Overview:

To register the birth of a child and apply for their first South African passport, the following steps and requirements must be adhered to:

Appointment Requirements:

1. Both parents must be present at the appointment to register the birth.
2. Children aged seven and above must also attend the appointment.
3. All application forms must be fully completed but not signed, as they must be signed in the presence of the Embassy Official.
4. Ensure all original documents and copies are brought to the appointment; the official will certify the copies. (The Embassy will not make copies)

Forms and Documentation:

• Some forms are available for download; others will be provided at the office on the day of the appointment.

To apply for birth registration and a first passport, comply with the following:

1. Forms to be Completed:

         Prescribed forms to be completed in BLACK INK and BLOCK LETTERS

• Form DHA-24 for child to be registered before 30 days. (with four photos)
• Form DHA-24 and DHA-288A for child to be registered before 12 months. (with four photos)
• Form DHA-24LR and DHA-288 for registration of children aged between 1 YEAR to 15 years. (with 6 photos)
• Form DHA-24LRB, DHA-288, DHA-24A and 2x DHA-9 for registration of children aged between 15 onwards (with 8 photos).
• Form DHA- 288C, completed by the father to be completed by the father if the child is born out of wedlock (do not sign the form).
• Form: DHA-73, The form is not available for downloading; the original will be handed to you for completion at the Embassy.
• Form: DHA-529 x 3, fully completed on both sides of the form (do not write N/A and do not sign). Complete one form in the child’s name and one form for each SA parent.

The purpose of the form is to establish that you have not lost your Citizenship and that all your details mentioned therein are according to the National population registrar. 

2. Specific Sections to Complete:

• Part A: Questions 7 (if born outside SA), 9, 10, and 11 are critical.
• Part B: Indicate marital status and complete details of the current or former spouse.
• Part C and D: Both parents’ details, including ID numbers and foreign nationality, must be completed.
• Part E: Ensure the DHA-529 form is signed in the presence of a Home Affairs Official and provide valid contact details.

Part A: Questions 7 (applicable only if born outside South Africa), 9, 10, and 11 are the most important for the applicant. N.B. For item 9, enter the dates when you first came to live or work in Switzerland. For item 10(d), you must also respond by circling either “No” or “Yes.” Circle “No” if you have never applied for the Retention of South African citizenship letter; circle “Yes” if you have previously applied for a Retention letter. Remember to bring your Retention letter or certificate with you to your appointment.

Part B: Next to the “Marital Status” section on the form, the appropriate status should be indicated (e.g., Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed). Subsequently, the details of the applicant’s current or former spouse should be provided on the form DHA-529, whether deceased or divorced or widowed)

Part C and D: Both the parents’ details must be completed including their ID numbers and foreign nationality (if any).

Part E: Ensure that form DHA-529 is signed in the presence of the Embassy Official. Valid telephone/mobile number, email address (in block letters) and physical address must be provided.

DOCUMENTS TO BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT: (Original plus copy):

• Child’s (applicant’s) unabridged birth certificate (where both the parents’ names are mentioned)
• Proof of foreign nationality of the child.
• All above mentioned photos must be very clear, professionally taken colour photos of the full face of applicant, showing only head and shoulders measuring 35mm x 45mm, with a clear forehead (Not covered by hair)
• Please Note: Birth Registration and the 1^st birth certificate will be issued free of charge.
• Processing fees (Non-refundable) Bank details or QR Code will be given to you at the Embassy. NO CASH ACCEPTED.

Self Addressed stamped (registered mail) for return document/s.

PARENTS’ DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: (original plus 2 x copies)

• Marriage certificate. If married outside South Africa Legalized/Apostille.

 If you have any other nationality and you do not have any of the above documents, then please contact the country’s authorities and request a letter stating the date and means of you acquiring the citizenship/nationality.

• If any document is in a foreign language, you must get them officially translated in the English language. You must bring in copies of both the documents. i.e. document in foreign language and the officially translated copies in English.
• Retention of SA citizenship letter (if you have one)

Original plus one copy of all the documents is required.

If you do not comply with any of the requirements including copies of the documents, you will not be assisted and therefore you will have to book a new appointment. (The Embassy will not make copies for you)

The average processing time is six months. You will be notified by e-mail as soon as the passport is received in our office.

Applicants are requested not to contact the Mission unnecessarily for progress their applications.  

The SA birth certificate will be posted back to you in the pre-paid, self-addressed special delivery envelope submitted.

The collection time for the new passport is between 09:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday to Friday except for Public Holidays (CLOSED).

The Address: South African High Embassy,

                      Alpenstrasse 29,

                      Bern 3006