British and European Ancestry in South Africa and Citizenship by Descent
South Africa has a rich and diverse history of European ancestry, with significant populations of British, Irish, Portuguese, German, and Lithuanian descent. These groups have significantly contributed to the country's political, economic, and cultural development. And for descendants of South African citizens, there may be opportunities to obtain citizenship by descent, subject to certain conditions and requirements.
Additionally, many current-day South Africans had parents and grandparents who lived in its neighbours such as Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), Zambia (Northern Rhodesia), Botswana (Bechuanaland), Angola (Portuguese West Africa), and Mozambique (Portuguese East Africa), Namibia (South West Africa). In some instances, many thousands of South Africans can obtain a second passport from their ancestry, even from their great-grandparents.
Quick Notes on Citizenship by Descent
The United Kingdom released its Borders and Nationality Act of 2022, opening hundreds of additional routes to British Citizenship. The introduction of clause 4L allows applicants to look at historic legislation that has gender discrimination. Applicants can apply for citizenship if there is a legitimate route for citizenship if it is not for gender discrimination preventing the claim.
British Citizenship
The law change is significant for South Africans with a British grandparent on the maternal side and when they were born from 1961 to 1983 and, in some cases, from 1983 to 1992. And those South African applicants whose parents were born in other African countries also have potential claims for British citizenship.
Portuguese Citizenship
Portuguese citizenship can be applied for by the second degree if the applicants meet specific additional criteria, even if their parent has not registered as Portuguese. Portuguese citizenship by descent for South Africans also applies to those with grandparents and parents born in previous colonies but registered as Portuguese and holding Portuguese passports. Many Portuguese Madeirans settled in Angola and Mozambique but moved to South Africa post-independence in the 1970s. Additionally, there is a large Indian population who moved to South Africa from Goa, Daman and Diu. Any ancestor born in these areas before the 20th December 1961 are eligible for citizenship and so are their children and grandchildren.
Lithuanian Citizenship
Lithuanian citizenship can pass from the great-grandparent level to descendants as long as they leave the country after 1918. Around 80% of South African Jews have Lithuanian ancestry. Name changes that occurred (literally someone writing the name down incorrectly) on arrival in South Africa are often issued to find an issue on passenger registers or the ancestor's departure from Lithuania before 1918.
German Citizenship
German citizenship by descent has a major stumbling block for many South Africans. If the original German ancestor naturalized in another country before the next generation was born could only pass on citizenship if they received a retention permit from German Authorities. That being said, this could be argued if the ancestor was persecuted and a major reason as to why they left Germany. Thousands of Namibians (South-West Africa) have German citizenship by descent with probably hundreds who have unclaimed citizenship.
Irish Citizenship
Irish citizenship can flow indefinitely throughout generations as long as the previous generation was registered on the Foreign Births Registry (FBR). South Africans can register if their parent was registered at birth or their grandparent was born in Ireland.
That being said, there is a route for claiming Irish citizenship by Ministerial Discretion. Ministerial Discretion is required when the South African parent did not register their birth before the applicant was born or did so after they were born. Ministerial Discretion can be applied to minors with an Irish parent (those who registered after the child's birth) and to adults who can show their ancestry and close ties to being Irish. There are multiple ways, and a legal team needs to build a case file that the Minister of Justice reviews.
Why Obtain a Second Citizenship by Descent for South Africans
After going through citizenship by descent, several benefits come with obtaining a second passport. Any South African with a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent from Europe or the United Kingdom should consider getting dual citizenship and a passport.
Some of these benefits include:
Freedom of movement: A second citizenship can give you the freedom to live, work, and travel in two countries or over twenty-five other countries for European citizens. A European passport can be precious for South Africans as economic opportunities abroad make migration easier.
Access to education and healthcare: A second citizenship can give you access to better education and healthcare. Many countries with strong economies and stable governments have excellent public education and healthcare systems.
Security: A second citizenship can give you a sense of security in the event of a natural disaster or political upheaval in your home country.
Opportunity: A second citizenship can open up new opportunities, such as starting a business in another country or working for a multinational company.
If you are eligible for second citizenship by descent, it is worth considering applying for it. It could be a valuable asset for you in the future.
What is citizenship by descent?
Citizenship by descent is a form of nationality obtained by being born to a parent or grandparent citizen of a particular country. In this case, the individual can claim citizenship in the country of their ancestors or their parents.
Can South Africans obtain citizenship by descent?
Yes, South Africans can obtain citizenship in other countries through descent. If their ancestors or parents are citizens of another country, they may be eligible to claim citizenship by descent. South African allows for dual citizenship. Existing citizens do need to complete a form to inform the government that they are obtaining another citizenship.
Which countries do most South Africans get their citizenship by descent from?
The countries that allow South Africans to obtain citizenship by descent will depend on each country's specific rules and regulations. Some examples include Ireland, Lithuania, Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
What criteria must I look for in my ancestry to determine eligibility?
To determine if you are eligible for citizenship by descent in another country, you must research that country's specific rules and regulations. Factors that can affect eligibility include the number of generations back, the citizenship status of your parents or grandparents, and any legal changes that may have occurred in the country.
The documents required to prove eligibility for citizenship by descent will vary depending on the country. Typically, you must provide proof of your lineage, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, travel receipts (arrivals and departures on ship records), and passports.
The United Kingdom released new Citizenship Laws in 2022 that allows potential applicants to look at their maternal ancestry for a claim. Historical gender discrimination did not allow citizenship to flow through the maternal lines as was allowed in the paternal. It is estimated that more than 30% of people eligible for a Ancestral Visa are now eligible for citizenship.
You may also need to provide other documents, such as naturalization certificates, census records, and military service records. It's best to research the specific requirements of the country you are applying to and seek professional assistance if necessary.
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Citizenship by descent is the cheapest way to obtain a second citizenship. Thousands of South Africans have UK and European ancestry that can be eligible to apply. It is best to connect and send through as detailed a description as possible.
Many non-standard cases can be complex, so getting a legally solid application is essential when claiming citizenship by descent.
