A permanent resident in South Africa in 2025 does indeed qualify for an official ID document. However, there are still some important distinctions that differ a permanent resident in South Africa in 2025 from a citizen. For example, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) decrees that being a citizen of a country gives you certain benefits and privileges. These include the right to vote and to travel on a passport from that country.
However, a permanent resident in South Africa in 2025 should not confuse their rights with those of a fully fledged citizen. Those who have earned permanent residence are entitled to a South African identity number, which, in turn, gives them access to an ID booklet. However, although not tacitly stated in any government law, these permanent residents are not able to apply for a smart ID card. A reality our audience reminds us of regularly in the comments section of our stories.
PERMANENT RESIDENT IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2025
Nevertheless, immigration law experts explain that a permanent resident in South Africa in 2025 has many of the same practical benefits as a citizen. However, the issuing of an ID booklet instead of the latest smart ID card is a reflection of their non-citizen status. This somewhat controversial policy stems from the South African Identity Act 68 of 1997.
As such, new smart ID cards (first introduced in 2013) were designed specifically for South African-born citizens only. A green ID booklet issued to a permanent resident in South Africa in 2025 includes a distinct number sequence that begins with the numbers 18 or 19. The purpose of this is to clearly identify the holder as a permanent resident rather than a citizen. Nevertheless, naturalised citizens have only been allowed to apply for a smart ID cards since December 2023. Only provided they apply for special exemption from the Director-General of Home Affairs, reports MyBroadband.
BENEFITS OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE
When permanent residence in South Africa is granted, that individual receives a permit. This confirms the person’s legal right to reside indefinitely in South Africa after having contributed positively to the country’s economic base. In turn, this serves as the foundation for obtaining an identity number/document. Having a South African identity number is beneficial in various ways. You have the ability to apply for a home or car loan and engage in longer-term agreements with banks, brokers and educational institutions, for example.
The ways to attain permanent residence in South Africa are by holding a work or critical skills visa for five years or more. If you retire permanently to South Africa from abroad. If you are married to a South African citizen for five years or more. You can prove you are financially independent and have a permanent job in South Africa.
FUTURE OF SMART CARDS
Nevertheless, the Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber says he wants to phase out ‘green mamba’ ID booklets throughout 2025. However, what this means practically for a permanent resident in South Africa in 2025 is still unclear. The DHA’s clear distinction between citizen smart ID cards and permanent resident ID booklets reflects South Africa’s tiered approach to ID documents.
There has been discussion about potentially extending smart ID card access to permanent residents as the system continues to evolve. However, as of now, no official timeline for such implementation has been announced.
SHOULD PERMANENT RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO ID CARDS?
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