Citizenship - Civic Services

ON THIS PAGE YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING :

1 - APPLICATION FOR AN ID

2 - APPLICATION FOR A BIRTH, MARRIAGE OR DEATH CERTIFICATE

3 - CONFIRMATION OF MARITAL STATUS - LETTER OF NON-IMPEDIMENT

4 - REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN BIRTH

5 – REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN MARRIAGE

6 – REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN DIVORCE

7 – REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN DEATH

8 - ALTERATION OF NAMES

9 - INSERTION OF FATHER'S DETAILS ON SOUTH AFRICAN BIRTH CERTIFICATE

10 - RETENTION OF SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP

Consular hours for public attendance are 09:00 to 12:00, Monday to Thursday, BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY

For consular queries or to book/change/cancel an appointment, please call +351 213 192 200, Monday to Fridays from 08H00 to 16H00, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For emergencies only (no visa or civic services queries or requests) please call +351 964 151 989

IMPORTANT NOTICES

The Embassy does not provide photocopying, printing or fax services to applicants. Applicants must therefore ensure that they produce photocopies / print-outs together with original personal documents and applications, e.g. passports, identity documents, certificates, etc.
Applicants who need to sign an Affidavit / Power of Attorney that requires witnesses (apart from the Commissioner of Oaths) should provide/produce their own witnesses and their relevant identification documents and copies thereof.

All the forms must be fully completed in block letters and black ink, dated and signed by the applicant. Questions that don’t apply must be completed with ‘n/a’; if answers to certain questions are not known, they should be marked as ‘unknown’. Please note that relevant information not provided on the forms may cause the application to be returned / not accepted by the relevant Department in South Africa.

Colour photos (in accordance with international standards). Please click HERE for photo specifications. The Consulate does not have a photo booth at the moment.
A pre-paid self-addressed A4-size envelope (with the required post office stamps for registered mail (100gr) and already filled in with the applicant's name and address (both the envelope and the CTT Registo form need to be fully filled in) should be produced with the required documentation if the applicant wishes the Embassy to send the document by post upon receipt.

Applications at the Honorary Consulates must be posted by the applicants themselves to the South African Embassy in Lisbon.

Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the Embassy during the processing period (see average timeframe for each type of document). However, applicants may contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre themselves about their civic services application status through the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. APPLICATION FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN ID

The following documents are required:

Original updated SA Passport
Current/Previous SA ID or SA Smart Card (if applicable) or SA Full/Unabridged Birth Certificate
SA Immigration Permit / SA Certificate of Naturalisation (for citizens who were not born in RSA)
The first Issue of the SA ID is free of charge – For updates /renewals the fee is € 15,00 cash, exact amount - or (Post Office) CTT Postal Order issued to: Department of Home Affairs, with the Embassy address and duly signed
Police Report if SA ID has been lost or stolen with an official translation into EN
3 x colour photos (in accordance with international standards). Please click HERE for photo specifications. The Consulate does not have a photo booth at the moment.
Form BI-10– This form cannot be downloaded and will be provided to the applicant to complete when he or she submits the passport application in person at the Embassy or Honorary Consulate.
Form DHA-9 This form cannot be downloaded and will be provided to the applicant to complete when he or she submits the passport application in person at the Embassy or Honorary Consulate.
Form BI-529 – Compulsory for all SA Citizens applying for passports - Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
Marriage Certificate / Divorce Decree - if the marital status changed and has not yet been registered in South Africa – with an official (notarized) translation into EN (N:B.: Portuguese International Birth/Marriage Certificates are not accepted). If there is a change of surname, please contact the Embassy or Consulate in advance.
In respect of applicants born in Namibia, please find the ‘Namibian Questionnaire’ HERE

Kindly note that it is not yet possible to apply for an SA Smart Card through the South African Embassy or Honorary Consulates.

The green barcoded SA ID with an updated ID number is still valid.

The average timeframe for processing an SA ID is 6 to 12 months. Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the Embassy during the above-mentioned processing period. However, applicants may contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre themselves to enquire about their application status: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2 - APPLYING FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN BIRTH, MARRIAGE OR DEATH CERTIFICATE

Applicants must fill in the relevant form with a black ink pen. FORMS: BIRTH CERTIFICATE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE DEATH CERTIFICATE

Applicants must bring their original updated passport(s) and a photocopy of the biometric passport page, as well as the original and photocopy of the previous birth/marriage/death certificate (if available).

