Citizenship routes

Ancestryreviewed
Naturalizationreviewed
Birthreviewed
Investmentreviewed
Naturalizationactive

Naturalisation after permanent residence and ordinary residence

The Minister may grant a certificate of naturalisation to an adult foreigner who has been admitted for permanent residence and has been ordinarily resident in the Republic for a continuous period of not less than five years immediately preceding the application (as amended by Act 17 of 2010), is of good character, intends continued residence or qualifying service, can communicate in an official language, and has adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. Naturalisation remains discretionary.

Sources: South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 (gov.za PDF) ยท South African Citizenship Amendment Act 17 of 2010 ยท South African Government โ€” Citizenship Act document page

Residence & settlement

Driving licence

Where a licence connected to South Africa can be exchanged, based on mapped official lists. Search every issuing country.

Licence issued in South Africa

11 mapped destinations
Check the full exchange conditions

Exchange normally requires residence in the destination and replaces the original licence. The official authority still decides validity, deadlines, classes, and any extra checks.

Treaty & country paths

This passport benefits from: Panama Friendly Nations Visa