What is a Spousal Visa?

A Spousal Visa is a Temporary Residency Visa granted to a non-South African citizen or resident who is married to a South African citizen/permanent resident. This visa can last for up to 2 years. The duration of the visa depends on the official adjudicating your application. The Spousal Visa does not allow for the holder to work/study or run a business. If your intention is to work/study or run a business, the Section 11.6 Visa would be a viable option for you.

Are you eligible for a Spousal Visa?

In order to be eligible to apply for a Spousal Visa, you are required to provide a marriage certificate. It is important to note that your South African spouse will need to provide proof of your financial support in your application. The required amount is R8, 500 per person per month.

Frequently asked questions about the Spousal Visa

Can I work/study or run a business on a Spousal Visa?

No. If you wish to work/study or run a business in South Africa, it is recommended that you apply for the Section 11.6 Visa.

When do I qualify for Permanent Residency?

You will qualify to apply for Permanent Residency after 5 years of marriage with a South African citizen/permanent resident. This is regardless of which country you have resided in together for these 5 years

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What is a Section 11.6 Visa?

A Section 11.6 Visa is a Temporary Residency Visa granted to a non-South African citizen or resident who is married or in relationship to a South African citizen/permanent resident. The section 11.6 Visa is similar to the Spousal Visa. The difference between them is that the Section 11.6 Visa allows an applicant to work/study or run a business in South Africa while the Spousal Visa does not. While the Spousal Visa lasts up to 2 years, The Section 11.6 Visa is valid for up to 3 years. The duration of the visa depends on the official adjudicating the application.

Are you eligible for a Section 11.6 Visa?

You are eligible to apply for this visa if you are married to a South African citizen/permanent resident and if you wish to work/study or run a business in South Africa. You will need to provide proof of your marriage with your marriage certificate. The non-South African citizen will be required to provide a 3 month bank statement with no less than R3000 per month in the account at the time of submission.

Frequently asked questions about the Section 11.6 Visa

Can I work/study or run a business on a Section 11.6 Visa?

Yes. It is required that you apply for an endorsement which will be included on your Section 11.6 Visa. This endorsement will allow you to legally take part in the desired activity in South Africa.

What do I need if I want to work in South Africa?

In order to work in South Africa, you will require a job offer or employment contract from the company you plan to work for. The application does not require a SAQA certificate and the company is not obligated to advertise the position.

What do I need if I want to study in South Africa?

In order to study in South Africa, you will be required to provide an acceptance letter from the particular registered learning institution. You will also need to have medical cover in South Africa.

What do I need if I want to run my own business?

In order to run your own business, you will be required to provide your company registration documents as well as a basic business plan. You are not obligated to invest any money into the business or hire any South African employees.

Can I change from a Section 11.6 Visa to a different type of visa from South Africa?

The Section 11.6 Visa is a Visitor’s Visa, therefore the Immigration Act states you are required to return to your home country if you wish to alter or submit a new application.

When do I qualify for Permanent Residency?

In order to qualify for permanent residency, you need to be married to a South African citizen/permanent resident for 5 years. This is regardless of which country you have resided in together for these 5 years.

 

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What is a Life Partner Visa?

A Life Partner Visa is a Temporary Residency Visa issued to a non-South African citizen or resident who has been in a relationship with a South African citizen/permanent resident for more than two years. This visa is valid for up to 2 years. The official adjudicating your application decides on the length of the visa. It is not permitted to work/study or run a business on a Life Partner Visa. It is recommended that you apply for the Section 11.6 visa if your intention is to work/study or run a business in South Africa.

Are you eligible for a Life Partner Visa?

In order to be eligible for a Life Partner Visa, you are required to provide proof of 2 years of shared cohabitation and shared finances. It is important to note that your partner who is a South African citizen/permanent resident is required to provide proof of financial support in your application. The required amount is R8, 500 per person per month.

Shared cohabitation: Rental agreements, post addressed for you at your partner’s physical address etc.

Frequently asked questions about the Life Partner Visa

Can I work/study or run a business on a Life Partner Visa?

No you cannot. It is recommended you apply for a Section 11.6 visa if you wish to work/study or run a business in South Africa.

When do I qualify for permanent residency?

In order to qualify for permanent residency, you are required to provide proof of 5 years of shared cohabitation and shared finances with your partner who is a South African citizen/permanent resident. This is regardless of which country you have resided in together for these 5 years.

