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South African Letter of Retention

Expert assistance with Letter of Retention applications to protect your South African citizenship when acquiring foreign citizenship.

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Important Legal Update

A recent court case has challenged the automatic loss of South African citizenship when acquiring foreign citizenship. However, it's important to note that: 1. The court ruling has not yet been implemented into law 2. Current regulations still require a Letter of Retention 3. Applications are still being processed by Home Affairs 4. We recommend following the current process to protect your citizenship rights

Until official changes are implemented, we strongly advise following the existing Letter of Retention application process to ensure your South African citizenship is protected.

Current Requirement Still in Effect

Despite ongoing legal developments, you must still obtain your Letter of Retention BEFORE acquiring foreign citizenship under current regulations. We strongly recommend following this requirement to protect your citizenship rights.

Current Requirements

Documents and information needed for your Letter of Retention application under current regulations.

Required Documents

  • Valid South African passport
  • Foreign passport (if already obtained)
  • South African ID book/card
  • Proof of foreign citizenship application/intention
  • Completed Form DHA-1664
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Our Process

We handle the entire Letter of Retention application process for you under current regulations.

1

Initial Assessment

We evaluate your situation and confirm eligibility for citizenship retention

2

Document Preparation

We help you prepare all required documents and forms, including the motivation letter

3

Application Submission

Fast-track submission to Home Affairs through our expedited channels

4

Application Tracking

Regular updates on your application status

5

Quality Check

Verification of the Letter of Retention upon approval

6

Document Delivery

Secure delivery of your Letter of Retention

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the current Letter of Retention process.

Despite the recent court case, South Africans taking on new citizenship are still required to apply for retention of their South African citizenship. The court case ruling has not yet been implemented into law, and until official changes are made, the current application process remains in effect.
You must apply for a Letter of Retention BEFORE acquiring citizenship of another country. If you acquire foreign citizenship without first obtaining a Letter of Retention, you may automatically lose your South African citizenship under current law.
The Letter of Retention is valid indefinitely, but it must be obtained before acquiring foreign citizenship. It cannot be obtained retroactively after acquiring foreign citizenship under current regulations.
Under current law, if you acquire foreign citizenship without first obtaining a Letter of Retention, you may automatically lose your South African citizenship. While there is ongoing legal discussion about this requirement, it's important to follow the existing process until official changes are implemented.

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