Fee: € 10,00 (cash, exact amount) or (Post Office) CTT Postal Order issued to: Department of Home Affairs, with the Embassy address and duly signed

Please note that all applications will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for issuance. The average timeframe for processing of certificates is 12 to 24 months.

Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the Embassy during the above-mentioned processing period. However, applicants may contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre

themselves to enquire about their application status: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3. CONFIRMATION OF MARITAL STATUS - LETTER OF NON-IMPEDIMENT

Letters of non-impediment (i.e. confirmation of marital status), are issued upon request to persons who are South African citizens and who require such a letter for the purpose of getting married.

Before submitting an application, applicants should first verify that their marital status at the Department of Home Affairs is indeed correct by sending an email to the Contact Centre: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To apply for a 'Letter of Non-Impediment - Confirmation of Marital Status' the following documents are required:

Application form requesting the issuance of a letter of non-impediment HERE

The applicant’s original South African passport and a photocopy of the passport page with the applicant’s biometric data
The applicant’s original South African identity document, if available
Fee: € 5,00 (cash, exact amount) or (Post Office) CTT Postal Order issued to: Department of Home Affairs, with the Embassy address and duly signed

Please note that all applications will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for issuance. The average timeframe for processing of certificates is 6 to 12 months.

Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the mission during the above-mentioned processing period. However, applicants may contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre themselves to enquire about their application status: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

4 - REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN BIRTH

In terms of the Birth and Death Registration Act, 1992 (Act No. 51 of 1992), any person born outside of the Republic of South Africa to a parent who is a South African citizen at the time of his or her birth and whose birth is registered, shall be a South African citizen by descent.

Important Notice - Parents who wish to submit documentation for the birth registration of their child / children are advised to download, print and fill in the forms in advance. However, all signatures and fingerprints must be done before a South African Embassy or Honorary Consulate Official.

N.B.: Forename(s) and surname(s) of the child must be written on the forms as they appear on the Portuguese birth certificate. The forename(s) and surname(s) of the child’s parents should be filled in accordance with the SA documents. If one of the Parents is not an SA Citizen, the forename(s) and surname(s) of that parent must be registered according to the updated Passport or ID of the foreign country.

Please confirm Important Notes – applicable to all applications - at the end of number (2)

1. To apply for Birth Registration within 30 days from the date of birth, the following documents are required:

Form DHA-24 (This form cannot be downloaded and will be provided to the applicant to complete upon submission of the Birth Registration application.)
The child's original foreign birth certificate reflecting the full details of the parent(s) e.g. Portuguese Assento de Nascimento - such document must also have an Apostille affixed to it - https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile and an official translation into EN. The Portuguese International Birth Certificate is not accepted.
Form BI-529 (in respect of the child being registered). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.(The form must be fully completed in block letters and in black ink, dated and signed by the informant – questions that don’t apply may be completed with ‘n/a’; if answers to certain questions are not known, they should be marked as ‘Unknown’. Questions 9, 10, 11 of Part A are of particular importance. ‘Identity number’ refers only to South African 13-digit identity numbers; where an ‘identity number’ is not applicable or unknown, the space should be completed accordingly.
Form(s) BI-529 (in respect of the child’s South African parent(s). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
The child’s South African parent’s original and updated South African passport.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African birth certificate (if available).
The child’s South African parent’s original Certificate of Naturalisation if born outside South Africa.
Proof from South African parent who acquired foreign citizenship that he or she retains their South African citizenship (see No. 2 - Retention of South African Citizenship).
Proof of legal residence status in Portugal: Temporary, permanent or naturalised citizenship.
If one of the child’s parents is not a South African citizen, the foreign parent’s original passport and/or ID.
If the child holds the citizenship of another country and a passport / ID has already been issued, the child’s original and updated foreign passport / ID.
If the child’s parents are married, the parent’s original marriage certificate - If the marriage took place abroad i.e. outside of South Africa, an Apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile. The Portuguese International Marriage Certificate is not accepted.

2. To apply for Birth Registration after one 1 Month from the date of birth, the following documents are required:

Form DHA-24/LRB (This form cannot be downloaded and will be provided to the applicant to complete upon submission of the Birth Registration application.)
Form BI-288 (Affidavit in Support of Notice of Birth) - May be downloaded and printed HERE
The child's original foreign birth certificate reflecting the full details of the parent(s) e.g. Portuguese Assento de Nascimento - such document must also have an Apostille affixed to it - https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile and an official translation into EN. The Portuguese International Birth Certificate is not accepted.
Form BI-529. Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen. (The form be must be fully completed in block letters and in black ink, dated and signed by the informant – questions that don’t apply may be completed with ‘n/a’; if answers to certain questions are not known, they should be marked as ‘Unknown’. Questions 9, 10, 11 of Part A are of particular importance. ‘Identity number’ refers only to South African 13-digit identity numbers; where an ‘identity number’ is not applicable or unknown, the space should be completed accordingly.
Form(s) BI-529 (in respect of the child’s South African parent(s)). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
The child’s South African parent’s original and updated South African passport.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African birth certificate (if available).
The child’s South African parent’s original Certificate of Naturalisation if born outside South Africa
Proof from South African parent who acquired foreign citizenship that he or she retains their South African citizenship (see No. 2 - Retention of South African Citizenship).
Proof legal residence status abroad: Temporary, permanent or naturalised citizenship.
If one of the child’s parents is not a South African citizen, the foreign parent’s original passport and/or ID.
If the child holds the citizenship of another country and a passport / ID has already been issued, the child’s original and updated foreign passport / ID.
If the child’s parents are married, the parent’s original marriage certificate - If the marriage took place abroad i.e. outside of South Africa, an Apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile. The Portuguese International Marriage Certificate is not accepted.
2 updated photos (for children 15 and older)

IMPORTANT NOTES - FOR THE APPLICATION FOR BIRTH REGISTRATION (NOTICE OF BIRTH)

There is no application fee for the registration of a birth.
Upon registration of a birth at the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria, an unabridged birth certificate, which includes the child’s 13-digit South African identity number, is issued free of charge and will be sent to the Embassy.
Please note that all applications will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for issuance. The average timeframe for processing of certificates is 6 to 12 months.
Parents who would like their child to be issued with a South African passport may submit an application in addition to the birth registration, and both parents must accompany their child to the Embassy / Honorary Consulate in such case. Please note, however, that in the case of children who hold the citizenship of another country e.g. Portugal and where the family resides permanently in Portugal, there is no real need for such children to hold South African child passports in addition to their Portuguese passports – the South African Citizenship Amendment Act of 2004 (Pls. cf. SACitizenshipAmendmentAct.pdf), which came into effect on 15 September 2004, only applies to adult South African citizens. Therefore, as a minor, a child who is a dual citizen is under no obligation to enter and depart the country on a South African passport. If you only visit South Africa on holiday and your visit does not exceed ninety (90) days, your child may enter the country on his or her Portuguese passport, and be issued with a visitor’s visa on entry (Pls. cf. https://www.embaixada-africadosul.pt/index.php/en/consular-services/visas-a-passports/do-i-need-a-visa15 ). Nevertheless, the final decision lies with the parents who may insist that their child be issued with a South African tourist passport, which is valid for five (5) years, and for which they must pay the passport application fee.
Applicants are encouraged to print and complete forms at home in order to avoid unnecessary delays and long waiting times when they submit the applications in person. Applicants who print forms at home must, however, ensure that the forms they print are legible; forms may be printed in colour or black and white.
Application forms must not be folded.
All applicants must submit photocopies of personal documents together with the original documents e.g. passports, identity documents, birth, marriage and death certificates, and divorce decrees – the photocopies will be certified by a consular official free of charge and the original documents returned.
Applications are sent free of charge to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria - where applications are finalized and new documents issued - with the diplomatic freight bag once a month.
After the application has been sent to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria, it may take up to 6 to 12 months for the application to be finalized and the newly issued document to reach the office of application / South African Embassy abroad. Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the mission during the above-mentioned processing period. However, applicants may contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre themselves to enquire about their application status: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

5 – REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN MARRIAGE

REGISTRATION OF A MARRIAGE ABROAD

There is no formal application for the registration of the marriage of a South African citizen who got married abroad. The Department of Home Affairs should, however, be informed of the marriage so that the marital status and surname of a South African citizen, if it has changed, can be updated on the National Population Register (NPR). An application for confirmation of marital status (see 7 - CONFIRMATION OF MARITAL STATUS - APPLICATION FOR LETTER OF NON-IMPEDIMENT) shall be submitted simultaneously if proof of the change of marital status is required for record purposes.

The following documentation must be submitted by each applicant.

