June 17, 2019

RETENTION OF CITIZENSHIP

When a South African citizen above the age of eighteen (18) who intends to acquire the citizenship/nationality of another country by naturalization, shall cease to be South African if does not apply to retain his/her citizenship.

When a person acquires the citizenship of another country automatically by virtue of marriage he/she shall not cease to be a South African citizen.  I must be noted that the legislation of most countries no longer provides for the automatic acquisition of citizenship through marriage (December 31, 1991 for Switzerland).

Retention may NOT be granted retrospectively, and therefore applicants should apply prior to the application to acquire nationality of another country.

Minors under the age of 17½ are exempt from the above process.

Applicants must appear personally at the Embassy by prior appointment.

E-mail: bern.consular@dirco.gov.za (S.A. Embassy Bern)

E-mail: consulargeneva@dirco.gov.za (S.A. Mission Geneva)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application forms will be provided during your appointment

Proof of citizenship. i.e.: any South African document with 13-digit-ID number

Swiss/Liechtenstein residence permit plus a clear copy

No cash payment is accepted at the Embassy. Application fees to be made online.  The information will be provided to you during your appointment.

Self-addressed-stamped envelope for the return of documents.

Please print documents before attending your appointment.  The Consular staff will no longer make any copies or print documents on your behalf.

N.B.: All applications are evaluated and documents are printed in Pretoria, therefore the Embassy has no influence on the processing time of the application