Updated November 2025: The Department of Home Affairs has officially launched an invitation for Expressions of Interest in the new STAGES visa scheme.
Introduction
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has formally moved from proposal to gauging interest for its Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES). This new digital visa system is designed to simplify and speed up entry for international film and creative professionals.
The launch was confirmed through Government Gazette No. 53654, dated 10 November 2025
10 November – STAGES request fo…. It invites both South African and foreign film producer federations and organisations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for accreditation under the scheme.
Accredited organisations will gain access to a streamlined digital visa process for foreign cast, crew, and production staff, offering faster turnaround times and reducing administrative barriers that have previously delayed major productions.
Why STAGES Matters
The film and television sector has long been hindered by manual visa processing, inconsistent adjudication, and limited embassy capacity. Several international productions, including multi-million-rand streaming projects, have been diverted to other destinations because of these obstacles.
The STAGES framework is the Department’s response to these recurring issues. It follows the successful models of the Trusted Employer Scheme and Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, both launched in recent years. These initiatives use a trust-based compliance system to grant qualified organisations access to simplified visa procedures.
STAGES now extends this principle to the film and entertainment industry, creating a practical route for reputable production bodies to bring in foreign professionals without unnecessary delays.
What Is the STAGES Visa Scheme?
The Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme enables accredited industry organisations to support their members in securing short-term digital visas for filming and creative work in South Africa.
Each approved organisation will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This will permit them to submit digital visa applications on behalf of members through an online platform, with reduced document requirements and faster processing times.
The programme is open to both South African-based and foreign-based organisations. Eligibility is determined through a transparent scorecard that measures legal compliance, operational experience, and economic contribution.
Qualification Scorecard and Compliance Criteria
The Gazette outlines two separate qualification pathways: one for South African-based entities and another for foreign-based ones.
Pathway 1: South African-Based Federations, Organisations, or Associations
| Factor | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | Proof of legal registration and tax compliance (SARS). | 50 |
| Operational Experience (Years) | 0–2 years = 0 points 2–3 years = 20 points 3–5 years or more = 30 points | 30 |
| Operating Experience (Projects) | Film productions facilitated in South Africa over the past 3 years: 0–49 = 0 points 50–100 = 20 points 100 or more = 30 points | 30 |
| Economic Impact | Annual investment facilitated: Less than R100m = 0 points R100m = 20 points R200m or more = 30 points | 30 |
| Total | 140 | |
| Minimum Threshold for Selection | 120 points and full legal compliance | — |
Pathway 2: Foreign-Based Federations, Organisations, or Associations
Update – 10 November 2025
Collaboration has been added to the foreign path and points system at the bottom line, valued at 30 points.
| Factor | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | Proof of registration in country of origin (mandatory). | 50 |
| Operational Experience (Years) | 0–2 years = 0 points 2–3 years = 20 points 3–5 years or more = 30 points | 30 |
| Operating Experience (Projects) | Productions facilitated in South Africa over past 3 years: 0–49 = 0 points 50–100 = 20 points 100 or more = 30 points | 30 |
| Economic Impact | Annual investment facilitated: Less than R100m = 0 points R100m = 20 points R200m or more = 30 points | 30 |
| Collaboration | Partnership with a registered South African federation or organisation. | 30 |
| Total | 170 | |
| Minimum Threshold for Selection | 150 points and full legal compliance | — |
Source: Government Gazette No. 53654, 10 November 202510 November – STAGES request fo…
Selection and Application Process
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Eligible federations and organisations must complete their EOI through the Department’s portal at https://touroperator.dha.gov.za/ or by submitting a manual Expression of Interest at stages@dha.gov.za - Provide Supporting Documentation
Each application must include proof of registration, tax clearance, operational records, investment declarations, and any other documents requested in the digital form. - Inter-Departmental Assessment
Applications will be evaluated by a committee including officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the Department of Arts and Culture. - Notification of Outcome
Applicants will receive feedback within 30 working days after the closing date. - Processing Fee
Approved organisations must pay a processing fee of R1,520 per submission of 1–25 digital visa applications via the STAGES platform. - Closing Date
EOIs must be submitted within 30 calendar days from publication (by 10 December 2025).
What This Means for the Film Industry
For international producers and local coordinators, STAGES represents a major step towards a modern, responsive visa system. Once operational, accredited federations are expected to:
- Submit bulk applications for foreign cast and crew entirely online.
- Benefit from reduced supporting document requirements.
- Receive faster adjudication times.
- Eliminate the need for in-person embassy submissions.
This structure will remove one of the most consistent barriers to filming in South Africa, giving the country a stronger competitive edge against other international production destinations.
Relationship to Other Trusted Schemes
As explained by Andreas Krensel, Senior Director for Africa and Europe at IBN Immigration Solutions, the STAGES model aligns closely with the Trusted Employer and Trusted Tour Operator frameworks.
All three are built around the same principle: trusted entities receive simplified, digitally managed access to immigration services. This approach has already proven successful in encouraging inward investment, and STAGES is now applying it to one of South Africa’s most economically promising industries.
Key Takeaways for Production Planners
- STAGES is officially open for Expressions of Interest and forms part of South Africa’s wider digital transformation of immigration.
- Both local and international federations can qualify, provided they meet the required scorecard thresholds.
- A trusted accreditation model underpins the process, reducing time and administrative effort for compliant entities.
- Successful participation requires strong operational history, demonstrated economic impact, and documented compliance.
Conclusion
The formal establishment of the STAGES visa scheme is a major milestone for South Africa’s creative economy. It reflects a growing policy focus on using immigration as a driver of economic growth and international collaboration.
While the system is still in its early phase, it offers a clear signal of intent from the Department of Home Affairs to modernise and to position South Africa as a destination where global productions can operate efficiently and legally.
Organisations interested in participating should prepare documentation, gather evidence of operational activity, and submit their Expression of Interest within the current 30-day window.
IBN Immigration Solutions will continue to monitor developments and advise clients on registration, qualification, and implementation as the STAGES digital platform becomes fully functional.
Written by Andreas Krensel, Senior Director, Africa and Europe
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Continue reading below, to a list of fields required on the official Expression of Interest Form:
Film Industry Partner Scheme – Expression of
Interest Form
SECTION A: Company Details
Applicants will need to provide the following:
- Company Registration Number
- Company Name
- Province / Region / State
- Company Address
SECTION B: Authorised Representative
This section identifies the authorised person submitting the Expression of Interest on behalf of the
organisation. Required information includes: - Title, First Name, and Surname
- Maiden Surname (if applicable)
- ID / Passport Number
- Work and Mobile Contact Numbers
- Email Address
- Nationality
- Province / Region / State
SECTION C: Qualification and Evidence Uploads
Applicants must complete four eligibility declarations aligned with the STAGES scorecard. Each
section includes a Yes/No confirmation and a file upload (PDF, JPEG, JPG, PNG).
- Legal Compliance – Proof of legal registration and tax compliance.
- Operational Experience – Number of years operating as a federation, organisation, or
association managing production companies and film crews. - Operating Experience – Number of film projects facilitated in South Africa during the past three
years. - Economic Impact – Declaration of annual foreign direct investment (FDI) facilitated, signed by the
CEO, Managing Director, or Head of Organisation.
SECTION D: Declaration and Authorisation
Applicants must confirm the following declarations:
Email (if portal unavailable): stages@dha.gov.za
Note: The same portal also hosts the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme and Trusted Employer
Scheme, which may not be open for new submissions at this time
Signature Section:
Full Name of Authorised Signatory:
Position / Designation
Signature:
Date:
