How to resume your South African citizenship
If you ceased or gave up your South African citizenship and you now want to reclaim it, you must apply for resumption.
To resume your citizenship, you must be a former South African citizen:
- by birth or descent, and have returned to South Africa permanently
- by naturalisation and have a permanent residence permit.
If your children have ceased to be South African citizens but return to South Africa to reside permanently, they may also apply for a resumption of citizenship. [Top] What you should do
- Go to your nearest Home Affairs office in South Africa.
- Complete forms: DHA-175, DHA 529 and DHA-9.
- Submit the following:
- two ID-size photos complying with the ID Photo Specifications
- copies of birth/marriage certificate/s or identity document, if applicable.
[Top] Timeframe
Applications may take 6 weeks or longer. [Top] How much does it cost?
- Resumption of South African citizen - R300
- Duplicate citizenship certificate - R90
[Top] Forms to complete - *Application for resumption of South African citizenship, BI-175
- *Determination of South African citizenship status, BI-529
- *Application for an identity document, BI-9
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. [Top] Contact details Department of Home Affairs
|