Citizenship by naturalisation
section 5, South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 · Official name: Certificate of Naturalisation (section 5, South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995)
Permanent residents of South Africa can apply to the Department of Home Affairs for citizenship by naturalisation. The Citizenship Act and its regulations require five years of ordinary residence in South Africa immediately before the application, after permanent residence was granted. DHA charges R300 for the application and the original citizenship certificate.
1 entry rule for South Africa based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers over 1 year arriving from a WHO yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) must show a valid yellow fever certificate. Without one: may be refused entry or quarantined for up to 6 days or until the certificate becomes valid.
National Department of Health (South Africa): Health Protocols for Travellers Arriving in South Africa (2026) WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in South Africa
Finance
3
Currency
South African Rand
ZAR
South African Rand
Cost of living
43
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
18–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15% · social security 1%
45% applies to taxable income above R1,878,600 (2027 tax year); rebates create an effective tax-free threshold.
Living
1
Happiness
#99 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Permanent residence holders who have lived in South Africa for the required period.
Eligibility
Permanent residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe applicant must hold a permanent residence permit (see ZA.PERMANENT_RESIDENCE).
Five years of ordinary residenceAdult applicant
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need five years of ordinary residence in South Africa immediately before the date of application.
five years
Residence period required
- Set by section 5(1)(c) of the Act, as amended in 2013
- The 2012 regulations also set this period
Official wording
Section 5(1)(c) of the Act, as amended in 2013, and the 2012 regulations set the period at five years of ordinary residence immediately before the date of application.
Good character and intention to resideAdult applicant
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe Act requires good character, an intention to continue living in South Africa, knowledge of an official language and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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