South African Citizenship According to the South African Citizenship Act, citizenship can either be obtained, or lost, in terms of the following criteria. Citizenship by birth: If a person was born in South Africa and the parents were both citizens and/or permanent residents, or at least one was a resident on birth. Citizenship by decent: “Foreign birth Registration” A person born abroad, of which the parents are still South African citizens or at least one was a citizen at time of birth. Citizenship by Exemption: This section applies to a person who was born in South Africa, applied for foreign citizenship, without renouncing their South African citizenship. In determining this, dates of the “foreign registration” are very important. Note: A request, to prevent the loss of citizenship, should be forwarded to the Minister of Home Affairs, prior to entering into such action. Citizenship by Resumption: This section applies to a person who was born in South Africa, who either renounced his citizenship or has been abroad (certain periods) and obtained citizenship of another country. The automatic loss of citizenship is also included. In determining this, dates are very important. Note: To apply for resumption, one must be returning to South Africa on a permanent basis. Citizenship by Naturalization: This section applies to a person who was born abroad, obtained their permanent residence in South Africa and has been a continued resident for at least 5 years. Children under 21 may apply immediately and spouses within two years. Loss or Deprivation of Citizenship: Citizenship can always be lost or deprived of if one obtains citizenship of another country by own will, participate in war against South Africa, participates in any illegal actions, or has been found guilty of offences with a sentence of longer than 12 months.