Retention of South African Citizenship: How to Avoid Losing Your Status

Retention of South African Citizenship: How to Avoid Losing Your Status

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South Africans who get another citizenship through naturalization can maintain their South African citizenship only by filing retention of citizenship before acquiring the new nationality. Under the South African Citizenship Act any person who wants to obtain foreign nationality should first apply for citizenship retention beforehand. When one fails to apply for citizenship retention they automatically lose citizenship status.

The Department of Home Affairs exempts your citizenship when you submit your application for retention before obtaining the foreign nationality. The application process for retention needs applicants to fulfill necessary paperwork requirements and submit documentation while waiting for official approval. The confirmation letter you receive upon citizenship retention allows you to possess dual citizenship legally.

The process of losing your South African citizenship may reduce your ability to return to the country as a citizen. Former citizens who want to return to their South African citizenship status should initiate an application for resumption although this procedure is quite intricate.



For continued South African citizenship you must consult Home Affairs regarding latest retention requirements before adopting second country citizenship status. By taking proper action before acquiring another nationality you can prevent problems and retain your rights as a South African citizen.

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