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What is a Business Visa Section 11.2?

The Business Visa Section 11.2 is a short term visitor’s visa. This visa allows the holder to reside and take part in business related activities in South Africa for a maximum of 90 days.

Are you eligible for a Business Visa Section 11.2?

If you are not employed by a company in South Africa, but you intend to take part in business related activities for up to 90 days in South Africa, you qualify to apply for a Business Visa Section 11.2.

Frequently asked questions about the Business Visa Section 11.2:

Can I change my Business Visa Section 11.2 to another visa while I am in South Africa?

No. The Business Visa Section 11.2 is a Visitor’s Visa and therefore does not allow for an applicant to change to any other visa category after they have already arrived in South Africa.

 

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What is a Retired Visa?

A Retired Visa is a Temporary Residency Visa that allows the holder to reside in South Africa for retirement purposes. The duration of the Retired Visa is decided by the official adjudicating the application. In most cases, a Retired Visa can be issued to a non-South African citizen or resident for up to 4 years.

Are you eligible for a Retired Visa?

The Retired Visa is for applicant who meets the financial criteria is eligible to apply for this visa.

How do I qualify for a Retired Visa?

You are eligible to apply for a Retired Visa and Permanent Residency if you can show R37 000 per month in pension or irrevocable annuity. These financial details prove you have a life-long income.
You can use a lump sum of cash to apply for a Retired Visa. For example: If you have more than R1 776 000 in cash available to you, it is likely that you will receive a 4 year Retired Visa. Should you have less than the amount, you are likely to receive a Retired Visa for a shorter duration. Unfortunately, you will not be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency if you apply under lump as this is not accepted as a life-long income.

Frequently asked questions about the Retired Visa

Can I work on a Retired Visa?

The Immigration Act has the authority to make provisions for possible working rights in South Africa. The final decision is up to the discretion of the Director General and depends on the specific case at hand.

When do I qualify for Permanent Residency?

It is required that you show R37 000 per month in life-long income if you wish to apply for Permanent Residency.

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What is a General Work Visa?

A General Work Visa is issued for a maximum of 5 years. The position will need to be advertised and a recommendation will be required from the Department of Labor. Substantial proof needs to be submitted to show that there is no South African that can fill the position.

Are you eligible for a General Work Visa?

If your skills is required in South Africa and enough evidence can be provided that there is no South African that can fill the position then a General Work Visa may be an option.

Frequently asked questions about the General Work Visa?

If I renew my General Work Visa do I need to apply for the Department of Labor recommendation?
Yes, but a waiver can be applied for to allow you to submit without the Department of Labor recommendation.The one option that the foreign worker together with the support of the employer can do is apply for a formal waiver and show “good cause” in terms of section 31(1)(c) of the Act to obtain the permission to alleviate the need to obtain a DoL Labour Certificate.

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What is a Relative Visa?

A Relative Visa is a Temporary Residency Visa issued to a non-South African citizen or resident who is related to a South African citizen/permanent resident by means of 1st or 2nd step of kinship. The holder of a Relative Visa may not work/study or run a business in South Africa. The Relative Visa is valid for up to 2 years. It is possible to renew your Relative Visa in South Africa only if you have more than 60 days left on your visa.

Are you eligible for a Relative Visa?

You are eligible for a Relative Visa if you have a South African relative within the 1st or 2nd step of kinship. It is not permitted to work/study or run a business on a Relative Visa. It is important to note that your South African relative is required to provide proof of financial support in your application. The required amount is R8, 500 per person per month.

Frequently asked questions about the Relative Visa

Can I work/study or run a business on a Relative Visa?

No you cannot. Unfortunately, the Immigration Act does not allow those residing in South Africa on a Relative Visa to work/study or run a business in South Africa.

Can I renew this visa in South Africa?

It is possible to renew your Relative Visa in South Africa as long as you apply 60 days before your current visa is due to expire.

When do I qualify for Permanent Residency?

You are eligible to qualify for permanent residency if you are the child/parent of a South African citizen/permanent resident. You are required to provide proof of financial support from this relative in order to qualify for this application. You do not qualify to apply for permanent residency if you are a sibling of a South African citizen/permanent resident.

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What is a Study Visa?

