Can You Get South African Citizenship Through Marriage?

South African citizenship can be obtained through naturalization, marriage to a South African citizen, or obtaining a permanent residence permit. The process involves naturalization at the German mission in the consular district where the person resides. Citizens can legally reside in the country but do not automatically become a national. Voting rights are essential for South African citizens, and long-term partnerships with a South African citizen can qualify for citizenship. Foreign nationals married to a South African national or holding a South African permanent residence status can apply for Permanent Residence and a valid passport.

South African citizens can acquire Dutch citizenship through marriage or application for admission. The process requires proof of South African citizenship, such as a birth certificate or ID book, and a notarized letter confirming the foreign citizenship has not been taken up. A fee of $25.00 is required. Applicants can also apply for Dutch citizenship if one of their parents holds Dutch citizenship, paternity is acknowledged by a Dutch citizen, or through naturalisation. For those married to a Belize citizen, naturalisation can be applied after one year of legal residence.

To become a South African citizen through naturalization, you must hold a permanent residency permit for two years and be married for two years before applying. Irish citizenship can be obtained through naturalization under national immigration laws. Mauritius citizenship is a great option, with several options available. To become a South African citizen through naturalization, you must be a permanent resident for at least five years, have lived in South Africa continuously for a year, be of good character, and speak one of the official languages. For U.S. citizenship through marriage, you must be 18 or older.

To apply for South African citizenship through marriage, one must be a permanent resident for two years prior. Specific spousal permits and visas are available for those married to South African citizens to live in the country with their partner. Marrying a South African citizen grants residency rights but does not automatically confer citizenship. Proof of spouse status, such as marriage certificates, notarial agreements, customary union certificates, and civil union certificates, is required. Foreigners can apply for a Relatives Permit from their country of origin after marrying a South African citizen.

To obtain South African citizenship, one must be married for 5 years and apply for a PR, which can take 3-7 years. Birthplace and at least one parent are South African citizens. Applying for a spousal or life partner permit allows permanent residency.

Can a life partner get permanent residency in South Africa?

What are the benefits of the spousal visa? The Life Partner Visa holder may apply for working, business, or study rights. He or she may also qualify for Permanent Residency with proof that the couple has lived together and shared expenses for at least two years.

IMPORTANT RULES TO QUALIFY FOR A LIFE PARTNER VISA. The foreign partner must be in a real relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident. If either partner has been married before, they must show proof of a final divorce. The couple must have met in person. You can’t just meet online. The couple must prove they have been together for a long time. You must prove you live together and share financial responsibilities. It’s a good idea to open a joint bank account. You’ll need to show you can support yourself financially in South Africa. You may have to interview with the Department of Home Affairs.

ADDING WORK OR BUSINESS RIGHTS TO A SPOUSAL OR LIFE PARTNER VISA. If you want to work while on a spousal or life partner visa, you must get the right endorsement on your visa.

What happens when a South African marries a foreigner?

The unabridged marriage certificate with the apostille stamp from the High Court helps you register your marriage in your partner’s country. You can get an unabridged certificate from Home Affairs, the South African embassy, or the consulate.

Fill out the BI-130 form in black ink and pay the fee.

Abridged Marriage Certificate. You get an abridged certificate when you are married.

How to get permanent residency in South Africa through marriage?

Spouse married for at least five years. BI-947 form completed online. … Each applicant must have a valid passport. If the applicant is married, they must also have a marriage certificate or proof of relationship.

SPOUSE MARRIED FOR A MINIMUM OF FIVE YEARS SECTION 26 (B)

ALL DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN SHALL BE ORIGINAL OR COPIES APOSTILLED AND WHERE APPLICABLE TRANSLATED INTO ONE OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF THE REPUBLIC. Complete the BI-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted. Each applicant must have a valid passport. If the applicant is married, they must also have a marriage certificate or proof of relationship.In respect of dependent children, proof of parental responsibilities and rights or written consent from the other parent or legal guardian is required. Applicable application fee, original bank payment/EFT receipt for each applicant, where applicable. Appointment letter, a passport photograph for all applicants one year of age and older. A recent photo of the applicants on the back. (No machine-type or instant photos).; Unabridged birth certificate or birth record extract for applicant(s).; Biometrics for any applicant over 16. Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area or where an application is made in the Republic.; Police clearance certificate(s) All applicants 18 years of age and older. In respect of all countries of residence for one year or longer (only originals issued by the relevant security authority will be accepted.; Radiological reports: Provided that the radiological report shall not be required in respect of children under the age of 12 years or pregnant woman.; Medical Certificate as per format provided in Services section on the website.; Marriage certificate, or extract from marriage record. Proof of registration of customary marriage in terms of Recognition of Customary Marriages Act No 120 of 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998) where applicable /; Proof that applicant has been the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident for five years. A notarial agreement signed by both parties attesting that –(i) the permanent spousal homosexual or heterosexual relationship has existed for at least two years before the date of application for a relevant visa or permanent residence permit and that the relationship still exist to the exclusion of any other person and (ii) neither of the parties is a spouse in an existing marriage or a permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship; Spousal affidavit. Part A of form 12 confirming the continued existence of the relationship.; Part B:an applicant contemplated in Sub Regulation who has been issued with a visa or permanent residence permit must, after a period of two years from the date of issuing of that visa or permanent residence permit, inform the Director-General whether or not the spousal relationship still exists by submitting to the Director-General an affidavit on Part B of form 12.; If the applicant is a spouse from a previous marriage, they must provide official documents proving the dissolution of the marriage. These can be divorce papers or death certificates. They must also provide proof of financial support and the extent of shared responsibilities. If the applicant and their spouse are from different countries, they must provide an official recognition of the relationship from the country where they live. All married applicants or parties to a spousal relationship. A deed poll in the case of the applicant who has changed their name, surname or sex. A valid visa for temporary sojourn at the time of application, in respect of each applicant. A declaration of support for the application by the spouse who is a citizen or permanent resident. The spouse’s identity document and permanent residence permit. If the spouse is a permanent resident, a copy of their permanent residence permit must be submitted.

