Can you keep your South Africa citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed
Yes, in general
South African citizens who become U.S. citizens generally keep their South African citizenship, as dual nationality has been allowed since 1994 and the prior automatic-loss rule was struck down in 2025.
What the law says
- South Africa has allowed dual nationality since 1994 with restrictions.
- The law formerly provided that a South African who voluntarily acquired another nationality lost South African nationality unless they applied to the minister for permission to retain it.
- In 2025 the Constitutional Court struck this clause down as unconstitutional and ordered reinstatement of citizenship for those who lost it this way.
- A South African who has dual nationality can voluntarily renounce their South African nationality by registering renunciation with the South African government.
- A dual national may be deprived of South African nationality if convicted of a crime with a prison sentence of more than a year, or if the minister finds it in the public interest.
“South Africa has allowed dual nationality since 1994 with restrictions.”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether South Africa lets you keep yours.
Source: South African nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the South Africa embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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