A Study Visa allows a foreign national to reside in the Republic whilst studying at a South African institution of primary, secondary or tertiary education.
Any student who intends to study at a primary or secondary school (whether public or independent), college, further education and training institution, university, specialist skills school or other “learning institution” can qualify for a study visa in South Africa.

Are you eligible for a Study Visa?

Anyone registering at a recognized learning institution will be eligible. You will require medical cover while in South Africa. You will also require sufficient proof of financial means whilst residing in South Africa.

The study visa can be issued for the duration of the applicant’s studies at the learning institution concerned. If the applicant changes schools, then a new study visa must be applied for. Although study visas are issued for the duration of study, a maximum period of 8 years for primary school education and 6 years for secondary school education applies. In respect of tertiary education, the duration of the visa is only limited by the duration of the degree, diploma or certificate concerned.

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What is a Medical Visa?

A Medical Visa is a short term visitor’s visa. An applicant who requires urgent medical attention in South Africa qualifies to apply for a Medical Visa. The Medical Visa is issued for up to 6 months; however, it can be extended if you are able to provide plausible reasoning for this extension from your doctor.

Are you eligible for a Medical Visa?

If you have a life-threatening illness/condition and have been admitted into a medical facility in South Africa, you qualify for a Medical Visa. It is also required to provide letters from your doctor outlining the treatment that you will receive and the intended duration of your stay in the medical facility. It is important to note that a Medical Visa is specifically designed for those suffering from life-threatening illnesses/conditions and in need of treatment by a specialist in South Africa. Those who wish to undertake elective surgeries do not qualify for a Medical Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Medical Visa

Can I change from a Medical Visa to another visa during my stay in South Africa?

No. The Medical Visa is a short term visitor’s visa that cannot be transferred to any other visa category during your stay in South Africa.

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What is a Volunteer Visa?

A Volunteer Visa is a Visitor’s Visa that allows the holder to reside in South Africa and undertake specific volunteering activities. This visa can be issued for up to 3 years.

Are you eligible for a Volunteer Visa?

You are eligible to apply for a Volunteer Visa if you have an offer letter from a registered NGO/NPO in South Africa and if you can prove you can financially support yourself during your stay in South Africa. You are required to provide a 3 month bank statement that shows you have R 3000 per month in your account at the time of the submission.

Frequently asked questions about the Volunteer Visa

Can I only volunteer for the NGO/NPO that has offered me a position?

Yes. The Volunteer Visa is limited to only one specific organisation. The Immigration Act states that if you wish to change organisations, you are required to apply for a new Volunteer Visa.

Can I change from a Volunteers Visa to another form of Temporary Residency from South Africa?

No. Unfortunately, the law change that occurred on the 26th May 2014 does not permit an applicant to change from a Volunteer’s Visa to another form of Temporary Residency from South Africa. The Volunteer Visa is a Visitor’s Visa, therefore the Immigration Act states you are required to return to your home country if you wish to alter or submit an application with regards to Temporary Residency.

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What is a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist/Holiday Visa is a short term visitor’s visa which allows the holder to enter into South Africa for holiday purposes. There is a list of countries that require pre-application. Please click here for a list of the countries that follow this requirement. For a list of countries that do not require pre-application, please click here. An applicant is permitted to apply for a once-off extension on his/her Tourist Visa on the grounds that there are no conditions stipulated on the initial Tourist Visa. This is only a viable option if the applicant applies for the extension no later than 60 days before the initial Tourist Visa is due to expire.

Are you eligible for a Tourist Visa?

You are eligible to apply for a Tourist Visa if you are non-visa exempt and you wish to travel to South Africa for holiday purposes.

Frequently asked questions about the Tourist Visa

Do I have to have a return ticket to my home country?

Yes. In order to successfully obtain a Tourist Visa, the application process requires you to provide proof of a return ticket.

What financial assurances must I show?

You are required to show a 3 month bank statement with no less than R3000 in your account each month.

Can I extend my Tourist Visa in South Africa?

It is possible to extend your Tourist Visa in South Africa as long as you apply for the extension with at least 60 days remaining on your visa

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What is a Critical Skills Visa?

A Critical Skills Visa is issued to anyone that’s skills that are on the Critical Skills list. These list of skills are deemed to be critical by the Department of Home Affairs. The visa can gets issued for a maximum of 5 years.

Are you eligible for a Critical Skills Visa?

