8 Are there any other ways of getting South African citizenship? There are 5 other ways of getting South African citizenship which may apply to you as the child of a ZEP holder. 1 If one or more of your parents are permanent residents in South Africa and you turn 18 years old (citizenship by birth) you qualify for South African citizenship if: You are born in South Africa, You have a handwritten birth certificate, Your parent (s) were permanent residents in South Africa at the time of your birth, and You have lived in South Africa from the day you were born until your 18th birthday. 2 If you have been adopted by a South African citizen (citizenship by descent), you qualify for South African citizenship if: Your birth is registered as such. 3 If you have permanent residence you are a citizen by naturalisation if: You are a permanent resident in South Africa; and You have applied for this citizenship at Home Affairs and have been granted a certificate of naturalisation. 9