A child born abroad to a South African parent/s, is entitled to South African citizenship by descent. The child will acquire citizenship by descent provided that one of the parent(s) is or was a South African citizen at the time of the child’s birth and the birth is registered in the South African population register. It is the South African parent/s who pass on citizenship to the child.
To register your child for South African citizenship, go to any Department of Home Affairs office or South African embassy/mission if you are abroad.
*Application for determination of citizenship status, BI-529
*Application for notice of birth, BI-24
Note: *Special specifications and requirements regarding the processing of this form apply and it may therefore not be downloaded for use as an application or registration form. All forms are available at any regional or district office of the Department.