I’ll admit, when I first began my emigration journey, the retention letter was far from a priority. In fact, I didn’t even realize I needed it until I did some deeper research just before we prepared to leave South Africa. It’s a document that only becomes necessary after you’ve spent five years living and working in the UK and are ready to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and, eventually, a British passport.

Although I haven't reached that stage yet, I decided to prepare ahead. As of 2025, getting a retention letter in the UK can cost up to £500. So, I opted to take care of it before emigrating.

How to Obtain a Retention Letter

Please note that this was my personal experience, and the process may vary depending on where you're located.

To obtain a retention letter, I was guided by Home Affairs to complete two specific forms: the DHA-529 and DHA-1664. Along with these forms, I had to provide a certified copy of my South African ID and obtain a Certificate of Non-Acquisition from the UK Home Office. This certificate is crucial, as it confirms that you have not yet acquired British nationality—an essential requirement when applying for the retention of South African citizenship.

Once I had gathered all the necessary documents, I submitted them to Home Affairs. After making the payment and receiving the receipt, I was informed that it would take up to three weeks to process.

The Waiting Game and Collection

Three weeks to the day, I returned to Home Affairs, waited in the collections line, and was finally handed my retention letter. While there are companies and services that can assist with this process in the UK, I found that completing it in South Africa was straightforward once I had the correct information.

Plan Ahead for Your Retention Letter

If you're in a similar situation, my advice would be to visit your nearest Home Affairs office well in advance of your emigration date to begin the process. Remember, these retention letters do not expire, so it's worth getting it done early to avoid future complications.

Securing your retention letter may seem like a small step, but it’s an important one for maintaining your South African identity while embracing your new life in the UK.