Requirements for citizenship at age 18 SECTION 2(1) “Citizenship by birth” SECTION 2(3) “Citizenship by birth” - - The child’s parent is a South African citizen on the day of the child’s birth The child is born in or outside South Africa This form of citizenship by birth is automatic, and not subject to anyone’s discretion. SECTION 2(2) “Citizenship by birth” for stateless children - The child is stateless, and The child is born in South Africa, and The child’s birth is registered This form of citizenship by birth is automatic, and not subject to anyone’s discretion. SECTION 3 “Citizenship by descent” - The child is adopted by South African parent(s), and The child’s birth is registered. This form of citizenship by birth is automatic, and not subject to anyone’s discretion. The child is born in South Africa, and The child’s parent(s) has a permanent resident permit on the day of the child’s birth, and The child’s birth is registered, and The child has lived in South Africa from birth until their 18th birthday. This form of citizenship by birth is not automatic. An application must be made, before the citizenship comes into existence. It is not subject to the Minister’s discretion. If all 4 requirements are met, the Minister must grant citizenship. SECTION 4(3) “Citizenship by naturalisation” - The child is born in South Africa, and The child’s parent(s) are neither citizens, nor permanent residents on the day of the child’s birth, and The child’s birth is registered, and The child has lived in South Africa from birth until their 18th birthday. This form of citizenship by birth is not automatic. An application must be made, before the citizenship comes into existence. It is not subject to the Minister’s discretion. If all 4 requirements are met, the Minister must grant citizenship. SECTION 5 “Citizenship by naturalisation” - The child has a permanent residence permit, and The child has had the permanent residence permit for 5 years OR the child has applied to the Minister to exempt him from the 5-year requirement. The child has applied for a naturalisation certificate To apply for citizenship in terms of section 2(3) or section 4(3), the applicant must depose to an affidavit alleging that they have complied with all the requirements attaching proof to that effect. It can be submitted at the local Home Affairs office for a fee of R300. This form of citizen is not automatic, you must apply for and be granted a naturalisation certificate, before the citizenship comes into existence. It is subject to the Minister’s discretion. 16 HOW TO GET DOCUMENTED HOW TO GET DOCUMENTED 17