HOW clamouring expats can reacquire South African citizenship

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It’s good news for expats who wish to reacquire South African citizenship. According to FinGlobal, you can apply to reacquire South African citizenship if you are a former citizen by birth or descent, and have returned permanently to live in the country. Following positive immigration reform in 2024 from the ever-improving Department of Home Affairs, South Africa is desperate to fill upwards of 800 000 critical skills shortages.

These represent top-paying jobs across sectors like Information Technology (IT), Management, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Education. Better still, SA Good News reports more than 300 000 South Africans have already returned in the past five years, with more anticipated as the economy continues to improve under our Government of National Unity (GNU).

REACQUIRE SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP

More expats have returned to South Africa in the last five years than you might think, well over 300 000, in fact. Image: File

However, how can returning expats reacquire South African citizenship? Well, if you are a former citizen by naturalisation, you must re-apply for permanent residence first. What do you need to apply?

Complete forms DHA-175 and DHA-52.
A completed application for identity document form DHA-9.
Two Passport and ID photos (to the correct specs).
Proof of residence (like a municipal account with your name and address on it), plus a copy.
A marriage certificate (if applicable), plus a copy.
Proof of payment of the reapplication fee.

AREN’T SOME CITIZENS EXEMPT?

Depending on your circumstances, there are some exemptions to the reapplication process. Image: File

You’re correct, some South African citizens might be exempt from having to reapply. If you acquired a foreign citizenship before 6 October 1995, you are eligible to apply for an exemption from the loss. To apply for this exemption, you will need to:

Furthermore, if you’re already a dual citizen in another country or you intend to acquire citizenship elsewhere, you must apply to renounce your South African citizenship. To do so, you must:

Complete form DHA-24.
Provide proof of your dual citizenship or confirmation that you are applying for another citizenship.
Then submit these documents to your nearest Home Affairs office/branch or South African Embassy, Mission or Consulate.

Visit FinGlobal’s website HERE for secure, simplified financial services for returning South Africans or those living abroad. Possessing dual citizenship comes with many financial implications, including accessing the new two-pot retirement savings scheme. Thankfully, the firm has a wide range of financial services tailored-made for expats.

ARE YOU AN EXPAT LOOKING TO RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA?

Would you renounced or reacquire South African citizenship? Weigh-in below … Image: File

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Or WhatsApp your thoughts on this article to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow The South African for the latest updates.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as immigration or legal advice. For further details and advice on particular cases we recommend getting in touch with Lawyers for Human Rights. You can call their immigration hotline on 0800079614 or WhatsApp them on +27817168791.