Should your skills be on the Critical Skills list you are eligible to apply. You will firstly be required to apply for SAQA and register with the relevant Professional Body.

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What is an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa?

 The Intra-Company Transfer Visa is for a multi national company that needs to transfer an employee from a foreign branch to a branch in South Africa. The Intra-Company Transfer Visa is issued for a maximum of 4 years

Are you eligible for a Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa?

 The company must have employed you abroad for more than 6 months. The employment contract also needs to be held by the branch or subsidiary outside of South Africa.

 The Department of Home Affairs requires that a Skills Transfer Plan needs to be submitted. The Skills Transfer Plan needs to clearly outline how you will impart the Skills required to a South African employee of the company.

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What if my Temporary Residency application gets rejected?

It is possible to appeal the decision made my Home Affairs or the South African Embassy, given you have plausible reasoning. It is important to note that you may only submit an appeal application during the 10 day window period. The 10 day window period begins on the date you receive the rejection letter.

If you decide to appeal your application, it is advised that you consult with a professional who can give you suggestions on what steps to take further.
There is also a viable option to submit a brand new application rather than an appeal.

 

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If you have received a rejection for a Permanent Residency application, depending on the reason for the rejection you could possibly appeal the decision made by Home Affairs or the South African Embassy. Please note that you will only have a 10day window period from the date that you receive the rejection letter to submit the appeal application.

Processing times

It is important to note that often times appealing a rejection can take much longer than the normal Permanent Residency processing times. On average at the moment you are looking at 10 + months to receive an outcome of the appeal application.

In light of the above it is very important that you consult with a professional about your rejection who will adjudicate your case on an individual basis and explain all facts involved in submitting the appeal, at times and this will vary on a case by case basis it is best to submit a brand new application rather than an appeal application.

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What is an application for proof of permanent residency?

A proof of Permanent Residency is an application that is submitted through VFS and adjudicated by Home Affairs.  This process is necessary should a Permanent Residency holder have lost their original Permanent Residency Certificate.

It is important to note the new requirements for Permanent Residency holders in order to travel.  Previously a Permanent Residency holder was only required to travel with his/her passport which has the permanent residency sticker endorsed as well as his/her ID book however this has now changed.  A Permanent Resident must now travel with his/her passport, his/her ID book as well as the original Permanent Residency Certificate that was granted upon approval of Permanent Residency.

Are you eligible to apply for a proof of permanent residency application?

If you are currently a permanent residency holder in South Africa and have lost your original Permanent Residency Certificate you will then have to apply for a proof of permanent residency.

If you are a Permanent Residency holder and have left South Africa for longer than three years without entering as a Permanent Resident, you may have forfeited your residency. In these cases, an application for a proof of permanent residency is a must.

Processing times

An application for a proof of permanent residency can take 3 – 24 months at the moment to receive an outcome.

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What is a Work Permit?

A Work Permit is Permanent Residency within South Africa. The Work Permit only allows the applicant to apply for their Permanent Residency and does not include family members however once you are a Permanent Residency holder your family may be eligible to apply for their residency through you.

Are you eligible for a Work Permit?

If you have been in South Africa for five years on continuous work visas stipulated under Section 19 of the Immigration Act you are then eligible to apply for Work Permit Permanent Residency.

Processing times

Processing times for Permanent Residency are from 3 – 24months to obtain an outcome.

It is important that whilst you await the outcome of your Permanent Residency application in South Africa that you ensure that your Temporary Residency visa does not expire before you receive the outcome.  If your Temporary Residency is due to expire in this time you will have to submit a renewal which can be done no later than 60days before your Temporary Visa is due to expire.

Frequently asked questions about the Work Permit

Are there any conditions issued on my Permanent Residency?  No, there are normally no conditions attached your Permanent Residency when obtained through Section 26 (A) Work Permit.

Do I get a South African passport? No, you will retain your foreign passport however will be given a Permanent Residency certificate which will allow you to apply for an ID Book.  A Permanent Resident will have all rights of a South African Citizen except to vote.

Now that I have my Permanent Residency, can my family members apply?  Yes, now that you are a Permanent Resident, relatives within your first step of kinship are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through yourself.

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What is a Life Partner Permit?

A Life Partner Permit is Permanent Residency within South Africa. The Life Partner Permit only allows the applicant to apply for their Permanent Residency and does not include family members however once you are a Permanent Residency holder your family may be eligible to apply for their residency through you.

