If you live or work abroad and are worried about the current state of your citizenship, a determination of South African citizenship is the fastest way to verify your status. In this post, we will share some basic information about this South African citizenship documentation. We will also explain when a determination of citizenship is required, and how you can get it done in the shortest time possible.
What is the determination of South African citizenship?
Whenever a Determination of South African citizenship is done, it verifies whether or not an individual’s South African citizenship has been revoked or not. In certain circumstances, you might be able to apply for the resumption of citizenship if it has been revoked.
Determination of Citizenship for South Africa can also be done in cases where an individual has legitimate and relevant claims to South African citizenship. The process is also used to verify the status of individuals that have been living or working outside of the Republic for an extended time.
In some cases, a determination is done before South Africans apply for citizenship in countries abroad. The process also forms part of applying for dual citizenship. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship, and they usually ask for a different document: Renunciation of South African Citizenship, where you prove that you no longer have South African citizenship.
How is my citizenship status verified?
Individuals that wish to have their citizenship status verified need to go through the Department of Home Affairs‘ Citizenship Determination process. Once you lodge an application with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), they check your information against the National Population Register (and various other sources) before issuing a determination of citizenship letter. This letter will confirm if you are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
This generally takes anywhere between 30 and 40 business days if done from within South Africa. Still, the process is known to be very time-consuming. It takes months for South Africans abroad to obtain their determination letters, and often more than a year for those applying from SA missions and consulates abroad. This is why it is always best to work with SA-based document specialists, Apostil.co.za.
How do I apply for a Determination of South African Citizenship document service?
In order to apply for a determination of citizenship letter, you will need to provide us with the following documents:
- Unabridged birth certificate
- South African ID or passport
- Letter of Retention of South African Citizenship (or Foreign Citizenship Certificate if you have dual citizenship)
- A completed copy of the BI-529 Determination of Citizenship form
Please keep in mind that in some cases, you may need to submit additional documents. Individuals sometimes have to submit proof of continuous residence and a valid South African Police Clearance Certificate for this process. But, for example, children born to South Africans outside of the Republic need only show a birth certificate and documentation relating to their SA parent.
A Police Clearance from the country you currently reside in will also be helpful in some instances. Some individuals are also required to complete the BI-175 form, which pertains to the resumption of South African citizenship.
How Apostil.co.za can help
Attempting to obtain your determination of South African citizenship letter in your personal capacity can be frustrating and time-consuming. Apostil.co.za are document experts that specialise in South African documentation. We can help you obtain these official documents in the shortest time possible time. If you are not sure about your South African citizenship status, there is a solution. A quick determination of South African citizenship can verify your status.
Please get in touch with our team of document specialists today to learn more about our pricing, timelines, and range of other documentation services on offer.
I had applied for Determination of citizenship on 30January 2020 and at Home Affairs Pretoria said i will recieve my letter after 3 weeks, ive been to Home Affairs several times but to no avail.
How can i get my results.
Mildred
Unfortunately the process takes many months in reality.
If I received my British passport through my parents. Do I still have to renew my South Africsn passport to travel to SA?
If so how soon before the expiration date on the passport can one apply for a renewed South African passport, as mine expires in March 2025.
I reside in the UK where does one go to renew the South African passport?
The law states you need to enter and exit SA on your SA passport if you are a South African. So yes, if you are South African, you need to have a valid passport. We don’t know how long before one can renew (one can always claim it was lost with a police report). Passport renewals would be at the South African High Commission in London.