1 A letter from the applicant requesting the marriage abroad to be registered on the National Population Register

• The signed and dated letter must be addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs and include:

i. The applicant’s full name and identity number.

ii. The date and place of marriage.

iii. The spouse’s full name and date of birth.

iv. The applicant’s contact details (residential address, mobile phone number and email address).

2 The applicant’s original South African passport

• A photocopy of the passport page with the applicant’s biometric data / photograph must also be submitted.

• The original document will be given back to the applicant.

3 The applicant’s original South African identity document, if available

• A photocopy of the document must also be submitted.

4 The applicant’s spouse’s original passport (or identity document)

• A photocopy of the passport page with the applicant’s biometric data / photograph must also be submitted.

5 The applicant’s original foreign marriage certificate – e.g. Portuguese Assento de Casamento or Certidão de Casamento

• An Apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile

If the original marriage certificate is not in English, it must be translated into English and certified as a correct translation by a sworn translator

Please note:

- There is no application fee for the registration of a marriage abroad and no certificate will be issued following registration of the divorce at the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria.

- Applicants may, however, verify their marital status at the Department of Home Affairs website to ensure that it is indeed correct / updated by sending an email to the Contact Centre: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Applicants who require an official confirmation of marital status e.g. for the purpose of getting married may apply for a Letter of Non-impediment (Please cf. 7 - APPLICATION FOR LETTER OF NON-IMPEDIMENT - CONFIRMATION OF MARITAL STATUS) or for a Marriage Certificate (Please cf. 5 - APPLYING FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN BIRTH, MARRIAGE OR DEATH CERTIFICATE) .

- South African citizens whose surnames have changed after marriage may apply for a passport (Please cf. https://www.embaixada-africadosul.pt/index.php/en/consular-services/passports ) and/or an Identity Document (Please cf. 1 - APPLICATION FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN ID) which reflects his / her surname after marriage.

- The average timeframe for Registration at the National Population Register in Pretoria is 6 to 12 months. Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the mission during the above-mentioned processing period. However, applicants may contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre themselves about their application status: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

6 – REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN DIVORCE

REGISTRATION OF A DIVORCE ABROAD

There is no formal application for the registration of the divorce of a South African citizen who got divorced abroad.

The Department of Home Affairs should, however, be informed of the divorce so that the marital status and surname, if it has changed, may be updated on the National Population Register.

An application for confirmation of marital status shall be submitted simultaneously if proof of the change of marital status is required for record purposes (Please cf. 7 - CONFIRMATION OF MARITAL STATUS - APPLICATION FOR LETTER OF NON-IMPEDIMENT)

The complete application must be submitted in person during consular business hours at the Embassy or at the Honorary Consulates in Porto or Funchal

The following documentation must be submitted by each applicant:

Please keep / submit the documentation in the order as listed below.

1. A letter from the applicant requesting the divorce abroad to be registered on the National Population Register

• The signed and dated letter must be addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs and include:

i. The applicant’s full name and identity number.

ii. The date and place of marriage that has been dissolved.

iii. The date and place / court that pronounced the divorce.

iv. The previous spouse’s full name and date of birth.

v. The applicant’s contact details (residential address, mobile phone number and email address).

2. The applicant’s original South African passport

• A photocopy of the passport page with the applicant’s biometric data / photograph must also be submitted.

3. The applicant’s original South African identity document, if available

• A photocopy of the document must also be submitted.

4. The applicant’s original divorce decree

• An apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile

• If the original divorce decree is not in English, it must be officially translated into English.

• A photocopy of the document and apostille must also be submitted.

Please note:

- There is no application fee for the registration of a divorce abroad and upon registration of the divorce at the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria no certificate will be issued.

- Applicants may, however, verify their marital status on the Department of Home Affairs website to ensure that it is indeed correct / updated or by sending an email to the Contact Centre: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Applicants who require an official confirmation of marital status e.g. for the purpose of getting married, may apply for a letter of non-impediment (Please cf. 7 - APPLICATION FOR LETTER OF NON-IMPEDIMENT - CONFIRMATION OF MARITAL STATUS).

- South African citizens whose surnames have changed after divorce may apply for a passport (Please cf. https://www.embaixada-africadosul.pt/index.php/en/consular-services/passports ) and/or an Identity Document (Please cf. 1 - APPLICATION FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN ID) which reflects his / her surname after divorce – current legislation stipulates that female divorced applicants may elect to continue using their married surname, revert to their maiden surname, any previous married surname or amended surname, or add such surname to any married surname she legally bears or bore at any prior time, without having to legally / formally apply for a change of surname.