Are you eligible for a Life Partner Permit?

Should you and your partner be able to prove five years of shared cohabitation and shared finances (each year of the five years) you are then eligible to apply for the Life Partner Permit.  Please note that you do not have to have been living in South Africa for the five years of your relationship. You will be eligible to apply for your Permanent Residency under the Life Partner Permit regardless of where in the world you have lived as long as your evidence of shared cohabitation and shared finances for five years is in place.

Examples of evidence:

• Shared cohabitation: Rental agreements, title deeds, post going to the physical address etc.
• Shared Finances: Joint bank accounts, signing rights of one another’s accounts, transfers into each other’s bank accounts.

It is important to note that whilst you await the outcome of your Permanent Residency application in South Africa that you ensure that your Temporary Residency visa does not expire before you receive the outcome.  If your Temporary Residency is due to expire in this time you will have to submit a renewal which can be done no later than 60days before your Temporary Visa is due to expire.

Processing times

Processing times for Permanent Residency are from 3 – 24months to obtain an outcome.

Frequently asked questions about the Life Partner Permit

Are there any conditions issued on my Permanent Residency?  Yes, please note that within the last 6months of the second year of you having your Permanent Residency through your partner you will have to confirm through Home Affairs that you are still in a relationship.  Should you not do so your Permanent Residency may become null and void.  Should you and your partner separate within the first 24months of obtaining your residency your Permanent Residency shall lapse.

Do I get a South African passport? No, you will retain your foreign passport however will be given a Permanent Residency certificate which will allow you to apply for an ID Book.  A Permanent Resident will have all rights of a South African Citizen except to vote.

Now that I have my Permanent Residency, can my family members apply?  Yes, now that you are a Permanent Resident, relatives within your first step of kinship are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through yourself.

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What is a Section 26 (C) Dependent Permit?

A Section 26 (C) Dependent Permit is Permanent Residency within South Africa. The Dependent Permit only allows the applicant to apply for their Permanent Residency and does not include family members however once you are a Permanent Residency holder your family may be eligible to apply for their residency through you.

Are you eligible for a Section 26 (C) Dependent Permit?

Should you be a minor under the age of 21 whereby one or both of your parents hold Permanent Residency in South Africa you are then eligible to apply for the Section 26 (C) Dependent Permit.

Processing times

Processing times for Permanent Residency are from 3 – 24months to obtain an outcome.

It is important that whilst you await the outcome of your Permanent Residency application in South Africa that you ensure that your Temporary Residency visa does not expire before you receive the outcome.  If your Temporary Residency is due to expire in this time you will have to submit a renewal which can be done no later than 60days before your Temporary Visa is due to expire.

Frequently asked questions about the Section 26 (C) Dependent Permit

Are there any conditions issued on my Permanent Residency?  Yes, please note within two years of turning 21 you must submit a confirmation of your Permanent Residency, failure to do so could result in a lapse of your Permanent Residency.

Do I get a South African passport? No, you will retain your foreign passport however will be given a Permanent Residency certificate which will allow you to apply for an ID Book.  A Permanent Resident will have all rights of a South African Citizen except to vote.

Now that I have my Permanent Residency, can my family members apply?  Yes, now that you are a Permanent Residency, relatives within your first step of kinship are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through yourself.

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What is a Section 26 (D) Dependent Permit (child of a SA Citizen)?

A Section 26 (D) Dependent Permit is Permanent Residency within South Africa. The Dependent Permit only allows the applicant to apply for their Permanent Residency and does not include family members however once you are a Permanent Residency holder your family may be eligible to apply for their residency through you.

Are you eligible for a Section 26 (D) Dependent Permit (child of a SA Citizen)?

A child of a South African Citizen typically has rights to South African Citizenship through their birth regardless of where in the world he/she was born.  We find that the only instances whereby a child of a South African Citizen opts to apply for Permanent Residency rather than Citizenship is whereby the child holds a foreign passport of a particular country that does not allow dual Citizenship.  Please note that if this is the case, Permanent Residency is not automatically granted to the child and he/she will have to follow the Temporary Residency Visa and Permanent Residency Permit route.

Processing times

Processing times for Permanent Residency are from 3 – 24months to obtain an outcome.

