South Africa Citizenship by Marriage: From Spousal Residency to Full Citizenship

Foreign spouses of South African citizens can pursue citizenship in South Africa after proving at least five years of marriage to qualify for permanent residence, followed by two years of residence while holding that status.

The process requires submitting detailed documentation, passing background checks, and navigating the Department of Home Affairs’ application procedures.

Key points covered in this article:

• How to get South African citizenship by marriage?
• What documents do I need to apply for citizenship through marriage in South Africa?
• How long is the process to get citizenship through marriage in South Africa?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of having South African citizenship?
• Can South Africans hold multiple citizenships?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

How to Become a South African Citizen through Marriage?

To become a South African citizen through marriage, the foreign spouse must move through two stages: permanent residence and then citizenship by naturalization.

Under Section 26(b) of the Immigration Act (No. 13 of 2002), a foreign spouse may qualify for permanent residence if they have been married to a South African citizen for at least five years and can prove the marriage is legitimate and ongoing.

This provision is designed to prevent marriages of convenience and requires supporting documentation such as joint bank accounts, shared leases, or affidavits.

Once permanent residence is granted, the South African Citizenship Act (No. 88 of 1995, as amended) governs the next step.

According to Section 5(1)(c), a permanent resident who is the spouse of a South African citizen may apply for naturalization (citizenship) after two years of ordinary residence in South Africa while married.

This is shorter than the five-year general residency requirement for other applicants, reflecting the preferential treatment given to spouses of citizens.

The key steps include:

1. Marriage registration: Your marriage must be legally recognized in South Africa.
2. Permanent residence application: Apply under Section 26(b) of the Immigration Act after at least five years of marriage.
3. Citizenship application: Apply under Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act after two years of residence in South Africa as a permanent resident while married.

This two-stage process ensures that only genuine, lasting marriages can lead to South African citizenship, with both immigration and citizenship laws working together to set the framework.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for South African Citizenship by Marriage?

The documents required for citizenship by marriage in South Africa typically include:

• Certified marriage certificate (if married outside SA, legalized/apostilled)
• Valid passport(s) + certified copies
• Proof of permanent residence status / permit
• Proof of residence in South Africa for the required duration
• Birth certificate
• Police clearance / criminal record certificates from every country where you lived as an adult
• Completed application forms (e.g. DHA-63, DHA-757 / BI-63, BI-529)
• Identity document or non-citizen ID card (if applicable)
• Proof of good character (references or affidavits)
• Proof that the marriage is genuine (e.g. joint bank statements, shared property, correspondence, photos)
• Proof of language ability or integration, where required

How Long Does It Take to Get Citizenship in South Africa After Marriage?

The journey to South African citizenship by marriage usually takes 6 to 8 years in total.

The law requires at least five years of marriage, two years of permanent residence while married, and then additional time for processing.

Permanent residence approval alone can take 1–2 years, and once granted, the citizenship application may add another 1–1.5 years.

Taken together, most applicants should plan for a timeline of six to eight years from marriage to citizenship.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for South African Citizenship by Marriage?

South Africa citizenship by marriage application typically costs around ZAR 1,350 for permanent residence and about ZAR 300 for the citizenship application itself.

In addition to these official fees, applicants often incur extra expenses for legal consultations, certified translations, police clearance certificates, and sometimes service fees if using visa facilitation centers such as VFS.

What Is the Easiest Way to Get Citizenship in South Africa?

The fastest and easiest way to get citizenship in South Africa is usually citizenship by descent, which is automatic for individuals born abroad to at least one South African parent.

For foreign nationals without South African parents, the next most straightforward route is citizenship by marriage, which requires fewer years of residence than the standard naturalization pathway.

By contrast, naturalization without marriage demands at least five years of permanent residence, language proficiency, and proof of integration into South African society, making it a lengthier process overall.

Is It Difficult to Get South African Citizenship?

Obtaining South African citizenship can be challenging due to:

• Strict documentation requirements
• Long processing times
• Residency and marriage verification
• Background and character assessments

However, careful preparation and legal compliance can make the process smoother.

Does South Africa Allow You to Have Dual Citizenship?

Yes, South Africa allows dual citizenship, but with strict conditions.

A South African citizen who wants to acquire another nationality must first apply to the Department of Home Affairs for retention of South African citizenship before taking up the foreign citizenship.

If this step is skipped, they automatically lose their South African citizenship.

For foreign nationals naturalizing in South Africa, whether dual citizenship is possible depends on their home country’s laws, since some countries prohibit holding more than one nationality.

Does South Africa Allow 3 Citizenships?

South Africa does not impose a legal cap on the number of citizenships a person can hold.

As long as you apply for and receive retention of South African citizenship before acquiring any new nationality, you may legally hold three or more citizenships.

The real limitation usually comes from the laws of your other countries of nationality, since some do not allow multiple citizenships.

What Are the Benefits of Being a South African Citizen?

Being a South African citizen comes with distinct advantages:

• Right of permanent residence without restriction – unlike permanent residents, citizens cannot lose the right to live in South Africa.
• Unrestricted property ownership – South Africans can own agricultural land and other property without the limitations sometimes applied to foreign nationals.
• Strong regional mobility – South African passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to most Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, making regional travel and business easier.
• Political participation – full rights to vote in national, provincial, and local elections, and eligibility to hold public office.
• Access to public resources – including state-subsidized universities, public healthcare, and government support programs.
• Consular protection abroad – South African embassies and consulates provide assistance to citizens in distress overseas.

What Are the Disadvantages of Citizenship in South Africa?

While SA citizenship offers many rights, there are also potential drawbacks:

• Worldwide taxation on residency basis – although South Africa uses a residence-based tax system, citizens living abroad may still face complex tax considerations, particularly if they maintain ties to South Africa.
• Restrictions on dual/multiple nationality – citizens must apply for permission before acquiring another nationality, and failure to do so may result in loss of South African citizenship.
• Mandatory compliance with national obligations – such as jury service (where applicable) or civic duties, though conscription is no longer enforced.
• Exposure to local risks – socioeconomic inequality, political volatility, and relatively high crime rates can affect safety and long-term stability.
• Currency and financial limits – South Africa’s exchange control regulations can impact citizens who want to move large sums abroad or invest internationally.

What Are the Benefits of Marrying a South African Citizen?

Marrying a South African citizen can provide:

• A clear pathway to permanent residence and citizenship.
• Spousal visas that allow residence (and work rights if endorsed) without separate permits.
• Legal recognition of both civil and customary marriages, including certain polygamous unions.
• Strong inheritance protections for spouses under family law.
• Easier access to banking, property ownership, and family reunification rights.

Conclusion

Gaining citizenship by marriage in South Africa is not a quick shortcut, but rather a long-term commitment that reflects the country’s careful approach to immigration.

Applicants should be prepared for strict scrutiny of their marriage and residency, as well as possible delays within the Department of Home Affairs.

Planning ahead, keeping thorough records, and seeking professional guidance where needed can make the process more manageable and help avoid unnecessary setbacks.

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