VISAS
Visitor Visa
Issued for a period of up to 3 months at the border post upon entry into South Africa subject to visa exemption, and may be extended once for a further period of no longer than 3 months. It may be granted for a extended holiday/business trip/study course/medical treatment. Long term permits may be issued for up to 3 years if the applicant is engaged in the following activities: academic sabbatical/voluntary or charitable activities/research/other prescribed activities.
Study Visa
In some cases, part-time work is allowed. Membership of a South African registered medical scheme is compulsory.
Business Visa
To establish or invest in a new/existing business in South Africa, immediately family members may also accompany him/her. A Business Visa holder must employ or prove that 60% of the total staff complement is South Africa citizens or permanent residents.
The required capital amount has been set at R5 000
000. However, this amount may be waived if the proposed business is in
one of the following categories:
• Agro-processing
• Business Process Outsourcing and IT Enabled Services
• Capital / Transport equipment, metals and electrical machinery and
apparatus
• Electro Technical
• Textile, Clothing and Leather
• Consumer goods
• Boatbuilding
• Pulp, paper and furniture
• Automotives and Components
• Green Economy industries
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Tourism infrastructure
• Chemicals, plastic fabrication and pharmaceuticals
• Creative & Design Industry
• Oil and Gas
• Mineral beneficiation
• Infrastructure Development
• ICT
Medical Treatment Visa
To receive medical treatment in South Africa for a period longer than 3 months.
Relative Visa
May be issued to a foreigner who is a member of the immediately family of a South African citizen or a Permanent Resident. No employment is allowed and the period of the permit is 2 years.
Work Visa
Various categories ie General / Critical Skills / Intra company are applicable.
Corporate Visa
Corporate applicants may employ a number of foreigners to conduct work. This will be determined after consultation with the Departments of Labour and Trade & Industry.
Retired Person's Visa
The minimum payment to a foreigner shall be an amount determined from time to time by the Minister by notice in the Gazette, presently established at R37 000 / month / person. The net worth shall be a combination of assets realising per month the amount determined from time to time by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.
Exchange Visa
For participating in a programme of cultural, economic or social exchange, organized or administered by an organ of state or a learning institution, in conjunction with a learning institution or an organ of a foreign state.
Permanent Residence Permit
This may be applied for in most of the categories mentioned in the temporary residence categories. An additional category which is not provided for in the temporary residence, is that of the Financially Independent where you should prove a net worth of R12 million and pay an amount of R120 000 upon approval of your application.
Citizenship
South African citizenship is regulated in terms of the South African Citizenship Act, Act No 88 of 1995. This may be acquired by Birth, Descent or Naturalisation.