- The average timeframe for Registration at the National Population Register in Pretoria is 6 to 12 months. Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the Embassy during the above-mentioned processing period. Applicants may, however, contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre themselves about their application status: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

7 – REGISTRATION OF A FOREIGN DEATH

REGISTRATION OF A DEATH ABROAD

The death of South African citizens or holder of a South African permanent residence permit that occurs outside the Republic of South Africa must be reported to the nearest South African Embassy.

If the death occurred in Portugal, then it must be reported directly to the South African Embassy in Lisbon or through the Honorary Consulates in Porto or Funchal.

The person (informant) reporting the death must submit the documentation listed below in person.

Form BI-1663 (Notification of death / still-birth) - This form cannot be downloaded. It will be provided to the applicant to complete when he or she submits the notification in person at the Embassy or Honorary Consulate. This form must be requested in advance as it must be completed by the applicant, a medical practitioner / forensic pathologist and the funeral undertaker (and duly stamped with the official stamps). The informant must ensure that he or she is able to provide all the information required on the form about the deceased. The fingerprint of the deceased and funeral undertaker is not required. Section D must be completed in person by the informant on the day that he or she reports the death at the South African mission. To receive form BI-1663 by post, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with a note requesting the form to the Embassy.
The original South African identity document and / or passport of the deceased.
The original Death Certificate – Assento de Óbito, as issued by the Portuguese Registry Office (Conservatória do Registo Civil), with an official (notarized) translation into EN (N:B.: Portuguese International Birth/Marriage Certificates are not accepted).
An Apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile
The original Death Certificate – Certificado de Óbito, stating the cause of death, as issued by the Portuguese Health Department – Direção Geral de Saúde - with an official (notarized) translation into EN.
The informant’s original passport or identity document. A photocopy of the document must also be submitted.

- There is no fee for the registration of a death abroad and upon registration of death by the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria, no certificate will be issued.

- Applicants may however verify the registration status of the deceased SA Citizen at the Department of Home Affairs website to ensure that it is correct / updated by sending an email to the Contact Centre: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Applicants who require an official confirmation document may apply for a Death Certificate (Please cf. 5 - APPLYING FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN BIRTH, MARRIAGE OR DEATH CERTIFICATE).

8 - ALTERATION OF NAMES

2.1 - A child known by his/her stepfather's name

The following documentation is required:

Completion of forms BI-193 (Attached)
1 x photo of the child
Form DHA-24 Available at the SA Embassy – Filled in with Child’s current surname
Certified copy of the parents’ divorce order or the biological father's death certificate.
Written consent from biological father (if still alive) or court order granting exemption from such consent.
Written consent from stepfather whose surname is to be used.
Copy of marriage certificate (present marriage).
Form BI-529 (in respect of the child being registered). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.(The form must be fully completed in block letters and in black ink, dated and signed by the informant – questions that don’t apply may be completed with ‘n/a’; if answers to certain questions are not known, they should be marked as ‘Unknown’. Questions 9, 10, 11 of Part A are of particular importance. ‘Identity number’ refers only to South African 13-digit identity numbers; where an ‘identity number’ is not applicable or unknown, the space should be completed accordingly.
Form(s) BI-529 (in respect of the child’s South African parent(s). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
The child’s South African parent’s original and updated South African passport.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African ID.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African birth certificate (if available).
The child’s South African parent’s original Certificate of Naturalisation if born outside South Africa.
Proof from South African parent who acquired foreign citizenship that he or she retains their South African citizenship (see No. 2 - Retention of South African Citizenship).
Proof of legal residence status in Portugal: Temporary, permanent or naturalised citizenship.
If one of the child’s parents is not a South African citizen, the foreign parent’s original passport and/or ID.
If the child holds the citizenship of another country and a passport / ID has already been issued, the child’s original and updated foreign passport / ID.
If the child’s parents are married, the parent’s original marriage certificate - If the marriage took place abroad i.e. outside of South Africa, an Apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile. The Portuguese International Marriage Certificate is not accepted.