It is important that whilst you await the outcome of your Permanent Residency application in South Africa that you ensure that your Temporary Residency visa does not expire before you receive the outcome.  If your Temporary Residency is due to expire in this time you will have to submit a renewal which can be done no later than 60days before your Temporary Visa is due to expire.

Frequently asked questions about the Section 26 (D) Dependent Permit (child of a SA Citizen)?

Are there any conditions issued on my Permanent Residency?  Yes, please note within two years of turning 21 you must submit a confirmation of your Permanent Residency, failure to do so could result in a lapse of your Permanent Residency.

Do I get a South African passport? No, you will retain your foreign passport however will be given a Permanent Residency certificate which will allow you to apply for an ID Book.  A Permanent Resident will have all rights of a South African Citizen except to vote.

Now that I have my Permanent Residency, can my family members apply?  Yes, now that you are a Permanent Residency, relatives within your first step of kinship are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through yourself.

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What is a Critical Skills Permit?

The Critical Skills Permit is Permanent Residency and was introduced with the law change that took place in May 2014.  The Critical Skills Permit allows the applicants family to apply for their Permanent Residency upfront along with the main applicant.  If you wish to include a spouse/partner, please note that you have to either be married for five years or be in a relationship for five years whereby you can show five years’ worth of shared cohabitation and shared finances.

Are you eligible for a Critical Skills Permit?

Should you have a specific skill in terms of your qualifications and post graduate experience as per the Critical Skills List along with five years of post-graduate experience, you are eligible for this visa.  In order to apply you will need to obtain a SAQA Certificate and register with the designated professional body (both of which we can assist you with). Please click here to view the Critical Skills List. Please note that your five years of post-graduate experience does not have to have been in South Africa.

Processing times

Processing times for Permanent Residency are from 3 – 24months to obtain an outcome.

It is important that whilst you await the outcome of your Permanent Residency application in South Africa that you ensure that your Temporary Residency visa does not expire before you receive the outcome.  If your Temporary Residency is due to expire in this time you will have to submit a renewal which can be done no later than 60days before your Temporary Visa is due to expire.

Frequently asked questions about the Critical Skills Permit

Are there any conditions issued on my Permanent Residency?  There are no conditions stipulated in the Immigration Act.

Do I get a South African passport? No, you will retain your foreign passport however will be given a Permanent Residency certificate which will allow you to apply for an ID Book.  A Permanent Resident will have all rights of a South African Citizen except to vote.

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What is a Business Permit?

The Business Permit is Permanent Residency within South Africa. The Business Permit allows the applicants family to apply for their Permanent Residency upfront along with the main applicant. If you wish to include a spouse/partner, please note that you have to either be married for five years or be in a relationship for five years whereby you can show five years’ worth of shared cohabitation and shared finances.

Are you eligible for a Business Permit?

You may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on the basis of your intended investment in an existing South African business or if you intend to establish and invest in South African business. This investment should be no less than R5 million, or a lesser amount as agreed by the DHA should the business enterprise fall within one of the prescribed National Interest sectors of the South African economy. Should you be applying for your Business Permit in South Africa, you are required to hold a valid Temporary Business Visa whereby you have submitted an application adhering to the requirements within the Immigration Act and Regulations and have successfully received your visa.

Frequently asked questions about the Business Permit

Are there any conditions issued on my Permanent Residency? Yes, the Business Visa conditions being the strictest of them all. Within the first two years of obtaining your Permanent Residency you will have to submit confirmation to the Department of Home Affairs with evidence showing that you have invested the financial requirements into the book value of the business. Within three years of your first confirmation you will again need to submit confirmation to the Department of Home Affairs with evidence showing that you have previously invested into the business and that the company still remains active within South Africa.
A permanent residence permit issued on the basis of a business shall lapse if the holder fails to prove within two years of the issuance of the permanent residence permit and three years thereafter, to the satisfaction of the Director-General, that the prescribed financial contribution to be part of the intended book value is still invested. As per section 27(c) of the Immigration Act.

Do I get a South African passport? No, you will retain your foreign passport however will be given a Permanent Residency certificate which will allow you to apply for an ID Book. A Permanent Resident will have all rights of a South African Citizen except to vote.

 

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What is a Section 27 (F) Financially Independent Permit?

