Worried about How much does it cost to become a South African citizen? this article has got you covered. In this article, we will answer the question “How much does it cost to become a South African citizen?”. Let’s get started:
- Citizenship by Descent: The application fee for South African citizenship by descent is currently ZAR 1,330 (subject to change).
- Naturalisation: The application fee for naturalization is currently ZAR 1,520. There is also an additional fee of ZAR 100 for a certificate of confirmation of permanent residence.
- Section 26(4) Exemption: If you are applying to retain your South African citizenship before you acquire citizenship of another country, the fee is currently ZAR 25.
| Service | Tariff |
| Identity Document: Issuing of first document. | FREE |
| Identity Document: Re-issuing, provided that the re-issuing of identity documents is free of charge in those cases where an identity document was issued and the forename is repeated as a surname in the document, if the Department did not insist on the application for insertion of the surname at the time of the initial application, and when a new identity document is issued to a former TBVC-citizen to replace his old South African identity document classifying him as a non-South African citizen. | R140.00 |
| Temporary Identity Certificate: Issuing of a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC). | R70.00 |
| First issue of an Unabridged Birth Certificate.First issue of an abridged Death or Marriage Certificate. | FREE |
| Issuing of an abridged Birth, Death or Marriage Certificate, or a reproduction of the relevant register or a reproduction of any supporting documentation which is coupled to the register concerned, as well as verification of information from birth, marriage and death registers with regard to any individual, provided that where such reproduction or verification is required for official purposes by a Government institution within the meaning of serial number 11, it will be FREE of charge. | R75.00 |
| Issuing of an abridged computer printed or handwritten birth, death or marriage certificate, provided that no fees are payable for the issuing of the prescribed certificate on registration of birth, death or marriage. | R20.00 |
| Application for any amendment to the birth register of any person including the noting of the fact of adoption in the birth register of a person i.r.o the Child Care Act, 1983, but excluding the re-registration of a birth i.r.o. section 11 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992, which is free of charge. | R70.00 |
| Application for any change of the forenames or surname of a minor (Sections 24 and 25 of Act 51 of 1992). | R70.00 |
| Application for the changing of a major’s forenames in the birth register (Section 24 of Act 51 of 1992). The insertion of a major’s surname in the birth register, however, is free of charge if his identity document was issued with the forename repeated as a surname. The subsequent re-issuing of such a person’s identity document is also free of charge. | R140.00 |
| Application by a major to assume a different surname (provided that, should the applicant be lawfully married, the amount also includes the application of his spouse as well as those of any minor children, or if the applicant is a divorced female or widow, it also includes the application of her minor children, if any)(Section 26 of Act 51 of 1992) | R325.00 |
| Issuing of a duplicate confirmation of the change of a major’s forenames and/or surname | R70.00 |
| Letter of confirmation of marital status | R50.00 |
| Adult Passport | R600.00 |
| Child Passport | R600.00 |
| Replacement of new format South African tourist passport that runs out of blank visa pages, before the expiry dates. | R600.00 |
| Document for traveling purposes (BI-105) | R600.00 |
| Maxi Tourist Passport (48 Pages) | R1200.00 |
| Crew Member Certificate | R600.00 |
| Naturalization application and issue of original citizenship certificate | R300 |
| Issuing of duplicate citizenship certificate (including application for certificates issued in terms of section 16 of Act 88 of 1995) as well as confirmation (To whom it may concern) | R90 |
| Resumption of SA citizenship, in terms of section 13 of Act 88 of 1995 | R300 |
| Retention of SA citizenship, in terms of section 6(2) of Act 88 of 1995 | R300 |
| Retrospective exemption in terms of section 26(4) of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, from the loss of South African citizenship. | R300 |
| Diplomatic passport | R600 |
| Official Passport (including official emergency passport) or crew member certificate, and a temporary passport issued for official purposes. | R600 |
| The fees payable in respect of applications for a South African passport or travel document made outside of the Republic, at Missions, Embassies or Consulates, are as follows: | |
| Adult Passport | R1200.00 |
| Child Passport | R1200.00 |
