Renunciation of South African citizenship

The Citizenship legislation, effected on 6 October 1995 (Act 88 of 1995) provides for South African citizens to apply to voluntarily renounce their South African Citizenship. To be eligible applicants must have already obtained the citizenship of another country because with effect of the renunciation, the person cannot become a stateless person.

South African citizens who have voluntarily obtained the citizenship of another country after their eighteenth (18th) birthday, without applying and receiving permission to retain their South African citizenship prior to when they obtained their other citizenship, have automatically lost their South African Citizenship from the date they obtained the citizenship of the other country. Such persons consequently need not apply for renunciation. They may apply for a confirmation of their South African status (loss of citizenship will be recorded in South Africa). Forms and requirements are on the webpage www.sahc.org.au/citizenship/Determination_Confirmation_Status.

Processing time is approximately 6 to 12 months.

Requirements for your application

1. Application for Renunciation of South African Citizenship: Form BI-246 in duplicate (i.e. two (2) forms per applicant). For applicants under the age of 18, both parents must sign renunciation Form BI-246.
2. Determination of your Current Status: Form BI-529 requires details of your present status in order that we may ascertain your claim for South African citizenship. Information pertaining to parent's details; minimum of their full date and place of birth is required.
3. Certified copy of the Citizenship certificate of the other nationality that you now hold.
4. Certified copy of your South African Birth Certificate (if applicable).
5. Copies of South African Passports, Identity Documents, Retention of South African Citizenship certificate (if applicable), South African Naturalization certificate (if applicable). Please note once renunciation has been recorded by the DHA all SA documents stand cancelled.
6. There is no fee to be paid for this application.

Return Postage:

• For applications originating from within Australia - a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family).

Postal Address:

South African High Commission
State Circle
Yarralumla
ACT
2600

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