Permanent Residence Based on Retirement or Financial Independence

This path to permanent residence should not be confused by Permanent Residence based on a Work Visa or by Permanent Residence based on a Spouse/Relative/Child.

Last updated: 29/06/2026

Foreign nationals who wish to retire in South Africa may apply for Permanent Residence under Section 27(e) of the Immigration Act, provided they meet the required financial criteria. Applicants must demonstrate that they have secure, lifelong income streams that enable them to support themselves without seeking employment in South Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

Permanent residence under Section 27(e) is available to foreign nationals who can prove sufficient, guaranteed retirement income and who intend to reside in South Africa indefinitely.

Age Requirements

• No minimum age requirement is prescribed in law.

Minimum Financial Requirements

• Proof of a minimum guaranteed monthly income of ZAR 37,000.
• This income must be verifiable, unconditional, and lifelong. Acceptable income sources include:
  • Pensions or retirement annuities
  • Interest from fixed investments
  • Dividends
  • Long-term rental income
• Income must be proven for life, not only for a fixed period.
• Salaries or income from active employment or consulting do not qualify.
• Lump sum amounts or mixed sources are generally not accepted unless explicitly authorised by the Department of Home Affairs or the South African mission abroad.

Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements showing regular deposits of retirement income.
• Official pension or annuity statements.
• Sworn affidavits confirming the source, regularity, and duration of income.
• Supporting documentation from financial institutions, where applicable.

Good Standing

• Police clearance certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past five years.
• A valid medical report confirming good health and no contagious diseases.

Current Visa Status (if applying within South Africa)

• If applying inside South Africa, the applicant must hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa, such as a Retired Person’s Visa (Section 11(1)(b)(ii)), at the time of submission.

Duration

Permanent residence granted under Section 27(e) is indefinite. Once approved, the holder is authorised to live, work, study, and conduct business in South Africa without the need for renewals.

Common Use Cases

• Foreign Retirees Seeking a Long-Term Home: Popular with retirees attracted by South Africa’s cost of living, private healthcare, natural beauty, and established expat communities.
• Applicants Transitioning from a Temporary Retired Visa: Many begin on a temporary retired visa and later transition to permanent residence once financial criteria are met.
• Dual or Seasonal Residents: Suited for retirees who spend part of the year in South Africa. PR status removes the need for repeat visa applications, provided the holder does not remain outside South Africa for more than three consecutive years (Section 28 of the Immigration Act).
• Retirees Investing in Property: Applicants purchasing residential property for retirement often apply under this category.
• Retirees Who Later Work or Invest: Although granted as a retirement category, Section 27(e) permanent residence is not category-restricted. Holders may later engage in business, consulting, or employment without additional permits.

General Permanent Residence Document Requirements

• VFS appointment letter.
• A duly completed DHA-947 form submitted online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Proof of payment of the application fee. If paid via EFT to the VFS bank account or the mission, include the original bank payment receipt.
• Valid original passport for each applicant and passport-sized photographs for applicants one year or older. The applicant’s name must be written on the back of the photograph (machine or instant photographs are not acceptable).
• A valid temporary residence visa at the time of application if applying from within South Africa.
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship for a spouse accompanying or joining the applicant. Note: Islamic marriages performed within South Africa are not recognised.
• Divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of financial support between the applicant and their spouse/partner.
• Proof of parental responsibilities, rights, or written consent from the other parent/legal guardian in the case of dependent children accompanying or joining the applicant.
• Unabridged birth certificate or extract from the birth record for dependent children.
• A deed poll for applicants who have changed their name, surname, or gender.
• Original police clearance certificate for applicants 18 years or older, issued by the police authority in each country where they have lived for 12 months or more (excluding South Africa) within the past five years.
• Medical report for all applicants, not older than six months.
• A radiological report is no longer a mandatory requirement for South African immigration applications.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area.

Section 27(e) Specific Document Requirements

• Proof that the applicant has the right to a pension, irrevocable annuity, or retirement account that provides a prescribed minimum payment of R37,000 per month for life, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.
• Alternatively, proof that the applicant has a minimum prescribed net worth producing an income of R37,000 per month realised from a combination of assets, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.

The processing time for a Permanent Residence application under Section 27(e) submitted within South Africa generally falls within the following range:

• 12 to 18 months from submission through VFS Global or Department of Home Affairs (DHA) service offices.

