Application for Retention of SA Citizenship
Here are firsthand experiences from individuals who have recently navigated the German citizenship application process. Each story provides valuable insights, practical tips, and lessons learned along the way.
If you’ve gone through the process yourself, we’d love to hear about your journey! By sharing your experience, you can help others who are preparing for their own applications. Contribute your story easily by filling out one of the forms available on this page
Shared by Elizabeth in January 2025
| Please indicate how you applied for retention | I did it myself in South Africa |
| Please indicate which documents you had to submit for your retention application | Form BI-1664, Form BI-529 , Certified copy of your South African ID or passport, Proof of permanent residency in the foreign country |
| Which of the above documents need to be apostilled or translated | Negativbescheinigung must be translated. |
| Please describe the process of legalising (apostille) the documents | I had a translated ‘Erweiterte Meldebescheinigung) but it was not accepted. My German permanent residency card was accepted but a little unhappy that I didn’t have (negativbescheinigung) |
| Any tips that you can give | I did it in Cape Town and everything was very efficient, I got in within a month and authorised my son to collect it. An affidavit for authorisation was done at the police station. |
Nic shared in October 2024
| Please indicate how you applied for retention | I made use of a Documentation Company |
| Please indicate which documents you had to submit for your retention application | Form BI-1664, Form BI-529 , Copy of your South African ID or passport |
| Which of the above documents needed to be apostilled or translated | None |
| If you use a company to assist with obtaining documents from South Africa, can you give an indication of the related costs and timeframe | R3200.00 and 5 working days |
| Please describe the process of legalising (apostille) the documents | I had mine Apostille in Pretoria through my father, didn’t cost anything, no identification was needed, just 3 hours of his time |
| Any tips that you can give | The price is definitely worth the stress of having to try get a fitting appointment through the embassy or consulate. I used Docnetics and they did everything and were friendly while doing it, and also informed me throughout the short 5 working days. |
Amy shared in October 2024
| Please indicate how you applied for retention | I made use of a Documentation Company |
| Please indicate which documents you had to submit for your retention application | Form BI-1664, Form BI-529 , Copy of your South African ID or passport, Letter as to why you want to retain your SA citizenship |
| Which of the above documents needed to be apostilled or translated | |
| If you use a company to assist with obtaining documents from South Africa, can you give an indication of the related costs and timeframe | R4150 and took 8 days |
| Please describe the process of legalising (apostille) the documents | |
| Any tips that you can give | Although going through a documentation company was more expensive, definitely worth it. |
Carla shared on 16 September 2024
| Please indicate how you applied for retention | I made use of a Documentation Company |
| Please indicate which documents you had to submit for your retention application | Form BI-1664, Form BI-529 , Copy of your South African ID or passport, Letter as to why you want to retain your SA citizenship |
| Which of the above documents needed to be apostilled or translated | None |
| If you use a company to assist with obtaining documents from South Africa, can you give an indication of the related costs and timeframe | R3080 |
| Please describe the process of legalising (apostille) the documents | There was no need for this. This document is not needed by the German authorities |
| Any tips that you can give | See if you can negotiate discount if you order this with other documents like Birth or Marriage certificates |
Danny shared on 20 August 2024
| Please indicate how you applied for retention | I made use of a Documentation Company |
| Please indicate which documents you had to submit for your retention application | Form BI-1664, Form BI-529 |
| Which of the above documents needed to be apostilled or translated | None |
| If you use a company to assist with obtaining documents from South Africa, can you give an indication of the related costs and timeframe Cost | R3200. |
| Time frame | 5-7 working days. |
| Please describe the process of legalising (apostille) the documents | N/A |
| Any tips that you can give | I used a company called Docnetics. |
Marc shared his application for Retention experience with us on 30.06.2024
| Please indicate how you applied for retention | I made use of a Documentation Company |
| Please indicate which documents you had to submit for your retention application | Form BI-1664, Form BI-529, Certified copy of your South African ID or passport, Certified copy of unabridged South African birth certificate |
| Which of the above documents need to be apostilled or translated | The birth certificate was apostled, not sure if it was a requirement for the application of a retention letter or not. I was not sure if the apostle of the retention letter was required however I decided to do it to be safe and not have to send documents back to South Africa. |
| If you use a company to assist with obtaining documents from South Africa, can you give an indication of the related costs and timeframe | ZAR3840 ~ +- EUR190. This includes the Apostle of the retention letter. It excludes courier costs because I had paid this already with my birth certificate and documents would be sent together. |
| Please describe the process of legalising (apostille) the documents | Doc Assist supported the process of application and Apostle. |
| Any tips that you can give | Using a company is much easier even though there is a cost. The letter itself took 10 days from the day of payment to the company. The apostle process is in progress and is expected to take 6-8 weeks. |
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