If you are a South African living abroad and considering acquiring citizenship in another country, it is essential to apply for citizenship retention. This process, managed by the Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African mission or consulate, ensures that you do not lose your South African citizenship when obtaining a foreign nationality. In this guide, we will discuss the importance of applying for the retention of your South African citizenship and walk you through the application process.
What is Citizenship Retention?
Citizenship retention is a legal procedure that allows South Africans to keep their citizenship while acquiring another. Without a Letter of Retention of South African Citizenship, you risk losing your citizenship automatically upon voluntarily obtaining foreign nationality.
The retention process involves securing a certificate from the Department of Home Affairs, which confirms that you are permitted to retain your South African citizenship, even after acquiring citizenship elsewhere.
Who Needs to Apply for Citizenship Retention?
All South African citizens who intend to acquire another citizenship must apply for citizenship retention. However, individuals under 18 years of age are exempt if they obtain foreign citizenship before turning 18. In these cases, they automatically retain their South African citizenship for life. Unless they plan to acquire additional foreign citizenship after turning 18, they are not required to apply for retention.
It is also worth noting that South Africans who have lost their citizenship but were born in the country retain the right to Permanent Residence. If they return to South Africa, they may apply to resume their South African citizenship, though this is a lengthy process that must be completed within South Africa.
Why is Retention Important?
Failing to apply for citizenship retention before acquiring another nationality can lead to the automatic loss of your South African citizenship. Even if you plan to live abroad permanently, you may find yourself returning to South Africa in the future, and the loss of citizenship could have significant implications. Regaining your South African citizenship, after losing it, is a difficult and time-consuming process.
While resuming citizenship is possible, it is much easier and more practical to apply for citizenship retention in advance. The process of resumption requires you to live in South Africa for an extended period, involving considerable administrative and financial effort. In contrast, securing your citizenship through the retention process is straightforward and avoids these complexities.
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. You will also need to submit clear, scanned copies of your South African passport and residence permit, along with personal documents such as Unabridged Birth Certificates and South African ID cards. In some cases, proof that you have not yet acquired foreign citizenship may also be required.
Get Assistance with Citizenship Services!
If you need help with the citizenship retention process, Evergration.com can assist you. We offer comprehensive support for your application, ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently from abroad. For more information, including pricing details, or to complete an enquiry form, please visit our website.
Let us help you with your citizenship status today!