| Maxi Tourist Passport (48 Pages) | R2400.00 |
| Emergency Travel Certificate (BI-123) | R140.00 |
| Replacement of lost/ damaged/ stolen South African passport, child passport, maxi passport or document for traveling purposes referred to in Regulation 16 of the South African Passports and Travel Documents Regulation, 1996 | DOUBLE THE CURRENT TARIFF FOR THE DOCUMENT CONCERNED. Provided that where the document had been stolen/ lost/ damaged through NO negligence on the part of the holder, only the normal fee will be payable. |
| The furnishing of information from the Population Register on magnetic tape or similar format in accordance with the provisions of section 21 of the Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997) | R480.00 requested for every 5000 persons or for portion thereof. |
| Furnishing of information from the Population Register for official purposes to any Department of State, Local Authority or Statutory Body. Provided that the prescribed fees for abridged or unabridged certificates shall be payable if such certificates are requested. | FREE |
| Frame of four black and white photos taken for ID applications. | R40.00 |
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
The following fees shall be payable in terms of section 7(1)(i) of the Immigration Act in respect of the applications specified:
| Application | Section of ACT | Tariff |
| Certificate to enter or depart from the Republic at a place other than a Port of Entry | 9(3)(c)(i) | R425 |
| Visitor’s Visa | 10A(3) | R425 |
| Transit Visa | 10B(2) | R425 |
| Renewal of Visitor’s Permit | 11(1) | R425 |
| Study Permit | 13(1) | R425 |
| Treaty Permit | 14 | R425 |
| Business Permit | 15 | R1520 |
| Medical Treatment Permit | 17 | R425 |
| Relative’s Permit for immediate family member other than spouse or minor child | 18 | R425 |
| Work Permit | 19 | R1520 |
| Retired person Permit | 20 | R425 |
| Corporate Permit | 21 | R1520 |
| Exchange Permit | 22 | R425 |
| Permanent Residence Permit excluding applications by persons contemplated in sections 25(b) and (c) and 27(d) of the ACT | 25 | R1520 |
| Certificate of Confirmation of Permanent Residence | 28(c) | R100 |
| Processing fee for application for registration as an Immigration Practitioner | 46(2) | R3000 |
Benefits of South African Citizenship
The following are a few of the many benefits to becoming a citizen of South Africa:
- Access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities
- Right to vote and participate in the democratic process
- Opportunities to explore iconic wildlife and natural wonders
- Embrace diversity, traditions, and languages in a melting pot country
- Be part of a resilient and progressive nation that has overcome enormous challenges
- A beacon of hope and inspiration for the world
- Belong to a vibrant and dynamic community that celebrates both its past and its future.
South African Citizenship by Descent
South African citizenship by descent is the process of obtaining South African citizenship through a parent or grandparent who is/was a South African citizen.
Obtaining citizenship by descent is considered the most straightforward pathway to South African citizenship after citizenship by birth. Applicants must provide extensive documentation to prove their lineage and eligibility, and the process may take several months or even years to complete.
For those who can demonstrate their connection to South Africa through descent, citizenship by descent offers a unique opportunity to claim their heritage and become part of a rich and diverse culture that has captivated people from around the globe.
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionWho Qualifies for South Africa Citizenship by Descent
- Persons born outside South Africa can claim citizenship by descent if one of their parents was a South African citizen at the time of their registered birth.
- Individuals born outside South Africa and adopted by a South African citizen can also claim citizenship by descent if their birth was registered.
- Anyone born in Namibia after March 21, 1990, whose mother or father was a South African citizen at the time of their birth, can also claim citizenship by descent.
- Adopted children whose responsible parent received a certificate of resumption of citizenship and entered South Africa for permanent residency while they were minors and whose birth was registered within a year after the certificate of resumption was issued can also claim citizenship by descent.
South Africa Citizenship by Descent: Requirements
Required Documents
- A completed application form (BI-24)
- An unabridged birth certificate
- Original and valid passports of the applicant and their parent(s)
- South African parent’s original birth certificate, identity document, or passport
- Marriage certificate of parents, if applicable
- Proof of payment of the application fee
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.