Can South Africans Have Dual Citizenship? (2026 Complete Guide)

Understanding South African dual citizenship and the latest legal position.

South African citizenship law has changed significantly following a Constitutional Court judgment in 2025. This guide explains what dual citizenship means, how the law has changed, and what South Africans should know before acquiring another nationality or travelling internationally.

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Quick Answer

Yes. South Africans can hold dual citizenship. Following the Constitutional Court judgment of 6 May 2025, the automatic loss of South African citizenship for adults who voluntarily acquired another nationality without prior retention was declared unconstitutional and invalid.

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Can South Africans Have Dual Citizenship?

Yes.

South Africa recognises dual citizenship, allowing many South Africans to hold citizenship of another country while remaining South African citizens.

However, the legal position changed significantly in 2025 following a landmark Constitutional Court judgment that declared the automatic loss of South African citizenship unconstitutional.

Understanding these changes is important for anyone considering immigration, naturalisation, or acquiring another nationality.

Important Legal Update

On 6 May 2025, the Constitutional Court confirmed that section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act was unconstitutional.

Previously, adults who voluntarily acquired another country's citizenship without prior permission to retain South African citizenship automatically lost their South African citizenship.

The Court declared this provision invalid from its commencement in 1995 and held that affected citizens are deemed not to have lost their South African citizenship.

What Is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship means a person is legally recognised as a citizen of two countries at the same time.

A dual citizen may have:

  • Two passports
  • Rights and responsibilities in both countries
  • Different legal obligations depending on the laws of each country

Not every country allows dual citizenship, so applicants should always confirm the rules of the country where they intend to obtain another nationality.

What Changed in 2025?

The Constitutional Court found that automatically removing a person's South African citizenship simply because they voluntarily acquired another nationality was unconstitutional.

This means the previous automatic-loss rule no longer applies.

Can South Africans Still Apply for Another Citizenship?

Yes.

Many South Africans obtain another nationality through:

  • Immigration
  • Naturalisation
  • Marriage
  • Descent
  • Long-term residence

Before applying, applicants should still check the requirements of both South Africa and the destination country, as each country has its own citizenship laws.

Travelling as a Dual Citizen

Holding dual citizenship does not remove your obligations under South African law when travelling.

South African citizens are generally expected to enter and leave South Africa using a valid South African passport.

Keeping South African travel documents current can help avoid unnecessary complications.

Documents Often Required During Immigration

People applying for another nationality may also require official South African documents such as:

  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Unabridged Birth Certificate
  • Unabridged Marriage Certificate
  • Apostille Certificate
  • Certificate of Authentication
  • Letter of No Impediment
  • Driver's Licence Confirmation Letter

Requirements differ depending on the destination country.

Immigration and Citizenship Applications

Many countries request supporting South African documents when processing:

  • Permanent residence
  • Citizenship
  • Skilled migration
  • Family sponsorship
  • Marriage abroad
  • Employment visas
  • Student visas

Preparing these documents early can help avoid delays.

Common Questions

Many people ask:

  • Can I keep my South African citizenship?
  • Can I have two passports?
  • Will I lose my South African citizenship?
  • Which passport should I use when travelling?
  • Do I still need official South African documents for immigration?

The answers depend on your circumstances and the laws of the country where you are applying.

How Authentic Documents SA Assists

Authentic Documents SA assists clients in South Africa and internationally with document preparation for immigration and overseas use.

Our services include:

  • Police Clearance Certificates
  • DIRCO Apostille Services
  • Authentication Services
  • Unabridged Birth Certificates
  • Unabridged Marriage Certificates
  • Letters of No Impediment
  • Driver's Licence Confirmation Letters
  • South African document support for international applications

We provide structured guidance and professional assistance throughout the document preparation process.

Final Thoughts

Dual citizenship remains an important topic for South Africans planning to live, work, study, or settle abroad.

The Constitutional Court's 2025 judgment changed the legal position regarding the automatic loss of citizenship, but practical immigration and travel requirements still depend on your individual circumstances and the laws of the countries involved.

Before making citizenship or immigration decisions, always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant government authorities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can South Africans legally have dual citizenship?

Yes. South Africans can hold dual citizenship, and the Constitutional Court ruled in 2025 that the automatic loss provision for acquiring another nationality was unconstitutional.

Do dual citizens need a South African passport?

South African citizens are generally required to enter and leave South Africa using a valid South African passport, even if they also hold another nationality.

What documents are commonly needed for immigration?

Many applicants require Police Clearance Certificates, Unabridged Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Apostille services, and other official South African documents depending on the destination country's requirements.

Need Assistance With South African Documents for Immigration?

Authentic Documents SA assists clients worldwide with Police Clearance Certificates, DIRCO Apostille services, Unabridged Birth and Marriage Certificates, Letters of No Impediment, and South African document preparation for immigration, work, study, and legal use abroad.

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Willem Greyvenstein founder of Authentic Documents SA assisting clients with South African document services

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Willem Greyvenstein is the founder of Authentic Documents SA, helping South Africans locally and abroad obtain certificates, apostilles, police clearances, and trusted document support.