CITIZENSHIP

There are three general grounds for granting South African citizenship: Birth, Descent and Naturalization.

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Citizenship by birth
Any person who is born in South Africa and who had at least one parent who was a South African citizen or South African permanent residence permit holder at the time of birth of the person or who was adopted by a South African citizen or permanent resident in terms of the Children’s Act, 2005, can apply for citizenship by birth.
 
Citizenship by descent
If you were born outside of South Africa to a South African citizen(s) or were adopted by a South African citizen in terms of the Children’s Act, 2005 and your birth was registered in accordance with the births and Deaths Registration Act,1992, you can apply for citizenship by descent.

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Citizenship by naturalization
A Naturalisation may be applied for if the foreigner has lived in South Africa for 5 years on the basis of a valid permanent residence permit.