South Africans have been migrating to New Zealand in significant numbers since the 1990s, and the SA community is well established across the country, particularly in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Christchurch. If you are a South African national considering NZ citizenship, the good news is that South Africa does allow dual citizenship, though there is an important procedural requirement you must not overlook.
The pathway to NZ citizenship
The standard pathway for South African nationals follows the same stages as other migrants:
Stage 1: Work visa
South Africans typically arrive on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or a specific purpose work visa. Common sectors include IT, engineering, healthcare, trades, and agriculture. Some arrive on a partner visa if their spouse or partner is already an NZ resident or citizen.
Stage 2: Residence visa
The most common route is the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). Many South Africans also qualified for the 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021). Partner-based residence is another option for those with NZ partners.
Stage 3: Five years of residence
You must hold a residence visa for 5 years and meet the physical presence requirements: at least 1,350 days in NZ over the 5 years, with at least 240 days in each 12-month period. Use our calculator to track your eligibility date.
Stage 4: Apply for citizenship
Submit your application to DIA with all required documents. Processing takes 3-6 months, followed by a citizenship ceremony.
Dual citizenship: allowed with prior permission
Since the amendment to the South African Citizenship Act in 2004, South African citizens are permitted to hold dual citizenship. However, there is a critical requirement:
You must apply for a retention of citizenship permit BEFORE acquiring NZ citizenship
If you take the NZ citizenship oath without first obtaining written permission from the South African Department of Home Affairs, you will automatically lose your South African citizenship. This is not reversible through a simple application — you would need to go through the more complex resumption process.
The retention application process:
- •Apply through the South African High Commission in Wellington
- •You will need your SA identity document, SA passport, NZ residence visa, and a letter of intent to acquire NZ citizenship
- •Processing times can be 6-12 months or longer, so apply well before you expect to be eligible for NZ citizenship
- •Once granted, the permit remains valid until you acquire NZ citizenship
For more on how NZ handles dual citizenship, see our dual citizenship guide.
Presence requirements and travel to South Africa
South Africa is a long-haul destination from NZ (typically 24+ hours of travel), and many South Africans make extended visits to see family. Be mindful of the presence requirements:
Total days in NZ over 5 years
Minimum days per 12-month period
You can be absent up to 125 days per year on average. Given the travel distance, most South Africans plan one major trip per year of 3-5 weeks. This is manageable, but extended trips of 2+ months will significantly eat into your absence budget. See our counting presence days guide for detailed rules.
The South African community in NZ
New Zealand has a well-established South African community with active social groups, sports clubs (particularly rugby and cricket), churches, and business networks. South African shops and restaurants can be found in most major cities. This community support can be valuable when navigating the citizenship process, as many members have been through it themselves and can share practical advice.
Tips for South African nationals
- •Apply for the SA retention of citizenship permit as early as possible (at least 12 months before your expected NZ citizenship eligibility)
- •Request your SA police clearance certificate early as it can take 8-12 weeks
- •Track all travel to South Africa and other countries carefully
- •Consider whether you need a Permanent Resident Visa before applying for citizenship
- •Gather all required documents well in advance
- •Do not attend the NZ citizenship ceremony until you have the SA retention permit in hand
Frequently asked questions
Can South Africans hold dual citizenship with NZ?
Yes, but you must apply for permission to retain your South African citizenship BEFORE acquiring NZ citizenship. Since 2004, the South African Citizenship Act allows dual citizenship provided you apply to the Department of Home Affairs in advance. If you acquire NZ citizenship without prior permission, you automatically lose your SA citizenship.
How do I apply to retain my South African citizenship?
You must apply to the South African Department of Home Affairs for a retention of citizenship permit before taking the NZ citizenship oath. The application can be submitted through the South African High Commission in Wellington. Processing times vary but allow at least 6-12 months.
What happens if I do not apply for retention before getting NZ citizenship?
If you acquire NZ citizenship without first obtaining a retention of citizenship permit from South Africa, you automatically lose your SA citizenship by operation of law. You would then need to apply for resumption of SA citizenship, which is a separate and more complex process.
Do I need a South African police clearance for NZ citizenship?
Yes. DIA requires police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since turning 17. You will need to obtain a South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) through the SAPS Criminal Record Centre. Processing can take 8-12 weeks, so apply early.
Ready to find out when you can apply for NZ citizenship? Enter your visa details and travel history into our free calculator.
Check your eligibility date