Resuming South African citizenship within South Africa after losing by gaining another citizenship by a voluntary or formal act after living for one year in South Africa Permanent Resident can be a lengthy task, thus all ACTION must be taken to avoid the loss of South African citizenship entirely. Should a parent choose make an application to resume, their child will not automatically become citizens. If the child entered in immigration exemption or clearance then later on as a dependent of the permanent visa holder (the parent), then they can later naturalize after a five years residence or after they turn 18, whichever comes first. However, the child could be subject to the one-year residence requirement under certain conditions.