Can a foreigner become a South African citizen?

South African citizenship through naturalization or residence. To become a South African citizen, you must live in the country for five years. You must live in South Africa for a year before applying for naturalization. You must also be proficient in one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. You can’t have a criminal record. How to apply for citizenship through naturalization/residence. You can submit your naturalization applications to the DHA. Processing times vary. To apply, you must provide the required documents.

How long does it take to get citizenship in South Africa after marriage?

You can apply for South African citizenship if you have lived in South Africa for at least five years. You can also apply if you are married to a South African or under 21 and have lived in South Africa for at least five years. How to apply for South African citizenship by naturalization: You will need to pay the fee and submit the following documents to the Department of Home Affairs.

What are the benefits of marrying a South African citizen?

Spousal Visas and Permits – Can you work? A spousal visa is great for studying, working, or starting a business. As a foreigner married to a South African, you don’t need work or business permits. You can get a spousal visa with the right documents.

Spousal Permit – Those with a spousal permit have permanent residency. Permanent residency means you can work, study, or run a business. No endorsements are needed. Intergate offers free, non-binding consultations on spousal permits and other options.

Can a foreigner get South African citizenship?

You can apply for South African citizenship. You can also apply to keep your citizenship before you get another country’s citizenship. If you don’t get to keep your South African citizenship before you get another country’s, you’ll lose it. You can apply to get your South African citizenship back if you were born or born to a South African citizen and have lived in South Africa permanently. You can renounce your South African citizenship if you want to get another country’s citizenship.

What marriages are not recognized in South Africa?

Religious marriage is a marriage based on religious beliefs and rituals, like Islamic faith. These types of marriages are religious and not performed by the government. In South Africa, Muslim marriages were not legally recognized. These marriages were not recognized because they violate women’s rights. The Constitution of South Africa allows for religious and traditional marriages to be recognized by law. These laws regulate marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, and other matters affecting children. This is a big change from the apartheid era. Then, marriage was only between a man and a woman. This meant that South African marriages were monogamous and heterosexual. In apartheid, marriage was only for one man and one woman. Polygynous marriages like Muslim and African marriages were affected. The new South African Constitution allows for different types of marriages, including traditional and religious ones. In 1998, the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 was passed, which recognized African customary marriages. Since 2006, same-sex marriages have also been legalized. Unfortunately, some religious marriages were left out and remained unrecognized.

Can I get a South African passport if I am married to a South African?

To get South African citizenship through marriage, you must have been a permanent resident for at least two years and lived in South Africa during that time. You must also have a good character, know the official languages, and intend to stay in the country. The application process takes several months and involves providing documents, undergoing background checks, and attending a citizenship ceremony. Once approved, you will get a certificate of naturalization, which lets you apply for a South African passport. You can’t live or work abroad if you get citizenship by marriage. You may need visas and permits to travel or work abroad.

Dual citizenship. South Africa allows you to be a citizen of another country and a South African citizen at the same time. However, not all countries allow dual citizenship. Check the rules of your other country.

What happens when you marry a South African citizen?

If a foreigner marries a South African, they can apply for a permit from their country of origin. Once in South Africa, they can apply to become a permanent resident.

Who qualifies for South African citizenship?

You can become a South African citizen by being born there, being adopted, or becoming a naturalized citizen. You can also lose, renounce, or be deprived of South African citizenship. To understand South African citizenship, you need to know the laws. South African citizenship offers many benefits to foreign nationals who want to live in South Africa permanently. As a South African citizen, you can vote, get a passport for free travel in Africa, and live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Foreign nationals don’t have to take cultural tests to qualify for citizenship through naturalization. They just have to prove they can speak English. Foreign nationals who have held permanent residency in South Africa for the required period can apply for citizenship through naturalization.

How much does it cost to become a South African citizen?

CIVIC SERVICES Passport: R600.00 Naturalization: R300.00 Duplicate citizenship certificate: R90.00.