South Africa Immigration and Visas

Your central source for information on Immigration, Visas and Permits in South Africa

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A recent report ranked South Africa among the top destinations for investment in Africa. This reinforces the country’s reputation as a popular immigration destination

Factors that influence your decision to immigrate to South Africa could include breathtaking scenery, from semi-desert landscapes to lush mountain ranges.

South Africa’s diverse population welcomes immigrants from around the globe, so you’ll always feel at home.

Take a look at the visas available and contact our South Africa Visa Experts to help you through the immigration process, from the types of visas that suit your purpose to the completion of application forms.
Immigration to South Africa does not need to be a hassle!

Work Visas

Work Visas

South African Work Visas are available to those who want to work in the country on a short-term, long-term, or permanent basis. There are four types of work visas in South Africa:

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The Trusted Employer Scheme

The Trusted Employer Scheme

The Trusted Employer Scheme is an initiative aimed at simplifying the process of hiring foreign workers for South African corporations and businesses.

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Business Visa

Business Visa

Business Visas are for business owners who want to live in South Africa permanently. To apply for a Business Visa for South Africa, you must first invest in an existing business or open your business, and then submit your application forms.

Click the “Learn More” Button below, for more information.

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Visitors and Tourist Visa

Visitors and Tourist Visa

There are Short-Term and Long-Term Visitor and Tourist Visas in South Africa.
Visitor/Tourist Visas are only granted for leisure purposes.

It’s important to know if you come from a country that is visa-restricted or visa exempt.
Click Learn More, for a list of these countries.

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Study Visa

Study Visa

The Study Visa is available for international students who are going to study in South Africa, including minors still attending primary or high school and university students.

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Retirement Visa

Retirement Visa

The Retirement Visa is available for foreigners whose only intention is to retire and reside in South Africa.
Where your purpose is not to pick up post-retirement work, study, or volunteering.

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Family and Partner Visas

Family and Partner Visas

Family and Partner Visas are available for Spouses, Life Partners and Minors/Children.
You must either be a South African citizen, Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Visa holder to be eligible.

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Permanent Residence Permit

Permanent Residence Permit

The Permanent Residence Permit allows the holder various advantages, including security from future immigration law changes, entering the job market on equal grounds as a South African citizen, feeling at home in South Africa, and fewer banking and financial limitations.

Our South Africa visa and Immigration specialists will guide you through the Application Process, Step-by-Step.
Complete the Free-Assessment Form, stating your query about South Africa Visas and we’ll get back to you.

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South African Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation

All Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

Work Visas

Requirements specific to Work Visa applications include a contract of employment, proof of qualification (confirmed by SAQA), an employer letter confirming permanent employment, proof of registration with a professional body, and testimonials from previous employers.

Investment Visas

Business owners must provide documentation that includes a certificate from a chartered or professional accountant registered with SAICA and SAIPA respectively.
This confirms the owner has R5 million in cash and capital to invest in South Africa, a business plan for the Short- and Long-Term, and proof of registration with the relevant Professional Body, Board, or Council.

Visitors and Tourist Visa

There are Short- and Long-Term Visitor/Tourist South Africa Visas and each has different requirements. Short-Term Visitor/Tourist Visa applications require a completed BI-84 form, proof of short-term stay (a return airline ticket), and a statement confirming that you are in South Africa for leisure only, as well as the duration of your stay.

Long-Term Visitor/Tourist Visas cover extended stays by foreign journalists, visiting professors, and volunteers, for example. Each purpose has its requirements, but generally include documentation from the host and the visitor’s country of residence.

Study Visa

Study Visas are for minors attending school and tertiary students. Documentation requirements include an official acceptance letter, medical insurance, and proof of financial means.
Students can work up to 20 hours per week to supplement their income. Special permission isn’t necessary.

Retirement Visa

Should you wish to retire to South Africa you will need to supply documents to prove independent income, for example, pension confirmation.
Income must be at least R37,000 per month.
Medical and radiological reports are essential, as are a current passport and marriage certificate (if applicable).
Applications must include proof of accommodation.

Family and Partner Visas

Family members who are going to join you in South Africa need the following documentation; proof of relationship , including a marriage certificate, affidavit proving life partnership, and evidence such as joint accounts, photographs, and letters from friends.
This would include proof that their partner has the financial means to support them, and a letter of support from their partner who is a South African citizen, permanent resident, or main visa holder.

Permanent Residence Permit

The Permanent Residence Permit allows the holder various advantages, including security from future immigration law changes, entering the job market on equal grounds as a South African citizen, feeling at home in South Africa, and fewer banking and financial limitations.
Our South Africa visa and Immigration specialists will guide you through the Application Process, Step-by-Step.
Complete the onsite form, stating your query about South Africa Visas and we’ll get back to you.

South African Visa Costs

South Africa Visa costs vary, depending on type.
It’s important to contact your IBN Immigration Solutions Consultant to ensure you understand the fees and related costs for your specific visa.

How to Apply for a South African Visa

South African Visas all have different complex steps, waiting times and recommended processes.
These exist to ensure that your Visa in South Africa cannot be rejected as well as maintaining a fully legal status.

It is recommended that you click on and visit one of the South African Visa Types above, to learn more about the specific visa your require.

Our South Africa Visa and Immigration specialists will guide you through the Application Process, Step-by-Step.
Complete the onsite form, stating your query about South Africa Visas and we’ll get back to you.

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Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Immigration Act of South Africa. We are not affiliated with the South African government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency. While forms required during the process can be obtained for free at any Department of Home Affairs office, we also provide them as part of our service. Those who prefer to deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs can visit their website at www.home-affairs.gov.za.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you can only apply for an extension once. Applications must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiry of your original tourist visa. Tourists who want to extend their visa with fewer than 60 days left on their visa can still apply provided the supply a “letter of good cause.” The letter must explain why your application is late. Approval is at the discretion of Home Affairs.

No, you must have an appropriate work visa. However, you can apply for a Section 11(2) Visa which is for punctual short work missions. Work is any activity, remunerated or not, which is in line with your usual activities in your place of employment abroad.

There are different categories of Work Visas in South Africa which you could apply for: which one will apply to you will depend on a lot of factors.

The work visas are:

  • ICT (Intra Company Transfer) Work Visa: issued for 4 years, it is ideal for employees transferred from a company overseas to work at its South African branch for a fixed period of time and in a specific capacity. It is issued in the country of residence and not renewable.
  • Critical Skills Work Visa: issued for 5 years, it is for people who have certain skills and qualifications deemed essential or “critical” to the economy of South Africa. It is linked with certain requirements such as a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certification and a registration to a SAQA-recognised Professional Body in South Africa
  • General Work Visa: issued for 5 years, it basically applies to employees who do not qualify for an ICT nor a Critical Skills visa. It is the most lengthy and most difficult to obtain as the potential employer would have to prove that he/she cannot fill the position with a South African citizen or permanent resident (PR).

Applications to live in South Africa can take anything between 12 to 18 months. South Africa immigration visas are submitted to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. This is where South Africa immigration visa applications are adjudicated and Permanent Residence Permits approved or denied.

Yes, you can lose your permanent residence, but only in certain circumstances; for example, you leave South Africa for more than three years consecutively.

Yes, South Africa recognises life partnerships, provided they have lasted more than two years. Primary applicants and life partners can apply for South Africa visas at the same time. South Africa requires proof of the relationship, which can include forms proving cohabitation, for example, a joint bank account. A notarial agreement is required.

Yes, South Africa recognises same sex marriages. The documentation required for a South Africa immigration visa is the same as for life partners.

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