What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship refers to holding legal citizenship in South Africa and another country simultaneously. It allows individuals to enjoy rights in both countries, including the ability to vote, access services, and live and work freely. While dual citizenship has long been permitted in South Africa, the laws and processes governing it changed significantly last year.
Major legal changes: 2025 Constitutional Court ruling
Before May 2025, South African adults who obtained legal citizenship in other countries were required to apply to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for permission to retain their South African citizenship. Failing to do so meant their South African citizenship was automatically revoked under Section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995.
However, all of this changed following the Democratic Alliance v Minister of Home Affairs case. The Constitutional Court ruled that it was unfair to strip South Africans of their citizenship just for acquiring another nationality, and as a result, Section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act was declared unconstitutional.
Key takeaways:
- Dual citizenship is now fully recognised - prior approval to hold multiple nationalities is no longer required.
- Individuals who lost their South African citizenship under the old law are now considered as never having lost it.
The new citizenship reinstatement portal
To put the Constitutional Court’s ruling into action, the DHA launched a new digital platform in November 2025, known as the ‘reinstatement portal.’ This platform makes it quick and easy for affected expats to reinstate their citizenship.
It also allows South African citizens (especially those living abroad) to easily:
- Verify their South African citizenship status using their ID number.
- Complete any remaining steps required to have citizenship formally reinstated where it was previously lost.
- Track the progress of their application online, avoiding excessive paperwork or in-person visits to consulates.
The portal features secure digital authentication, biometric and document verification, and connects directly to the National Population Register for precise record updating.
How to reinstate your citizenship
- Access the portal at My Home Affairs Online
- Create your profile: Register using your email address.
- Verify your details and check your status: Enter your South African ID number to check whether your citizenship is intact.
- Submit for reinstatement: If your citizenship is not intact, follow the steps provided to confirm your identity and have it reinstated.
Beyond the digital convenience, this platform represents a major step toward modernised civic services, reducing bureaucratic delays. With the right preparation and access to new digital tools, South Africans abroad can now confidently uphold their rights and obligations both at home and overseas.
Keeping your tax and finances in order
It’s important to recognise that citizenship and tax residency are separate legal concepts in South Africa. Even if you hold dual citizenship, you may still be considered a ‘tax resident’, which means you are required to declare worldwide income and foreign assets to SARS. Renouncing South African citizenship or moving abroad does not automatically end your tax obligations.
If you plan to permanently leave South Africa, you may need to go through the tax emigration process, which involves formally notifying SARS and settling any outstanding tax obligations. Professional tax advice is highly recommended to understand your specific obligations.
If you would like to learn more about tax residency in South Africa and how tax obligations are determined, you can read about it here.
Simplifying your cross-border finances
Navigating tax obligations and the logistics of living or moving abroad can be complex. From managing tax emigration requirements to transferring funds internationally, there are many moving parts to get right.
At Future Forex, we help South Africans handle these complexities with ease. Our team of experts will guide you through the tax emigration process, ensure compliance with SARS, and provide seamless, secure and cost-effective international money transfers, so you can focus on your life abroad while confidently managing your finances.
