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Visa Overview

In order to start and operate a business in South Africa, you would have to obtain a so-called business visa, which is usually valid for at least three years at a time and can be renewed. To conduct your own business in South Africa, you will be required to invest R 5 million in the country. The investment can be in a form of cash and or equipments / machinery). The capital requirements may be reduced or waived in respect of the following types of industries/businesses:

  • 5-year worker: Permanent residence can be granted to persons who have held work visas for five years continuously and have been offered permanent employment in the country.
  • Critical skills worker: Permanent residence can be granted to persons who hold extraordinary skills which are not found in South Africa, and which can be confirmed by an organ of state or South African cultural, academic or business body.
  • Investor/Business Owner: Permanent residence can be granted to persons who intend to invest a minimum of R 5 million into a business in South Africa and create employment for at least 60% South Africans.

Permanent Residence – Spouse/relative

As the spouse of a South African citizen (life partners are seen as spouses, too, if they can prove that they live together and are committed to each other and are not involved in any other relationship or still legally married), you qualify for permanent residence if / when the marriage or partnership has subsisted for at least 5 years. In the case of a life partnership it must be proven concretely that for at least 5 years you have lived together and shared financial commitments. 

Permanent Residency- Retired Person

The financial criteria for retired persons under the permanent residence category are similar to that of temporary in that the R 37,000 monthly income needs to be proved. The proof of funds needs to be life-long guaranteed income and not capital based or a cash lump sum.
Please note that the annuity or pension income needs to be payable at the current date. Bank statements will be needed as supporting evidence that these funds are credited into your account when submission takes place.

Financially independent permit

A financially independent permit allows the applicant to reside in South Africa permanently. Applicants with assets over R12 million are eligible to apply for a financially independent permit. The applicant would be required to pay the authorities a fee of R120 000 upon issuance of the permit. There is no age restriction under this category.

Refugee

You qualify for permanent residence if you have been a recognized refugee in South Africa for at least 5 years and have been issued with a Certification from the Standing Committee.

Frequently Asked Question

Explore your pathway to permanent residence in South Africa, with clear guidance on eligibility, requirements, and long-term benefits.

It allows foreign nationals to live, work, and stay in South Africa indefinitely.

Eligibility depends on work experience, critical skills, family ties, business investment, or long-term residence.

In many cases, you must have legally lived in South Africa for at least five years.

Yes, permanent residents can work, study, and run a business without restrictions.

Not always—it depends on the category under which you apply.

Yes, your spouse and dependent children can apply with you or separately.

Processing can take several months to over a year, depending on the application type.

Yes, if you stay outside South Africa for extended periods or fail to meet conditions.

Yes, you can apply for citizenship after meeting residency and legal requirements.

Requirements include proof of eligibility, identification, financial means, and supporting legal documents.