If you want to adopt a child in South Africa, you must approach a registered adoption agency which will screen you and help you look for a child who is available for adoption.
- You can apply for national adoption if you are a South African citizen living in South Africa
- If you are a foreigner living in South Africa and want to adopt a South African child, your application will be regarded as national adoption.You must have been in South Africa for a period of five years and must submit proof of residence and your work permit.
- If you are a foreigner interested in adopting a South African child, but your country has not signed the Hague Convention, you can adopt through the competent authority or the International Social Services (ISS) in the country where you live. Find out more about this type of adoption.
- If you live in a country that has signed the Hague Convention, the Central Authority in the country where you live should refer you to an accredited child protection organisation for screening. The organisation will also liaise with an accredited child protection organisation in South Africa to help look for a child available for adoption. Find out more about this type of adoption.
- It is possible to adopt the child of your South African relative and have the child to live with you abroad. If you are in South Africa and the child lives in another country, the child may join you in South Africa once you have adopted the child in the foreign country. This is called inter-country family adoption.
Information on adoption in South Africa is available under the Services section of this website in all official languages.
Contact the National Adoption Coalition for a list of reputable social workers and agencies. The website also has more FAQs on the process.
Call centre number: 0800 864 658.
