A person born to a South African citizen parent is a South African citizen by birth under the Citizenship Act. Birth in the Republic to two foreign parents is not unconditional jus soli; specified later naturalisation or registration routes may apply in limited statutory cases.
Sources: South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 (gov.za PDF) · South African Citizenship Amendment Act 17 of 2010
A spouse of a South African may naturalize after two years of permanent-resident residence following the marriage.
Sources: South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 (gov.za PDF)
A person is a South African citizen by birth or descent when a parent is a South African citizen under the Citizenship Act, including citizenship transmitted through a citizen parent regardless of birthplace in the ordinary jus sanguinis cases, subject to registration and historical continuity rules.
Sources: South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 (gov.za PDF) · South African Citizenship Amendment Act 17 of 2010
The Minister may grant a certificate of naturalisation to an adult foreigner who has been admitted for permanent residence and has been ordinarily resident in the Republic for a continuous period of not less than five years immediately preceding the application (as amended by Act 17 of 2010), is of good character, intends continued residence or qualifying service, can communicate in an official language, and has adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. Naturalisation remains discretionary.
Sources: South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 (gov.za PDF) · South African Citizenship Amendment Act 17 of 2010 · South African Government — Citizenship Act document page
Direct permanent residence for applicants proving substantial net worth.
Residence for retirees with guaranteed lifelong income; available as temporary or direct permanent residence.