Complete guide
Citizenship by Naturalisation
Everything you need to know — from checking eligibility to attending the citizenship ceremony. Documents, costs, locations, and forms.
Personalise this guide for your nationality
Phase one
Check Your Eligibility
Before gathering a single document, confirm you meet all five criteria below. Missing any one of these will result in a rejected application.
5+ Years Permanent Residency
You must have held a valid South African Permanent Residency permit or certificate for more than five years.
Tip: Count from the date on your PR permit, not from when you first arrived in SA.
Continuous Physical Presence
You must have been physically present in South Africa for the past year before applying. Avoid absences exceeding 90 days per year during your qualifying period.
Tip: Check your passport entry/exit stamps. Extended stays outside SA could reset your qualifying period.
Good Character
You must be of good character and no outstanding criminal convictions or pending charges.
Tip: This is assessed via your police clearances — both SA and from your country of origin.
Official Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate that you can speak and understand at least one of South Africa's 11 official languages.
Tip: A letter from your employer, school, or community organisation confirming your language proficiency is sufficient.
Dual Citizenship Permission
Your home country must confirm whether it permits dual citizenship. You need official written confirmation of this from your country's embassy or high commission in South Africa.
Tip: Under the 2013 Constitution, Zimbabwe permits dual citizenship only for citizens by birth; citizens by descent or registration may be required to renounce other citizenships — confirm with the Zimbabwean embassy or consulate.
Phase two
Gather Your Documents
Start with the longest lead times. The SA police clearance takes 4–8 weeks. Foreign documents and embassy letters can take even longer. Begin those first.
Phase three
Complete the DHA Forms
You'll need to complete several Department of Home Affairs forms. Download them from the official DHA website, or use our Application Assistant to pre-fill your details.
DHA-63
Application for Certificate of Naturalisation — the primary statutory application form under the South African Citizenship Regulations.
Primary statutory form used to apply for naturalisation. See also the Government of South Africa guidance: https://www.gov.za/services/services-residents/citizenship/personal-identification/apply-for-sa-citizenship and the Citizenship Regulations: https://www.saflii.org/za/legis/consol_reg/rotsaca1995458/
DHA-529
Determination of citizenship status — used by Home Affairs to confirm whether you are already a South African citizen or require further action before naturalisation.
Often required before a naturalisation application is accepted. Requirements vary by office — see guidance: https://homeaffairsguide.co.za/citizenship/determination-of-citizenship-status/
DHA-757
Naturalisation questionnaire (supporting form)
Supporting naturalisation questionnaire commonly required alongside DHA-63. Complete fully and submit with your application package.
BI-9
Application for South African identity document (BI-9 / DHA-9)
Required for issuance/re-issue of a South African ID following naturalisation. Bring passport photos and supporting documents as instructed by Home Affairs.
SAPS 91(a)
Fingerprint submission for police clearance
Provided at SAPS police stations — used for your SA police clearance. The SAPS 91(a) form (PDF) is available to download.
Use the Application Assistant
Enter your details once and we'll generate a pre-filled summary document you can use to complete all your DHA forms accurately and consistently.
Start the Application AssistantPhase four
Submit Your Application
Submit in person at any Department of Home Affairs office. Bring everything — all originals and certified copies — and pay the fees at the counter.
Book an appointment at your nearest Home Affairs office (recommended)
Arrive early — queues can be long
Bring ALL originals and certified copies of every document
Pay fees: R300 for citizenship application + R140 for new SA ID
Get a receipt for every payment — keep these safe
Request a reference number for your application
12–24 months
Await the Decision
Processing times vary. Expect 12–24 months due to current DHA backlogs. You may be called for an interview. Stay reachable on the contact details you provided.
- Keep your contact details current — DHA will contact you if they need anything
- Do not make extended travel plans outside SA during this period
- Follow up with your Home Affairs office after 12 months if you haven't heard
- If called for an interview, attend promptly and bring all your original documents
1–2 hours
Citizenship Ceremony
Upon approval, you will be invited to a formal citizenship ceremony where you take the constitutional oath of allegiance. This is your final step to becoming a South African citizen.
- Attend the ceremony on the date notified by DHA
- Take the oath of allegiance to the South African Constitution
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalisation
- Apply for your South African passport
Summary
Cost overview
Ready to prepare your application?
Use the Application Assistant to pre-fill your DHA forms.