The following quintessential documents must be submitted inter alia with the application (we can assist with these as required): A certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate issued abroad or at birth Proof of birth and/or citizenship of the South African parent(s) Letter from the parents confirming paternity

FOREIGN BIRTH REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN OF SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS

Claim South African Citizenship for Children Born Abroad

Children born outside South Africa to one or both parents who are South African citizens may be eligible to register their foreign birth with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and claim South African citizenship. This process ensures that your child’s citizenship status is formally recognized, enabling access to important rights and privileges.

WHO QUALIFIES?

A child born abroad qualifies for South African citizenship if at least one parent is a South African citizen at the time of the child’s birth. However, the child’s birth must be registered with the DHA within 30 days of birth to formalize this status.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR FOREIGN BIRTH REGISTRATION

To successfully register a child’s foreign birth and apply for citizenship, the following documents must be submitted (Xpatweb can assist you in compiling and verifying all documentation):

Form DHA 24, Notice of Birth, this is completed and signed by a South African parent(s) of a children being registered.
Form BI 259, purpose of this form is to locate records at the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria and the South African parent(s) must complete the form
An original or notarized copy of the child’s foreign birth certificate
An original or notarized copy of the parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of birth and/or citizenship of the South African parent(s) (e.g., South African birth certificate or passport).
Certified copy of non-South African parent’s passport or government ID (in applicable)
A letter from the parents confirming paternity and relevant family details.

Important: The Department of Home Affairs requires that birth certificates of the parent(s) or grandparents accompany every application. Failure to include these documents will result in the application not being processed.

PROCESSING TIMES AND FEES

WHY REGISTER FOREIGN BIRTHS?

Registering a child’s birth with the South African Department of Home Affairs is essential to:

Secure South African citizenship rights for your child born abroad.
Enable your child to obtain a South African passport.
Ensure access to healthcare, education, and other government services.
Avoid future complications related to immigration, travel, and legal status.

If you need assistance with foreign birth registration or related immigration matters, Xpatweb’s expert team is here to guide you through the process smoothly and efficiently.

Description

A child whose parent(s) is a South African Citizen may automatically qualify for citizenship. Their birth will however need to be registered with the Department of Home Affairs within 30 days.

Required Documents

The following quintessential documents must be submitted inter alia with the application (we can assist with these as required):

A certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate issued abroad or at birth
Proof of birth and/or citizenship of the South African parent(s)
Letter from the parents confirming paternity

Processing Time and Fees

Foreign Birth Registration take approximately 6 months to process by the Department of Home Affairs

Useful Facts

Offices must ensure that parents/grandparents birth certificates are attached with every application submitted. Without these no application will be processed.

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