This timeframe reflects the scrutiny applied to such applications, including verification of retirement income, financial stability, and compliance with statutory requirements. Actual timelines may vary depending on:

• The completeness and accuracy of submitted documents.
• The current backlog and workload at the DHA.
• Requests for additional documentation or independent verification.

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Application Fee

• R1,520 per applicant
• This fee is paid directly to the DHA through VFS Global or the designated payment channel at the time of application.

VFS Global Service Fee

• R1,550 per applicant
• Covers submission handling, biometric capture, and management of the online application portal.

VFS Premium Lounge (Optional)

• R500 per applicant
• Provides enhanced service at select VFS centres, available only where this option is offered.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure you meet the prescribed financial requirement:
• You must have a guaranteed minimum income of at least ZAR 37,000 per month for life.
• This income must derive from pensions, irrevocable retirement annuities, rental income, dividends, or interest-bearing investments.
• Income from salaries or employment cannot be used to meet this requirement.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

• Fill in the DHA-947 Permanent Residence application form in black ink.
• The form must be completed in full. Incomplete or incorrect submissions may delay or lead to rejection.

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

• Prepare the following:
• Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
• Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the last 5 years
• Medical report (not older than six months)
• Proof of retirement income (e.g., official bank statements, pension or annuity confirmation, investment documentation)
• Proof of legal status in South Africa (if applying from within the country)
• Proof of address in South Africa
• Passport-sized photographs in line with DHA specifications
• Additional documents if applying with dependants
• All foreign-language documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator.

Step 4: Book an Appointment

• Applications must be submitted in person:
• If abroad: Book an appointment at your nearest South African mission or consulate in your country of residence.
• If in South Africa: Apply at a VFS Centre, but only if you hold a valid long-term temporary visa (e.g., retired person’s visa).

Step 5: Pay Application Fees

• Prepare proof of payment:
• DHA application fee: R1,520
• VFS service fee (if in South Africa): R1,550
• Optional Premium Lounge fee: R500
• Confirm the payment method with your VFS Centre or South African mission.

Step 6: Submit Application and Biometrics

• Attend your scheduled appointment in person.
• Submit your full application pack with supporting documentation.
• Provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) on-site.

Step 7: Maintain Legal Status (If in South Africa)

• Ensure your temporary residence visa remains valid while your PR application is being processed.
• Failure to maintain valid status may negatively affect your application.

Step 8: Await Outcome

• Applications are forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria.
• You will be notified of the decision via SMS/email (if applying in South Africa) or contacted by the mission abroad.

Step 9: Collect Your PR Certificate

• Collect your Permanent Residence certificate in person from the VFS Centre or mission where you applied.
• Bring your passport, acknowledgement receipt, and proof of submission.

Section 27(f) provides a permanent residence pathway for high-net-worth individuals who can demonstrate financial independence. It is intended for applicants who wish to reside in South Africa without qualifying through employment, retirement income, or business investment.

Net Worth Requirement

You must provide proof of a minimum net worth of ZAR 12 million. Acceptable assets may include:

• Property holdings
• Investments (local or international)
• Cash reserves
• Retirement savings
• Other liquid or fixed assets

The net worth does not need to be in South Africa, but it must be clearly proven and verifiable through acceptable documentation.

Once-Off Fee Payable to DHA

In addition to standard permanent residence application fees, a once-off, non-refundable fee of ZAR 120,000 is payable to the Department of Home Affairs upon approval.

Clean Criminal Record

Provide police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or longer in the past five years.

Proof of Legal Stay (if applying within South Africa)

If applying from within South Africa, you must hold a valid temporary residence visa at the time of submission.

Duration

Permanent residence granted under Section 27(f) is indefinite. Once approved, you are authorised to live, work, and study in South Africa permanently without periodic renewal.

Common Use Cases

• High-Net-Worth Individuals Seeking Lifestyle Residency: Applicants wishing to reside in South Africa without needing to work, invest in a business, or meet retirement income thresholds.
• Early Retirees Who Do Not Meet Retirement Visa Requirements: Asset-rich applicants who do not qualify under Section 27(e) due to income structuring.
• Asset-Rich Individuals With No Active Income: Those with substantial wealth via inheritance, property portfolios, or trusts rather than regular salary or pension.
• Individuals Seeking a Base in South Africa Without Business Ties: Applicants who prefer not to start or operate a local business yet wish to maintain permanent residence.

