The South African Citizenship Act allows dual citizenship but only with prior permission to the acquisition of a foreign citizenship. South African citizens who does not obtain this prior permission they will automatically lose their South African citizenship on voluntary acquisition of a foreign citizenship.
South African nationals applying for citizenship by investment (CBI) programs must apply for prior permission before acquiring a second citizenship and passport. According to citizenship legislation, It is illegal to enter south africa with a foreign passport, must enter and exit using SA passport. Children above 18 years must also apply for prior permission.
According to South Africa Embassy, the following are the important dual citizenship rules for south africans..
- South African citizens under the age of 18 years are exempt and do not require to apply for dual citizenship, as long as they acquire the foreign citizenship before their 18th birthday.
- South African dual citizens can use his or her foreign passport/citizenship/nationality freely outside South Africa.
- South African citizens by birth, who automatically lost their South African citizenship, never lose their right to Permanent Residence in South Africa. Should they permanently return to South Africa, they will be able to apply for the resumption of their South African citizenship from within the Country.
- It is an offense for a South African citizens with dual citizenship to enter or depart the Republic of South Africa making use of the passport of another country.
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