Getting a recommendation from the DTIC has never been easier
The South African Business Visa allows foreign nationals to contribute to the country’s economy by either starting a new business or investing in an existing one. According to current regulations, applicants must invest or have access to a minimum Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amount of ZAR 5 million, either in cash or capital, as gazetted in the Immigration Act, 2002. The minimum amount of ZAR R5 Million can be waived.
An important step in the application is that applicants must secure a recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). This recommendation confirms that the business is viable and serves South Africa’s national interest by addressing the country’s key socio-economic challenges: unemployment, inequality, and poverty. This visa enables entrepreneurs and investors to temporarily live in South Africa while they manage and operate their business in line with immigration laws.
What is the Visa Recommendation System (VRS)?
To understand the South African Business Visa process, one must also understand the Visa Recommendation System (VRS). Previously, applicants submitted their DTIC recommendation requests manually using text documents, sent via email in multiple attachments. Each email needed to be under 4MB, often causing delays, incomplete submissions, and difficulty in tracking progress. This manual process created inefficiencies and frequent errors, leading to frustration for the applicant.
To improve the process, the DTIC has introduced the Visa Recommendation System (VRS), an online platform designed to modernise the Business Visa process. It replaces the outdated email-based system with a digital platform that improves efficiency, enhances transparency, and simplifies usability. Through the VRS, applicants can fill out forms, upload supporting documents directly, and track the progress of their applications in real time. This improvement streamlines the experience for both applicants and the DTIC.
Why use the Visa Recommendation System for a South African Business Visa Application?
The VRS offers several key benefits for applicants seeking a DTIC recommendation as part of their Business Visa application:
1. Efficiency: Faster processing times compared to the previous manual email process, eliminating the need for multiple attachments and fragmented communication
2. User-friendly Convenience: Applicants or their representatives, can complete and submit applications through a streamlined, intuitive online system
3. Transparency: Real-time status tracking and automated notifications keep applicants informed throughout the process.
4. Reduced Errors: Built-in system checks ensure all required documents are uploaded before submission, minimizing incomplete or incorrect applications.
How Does the VRS Work?
The platform simplifies the business visa recommendation application process through several key features:
1. Online Submission: Applicants can submit their business visa recommendation applications digitally.
2. Document Upload: Required supporting documents can be uploaded directly to the system.
3. Real-Time Tracking: Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications in real-time.
4. Automated Notifications: Updates and final recommendations are communicated through the system.
How to Use the VRS to Apply for a South African Business Visa
Image #1: The DTIC VRS portal interface
To successfully submit your Business Visa recommendation application via the VRS, follow these steps:
1. Register or Login: Visit the VRS portal to create a new account or log in to an existing one.
2. Complete the Application Form: Provide detailed information about your business and investment plans.
3. Upload Supporting Documents: Attach necessary documentation such as proof of investment, business plans, and identity verification.
4. Submit the Application: Review all information for accuracy and completeness before submitting.
5. Track Your Application: Use the portal’s real-time tracking feature to stay updated on your application status.
6. Receive Notifications: Get automated updates and the final recommendation directly from the system.
The South African Business Visa offers an efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly process for foreign nationals aiming to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy. With the implementation of the Visa Recommendation System, the application experience has been significantly improved.
Written by Andreas Krensel, Senior Director, Africa and Europe
Edited by Xabisa Mxokozeli
