omission of these kinds of steps by the court may lead to the automatic loss of citizenship in South Africa. You need written permission from the Department of Home Affairs to acquire foreign citizenship while remaining a South African citizen. This is through presenting an application accompanied by a fee. Afterward, you will be informed in writing that you are allowed to have dual citizenship upon approval.

Understanding the Retention of South African Citizenship: A Guide for Citizens Abroad