If you’re a South African living abroad and considering acquiring citizenship in another country, it’s crucial to apply for citizenship retention. This process, managed by the Department of Home Affairs or the nearest South African mission or consulate, ensures you don’t lose your South African citizenship when obtaining foreign citizenship. On this page, we explore the vital importance of applying for the retention of your South African citizenship. We also explore the application process.
What is citizenship retention?
Citizenship retention is a legal process that allows South Africans to maintain their South African citizenship while acquiring citizenship in a foreign country. Without a Letter of Retention of South African Citizenship, you could automatically lose your citizenship upon voluntarily obtaining foreign citizenship.
The process of citizenship retention involves obtaining a certificate from the Department of Home Affairs. This certificate confirms that you are allowed to retain your South African citizenship even after becoming a citizen of another country.
Who needs to apply for citizenship retention?
All South African citizens considering obtaining citizenship in another country must apply for citizenship retention. However, citizens under 18 years old are exempt if they acquire foreign citizenship before turning 18. These individuals automatically retain their South African citizenship for life. Unless they plan to obtain additional foreign citizenship after turning 18, they do not need to apply for citizenship retention.
It’s important to note that South Africans who lost their citizenship but were born in the country always retain the right to Permanent Residence. If they return to South Africa, they can apply for the resumption of their South African citizenship. But this is a lengthy process that must be completed within the country.
Why is retention important?
Failing to apply for citizenship retention before acquiring foreign citizenship can result in the automatic loss of your South African citizenship. Even if you plan to live abroad permanently, future circumstances may lead you back to South Africa, where the loss of citizenship could have significant consequences. Resuming your South African citizenship after losing it is a challenging and time-consuming process.
While resumption is an option, it’s far easier and more efficient to apply for citizenship retention beforehand. The process of resuming South African citizenship requires you to reside in the country for an extended period. This also involves significant administrative and financial effort. In contrast, securing your citizenship through the retention process is straightforward and avoids these complications.
How to apply for a retention letter
To apply for citizenship retention, you need to complete the BI-1664 (Application for Retention of South African Citizenship) and BI-529 (Determination of South African Citizenship) forms. Additionally, you must provide clear, scanned copies of your South African passport and residence permit. You also need tosubmit personal documents such as Unabridged Birth Certificates and South African IDs. Proof that you have not yet obtained foreign citizenship may also be required.
Get assistance with citizenship services!
If you need assistance with the retention process, Apostil.co.za is here to help. We can handle your application from abroad, ensuring that everything is done correctly and efficiently. Please contact us or visit our website for pricing details and to fill out the enquiry form if you require support with your citizenship status.