2.2 - A child born out of wedlock and who is now known by the surname of the biological father or stepfather

Completion of forms BI-193 (Attached)
1 x photo of the child
Form DHA-24 Available at the SA Embassy – Filled in with Child’s current surname
Written consent to the change from the man whom the mother married and whose surname the child will henceforth carry.
Certified copy of the current marriage certificate.
Copy of marriage certificate (present marriage).
Form BI-529 (in respect of the child being registered). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.(The form must be fully completed in block letters and in black ink, dated and signed by the informant – questions that don’t apply may be completed with ‘n/a’; if answers to certain questions are not known, they should be marked as ‘Unknown’. Questions 9, 10, 11 of Part A are of particular importance. ‘Identity number’ refers only to South African 13-digit identity numbers; where an ‘identity number’ is not applicable or unknown, the space should be completed accordingly.
Form(s) BI-529 (in respect of the child’s South African parent(s). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
The child’s South African parent’s original and updated South African passport.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African ID.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African birth certificate (if available).
The child’s South African parent’s original Certificate of Naturalisation if born outside South Africa.
Proof from South African parent who acquired foreign citizenship that he or she retains their South African citizenship (see No. 2 - Retention of South African Citizenship).
Proof of legal residence status in Portugal: Temporary, permanent or naturalised citizenship.
If one of the child’s parents is not a South African citizen, the foreign parent’s original passport and/or ID.
If the child holds the citizenship of another country and a passport / ID has already been issued, the child’s original and updated foreign passport / ID.
If the child’s parents are married, the parent’s original marriage certificate - If the marriage took place abroad i.e. outside of South Africa, an Apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile. The Portuguese International Marriage Certificate is not accepted.

9 - INSERTION OF FATHER'S DETAILS ON SOUTH AFRICAN BIRTH CERTIFICATE

Form BI-1682 (attached)
1 x photo of the child
Form DHA-24 Available at the SA Embassy – Filled in with Child’s current surname
Affidavit (typed and printed) from the Mother of child -with full names details and identification numbers- to grant permission for the insertion of Fathers details on the Birth Certificate and for the Change of surname.
The child's original birth certificate
Form BI-529 (in respect of the child being registered). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.(The form must be fully completed in block letters and in black ink, dated and signed by the informant – questions that don’t apply may be completed with ‘n/a’; if answers to certain questions are not known, they should be marked as ‘Unknown’. Questions 9, 10, 11 of Part A are of particular importance. ‘Identity number’ refers only to South African 13-digit identity numbers; where an ‘identity number’ is not applicable or unknown, the space should be completed accordingly.
Form(s) BI-529 (in respect of the child’s South African parent(s). Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
The child’s South African parent’s original and updated South African passport.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African ID.
The child’s South African parent’s original South African birth certificate (if available).
The child’s South African parent’s original Certificate of Naturalisation if born outside South Africa.
Proof from South African parent who acquired foreign citizenship that he or she retains their South African citizenship (see No. 2 - Retention of South African Citizenship).
Proof of legal residence status in Portugal: Temporary, permanent or naturalised citizenship.
If one of the child’s parents is not a South African citizen, the foreign parent’s original passport and/or ID.
If the child holds the citizenship of another country and a passport / ID has already been issued, the child’s original and updated foreign passport / ID.
If the child’s parents are married, the parent’s original marriage certificate - If the marriage took place abroad i.e. outside of South Africa, an Apostille must be affixed to the document in order to prove authenticity. https://en.ministeriopublico.pt/perguntas-frequentes/apostile. The Portuguese International Marriage Certificate is not accepted.

10 - RETENTION OF SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP

In accordance with the South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act 88 of 1995), as amended by the South African Citizenship Amendment Act, 2010 (Act No. 17 of 2010), an adult South African citizen who intends to apply for foreign citizenship but who does not want to lose his/ her South African citizenship, must first apply for Retention of South African Citizenship, which must be approved before acquiring the citizenship of another country.

The following documents must be submitted when applying for the Retention of South African Citizenship:

Form BI-1664. Please find HERE to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
Form BI-529. Please find HERE form BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship) to be fully filled in beforehand with block letters and a black ink pen.
Original updated SA Passport
Original SA ID (if available)
€ 30,00 application fee - cash only, exact amount- or (Post Office) CTT Postal Order issued to: Department of Home Affairs, with the Embassy address and duly signed

The average timeframe for processing the Retention of South African Citizenship is 6 to 12 months. Status / progress reports are not provided to applicants by the Embassy during the above-mentioned processing period; applicants may however contact the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre themselves about their application status: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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