How to retain your South African citizenship

Are you a South African citizen of 18 years and above who wants to acquire citizenship of another country without losing your South African one?

To prevent automatic loss of your South African citizenship, you must apply to retain your citizenship and be granted retention before you obtain citizenship of another country.

Note: If you are under 18 years, you do not need to apply for retention of your South African citizenship as you are regarded as a minor.

What you should do

• Go to Home Affairs offices/South African embassy or mission if you are abroad.
• Complete forms: DHA-1664 and DHA-529
  
• submit a copy of your identity document (ID) and passport.
  

Note: If the application is successful, a letter confirming your retention of citizenship will be issued to you by the Home Affairs office or Consular Mission. You would then be free to apply for and acquire citizenship from the foreign country. If it is granted, your foreign citizenship, together with the letter confirming your retention of South African citizenship, qualifies you for dual nationality. 

Timeframe

It takes about six weeks to process your application.

How much does it cost

• Retain South African citizenship - R300
• Duplicate certificate - R90
  

Forms to complete

• * Application for retention of South African citizenship, DHA-1664
• * Determination of citizenship status questionnaire, DHA-529

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.

Who to contact

Department of Home Affairs