A Financially Independent Permit is a straight forward Permanent Residency option whereby you don’t need to meet the requirements stipulated for Permanent Residency under any of the other categories.  The Financially Independent Permit only allows the applicant to apply for their Permanent Residency and does not include family members however once you are a Permanent Residency holder your family may be eligible to apply for their residency through you.

Are you eligible for a Section 27 (F) Financially Independent Permit?

The requirements for this visa are simple, you need to have a net worth of R12million in cash or assets (or a combination of both) in your name anywhere in the world.

Processing times

Processing times for Permanent Residency are from 3 – 24months to obtain an outcome.

It is important to note that whilst you await the outcome of your Permanent Residency application in South Africa that you ensure that your Temporary Residency visa does not expire before you receive the outcome.  If your Temporary Residency is due to expire in this time you will have to submit a renewal which can be done no later than 60days before your Temporary Visa is due to expire.

Frequently asked questions about the Section 27 (F) Financially Independent Permit

Can I work/study or run a business once I have received my Financially Independent Permit?  Yes, you can.  As soon as you have received your Permanent Residency you will have all rights of a South African except to vote.  You will keep your foreign passport however will be eligible to apply for a SA ID book.

Do I have to invest my R12million into South Africa? No, you do not have to invest your R12million into South Africa.

This sounds great, are there any other requirements?  The only requirement with the Financially Independent Permit is that once ready to collect and only if approved you pay the Department of Home Affairs R120 000, this may seem like a lot of money upfront however compared to other visas such as the Business Visa whereby you have to physically invest R5million from abroad into South Africa this is a simplified solution allowing you to leave your funds abroad.

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What is a Visa Transfer?

You need to apply for a Visa Transfer if you wish to transfer your visa sticker from your old passport into your new passport. A Visa Transfer is commonly known as a landing.

Are you eligible for a Visa Transfer?

You are eligible to apply for a Visa Transfer if you have recently obtained a new passport. Reasons for obtaining a new passport may include your previous passport being lost, stolen or damaged or you have used all the pages in your passport.

Frequently asked questions about the Visa Transfer

Can I travel during this process?

You may travel during this process if you have submitted the Visa Transfer (landing) through VFS in South Africa. In order to travel, you will need to have your old passport and your new passport as well as the receipt from VFS that proves you have applied for the transfer.

Will I get a brand new visa?

You will receive a new sticker in your new passport but the conditions on your visa will remain the same. There will be no extended duration on your new visa.

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Citizenship by birth

If you were born in South Africa before October 6, 1995, or were born in South Africa after October 6, 1995, and
• One of your parents was a South African citizen at the time of your birth, or you were adopted by a South African citizen, and your birth was registered within 30 days – you automatically qualify for South African citizenship.
• Persons born in South Africa, adopted by parents of which one parent is a South African citizen and whose birth is registered.
• Persons born in South Africa, not having the nationality of any other country and whose birth is registered.

Citizenship by Descent

• A child born outside South Africa and of which at least one of the parents was a South African citizen at the time of the child’s birth has a claim to South African citizenship by descent. The child’s birth must, however, be registered in South Africa for the child to acquire South African citizenship.

Citizenship by Naturalisation

You can apply for South African citizenship through naturalization if you have held a permanent residence permit for at least five years, if you have married a South African, or you are a minor under 21 years with a permanent residence. A person in possession of permanent residence who has ordinarily resided in South Africa for at least 5 years after acquiring permanent residence status and who has not been absent from South Africa in any one of the past five years from the date of submitting his or her application for citizenship.

Loss of Citizenship

Unless you have been granted retention of citizenship before acquiring citizenship of another country, you will lose your SA citizenship automatically. You may apply to have your South African citizenship reinstated if you are a former citizen by birth or descent and you have returned to South Africa permanently. An application may be made to the Department of Home Affairs to retain your South African citizenship.

Exemptions issued in terms of the South African Citizenship Act (No. 88) of 1995

• Exemption issued to a South African citizen intending to retain his or her citizenship. The exemption takes four (4) to six (6) weeks to be issued and has to be applied for before a foreign citizenship is taken. This is to ensure that applicant they have the exemption certificate in hand, as a proof of the approval of their application before taking up foreign citizenship.
• Exemption given to South Africans who took up a foreign citizenship before October 06, 1995. A person who takes up foreign citizenship without retaining his or her South African citizenship automatically loses his or her South African citizenship.

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