It might take a long time and be complicated for a foreigner to get a South African identity document (ID). All the same, it is doable with the correct direction and planning. This blog post will offer a thorough instruction on how to get a South African ID if you are a foreigner.
How to Get a South African ID If You Are a Foreigner
Application Requirements
Being eligible is a must before applying for a South African ID. Nationals of the following countries are qualified for South African IDs:
Exiles
Immigration applicants
Indefinite residents
Temporary residents with a current visa
Spouses or partners of permanent residents or citizens of South Africa
Children of permanent residents of South Africa or citizens thereof
Notable Records
Applying for a South African ID will entail submitting a set of necessary paperwork. Those consist of:
An existent passport
An address proof in South Africa
Accompanying documentation of income or financial support
Verification of relationship (if relevant) with a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa
An official home country police clearance certificate
A South African doctor’s medical certificate
How to Get a South African ID If You Are a Foreigner
Application Process
A South African ID application entails a number of phases.
First Step: Compile Needed Papers
Please make sure you have all the required paperwork before applying. You will save time and run less chance of delays as a result.
Selection of the Appropriate Application Form
For various candidate groups, there exist separate application forms. Make sure, given your qualifying requirements, you select the right form.
Stage 3: Send in Your Application
Put in your application at a South African Home Affairs office. See the official Home Affairs website to locate the closest office.
Step Four: Hold off till processing
Once you have submitted your application, watch for processing. The intricacy of your application will determine how long this takes—a few weeks or months.
Step Five: Get Your ID
You will be informed to pick up your ID from the Home Affairs office where you filed your application after it is accepted.
Tips and Considerations
Verify your address evidence to be current and legitimate. One may find this on a bank statement, lease, or utility bill.
Income Documentation
You might have to supply more paperwork to support your income if you work for yourself.
Police Certificate
You might not require a police clearance certificate if you are a refugee or asylum seeker requesting a South African ID. Getting one is nevertheless advised to prevent any possible problems.
Medical Certificate Make sure a South African physician provided your medical certificate, which should be good for at least six months.
Language Requirements
Should your Afrikaans or English not be your first language, you might have to submit a translation of your paperwork. A licenced interpreter can handle this.
Additional Requirements for Specific Categories of Applicants
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Additional paperwork from the South African Department of Home Affairs or a certificate from the UNHCR attesting to their refugee status may be required of refugees and asylum seekers.
Partners or spouses of citizens of South Africa or permanent residents thereof
A marriage certificate or a letter from their spouse attesting to their connection will be required of applicants in this category.
Child of Permanent Residents or Citizens of South Africa
Children of permanent residents or citizens of South Africa must present documentation of their relationship, like an adoption or birth certificate.
Price List and Methods of Payment
The kind of applicant determines the application cost for a South African ID. Foreign nationals now pay about R400 (about $25 USD). You can pay with cash, credit card, or electronic money transfer.
See also: How to Get a South African Unabridged Birth Certificate Quickly
I lost my ID book what must I do South Africa
Following are the procedures to take if you have misplaced your ID book in South Africa:
Compile a Report at the Police Station:
Report losing your ID book at the closest police station.
Get a declaration proving you misplaced your ID book. In addition to helping with your application for a new ID, this can be used as identification while you wait for your replacement.
Compile Needed Records:
You must show identity, which you may accomplish using your driver’s license or passport.
As the new system will snap pictures at the Home Affairs office, please do not bring any.
Get the police station affidavit and the cash required for the new ID.
Submit a New ID Application:
Get your application for a new ID submitted at the closest Home Affairs office.
If applying online through eHome Affairs is something you wish to do to avoid lines.
Optional Temporary ID: While your new ID is being processed, you can ask for a temporary ID to use as identification verification in the interim.
Upon processing of your application, you will get an SMS indicating when your new ID is available for pickup. It turns around quite quickly; your new ID will be available in a month.
Conclusion
Though it might be difficult, understanding how to get a South African ID if you are a foreigner is possible with the proper preparation and direction. A South African ID may be obtained by satisfying the eligibility requirements, compiling the necessary paperwork, and completing the application procedure.
Recall to give correct and current information, and to wait patiently while the processing takes place. Being a citizen of South Africa has advantages, such as access to healthcare, education, and job possibilities, if you have the proper attitude.