General Permanent Residence Document Requirements

• VFS appointment letter.
• A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Payment of the application fee. If paid via EFT to the VFS bank account or the mission, include the original bank payment receipt.
• Present a valid original passport for each applicant and passport-sized photographs for applicants one year or older. Ensure the applicant’s name is written on the back of the photograph (machine or instant photographs are not acceptable).
• A valid temporary residence at the time of application if applying from within South Africa.
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship for a spouse accompanying or joining the applicant. Note: Islamic marriages performed within South Africa are not recognised.
• Divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of financial support between the applicant and their spouse/partner.
• Proof of parental responsibilities, rights, or written consent from the other parent/legal guardian in the case of dependent children accompanying or joining the applicant.
• Unabridged birth certificate or extract from birth record for dependent children.
• A deed poll for applicants who have changed their name, surname, or gender.
• Original police clearance certificate for applicants 18 years or older, issued by the police authority in each country where they have lived for 12 months or more (excluding South Africa) within the past 5 years.
• Medical report for all applicants, not older than six months.
• A radiological report is no longer a mandatory requirement for South African immigration applications.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area.

Section 27(f) Specific Document Requirements

• Proof provided by a South African Chartered Accountant that the applicant has a prescribed minimum net worth of R12 Million, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette (in the form of a CA Certificate).
• Written undertaking to make a payment of R120 000, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette, to the Director-General upon approval of the application.

The processing time for a Permanent Residence application under Section 27(f) submitted within South Africa typically falls within the following range:

• Approximately 24 months from submission through VFS Global or Department of Home Affairs (DHA) service offices.

This duration reflects the high level of scrutiny given to such applications, including checks on professional qualifications, employment history, and compliance with legal requirements. Your actual timeline may vary due to:

• Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
• Current backlog and workload at the DHA
• The need for additional documentation or verification

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Application Fee

• R1,520 per applicant
• This fee is paid directly to the DHA through VFS Global or the contributing channel upon application.

VFS Global Service Fee

• R1,550 per applicant
• Covers submission handling, biometric capture, and portal management.

VFS Premium Lounge (Optional)

• R500 per applicant
• Enhanced service at select VFS centres, available only where offered.

Once-Off DHA Fee on Approval (Section 27(f))

• R120,000 once-off, non-refundable fee payable to the Department of Home Affairs upon approval.
• This is in addition to the standard DHA and VFS fees above.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure you can demonstrate net assets of at least ZAR 12 million.
• Understand that, if approved, you must pay a once-off, non-refundable fee of ZAR 120,000 to the Department of Home Affairs before your Permanent Residence certificate is issued.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form (DHA-947)

• Download and complete Form DHA-947 (Permanent Residence application).
• Ensure all information is accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

• Typical required documents include:
• Valid passport with sufficient validity
• Police clearance certificates (for each country you have lived in for 12+ months over the past 5 years)
• Recent medical certificate and radiological report
• Proof of net assets exceeding ZAR 12 million (e.g., audited financial statements, bank certificates, property deeds)
• Proof of current visa status (if applying within South Africa)
• Passport-sized photographs
• All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Step 4: Book and Attend Your Submission Appointment

• In South Africa: Submit via VFS Global if you hold a valid temporary visa.
• Outside South Africa: Submit at the South African mission or embassy in your country of residence.
• You will be required to submit all documentation in person and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs).

Step 5: Pay the Fees

• DHA Permanent Residence fee: ZAR 1,520
• VFS Service fee (if applicable): ZAR 1,550
• Premium Lounge (optional): ZAR 500
• Upon approval, pay the once-off ZAR 120,000 fee to Home Affairs before collecting your certificate.

Step 6: Await Processing

• Applications under Section 27(f) are assessed by the Director-General of Home Affairs and undergo rigorous financial scrutiny.
• Processing times vary widely depending on submission location and complexity.

Step 7: Receive Your Outcome

• You will be notified by VFS or the embassy/mission where you applied.
• If approved, you must pay the ZAR 120,000 fee and collect your Permanent Residence certificate in person.

Step 8: Reside in South Africa as a Permanent Resident

• You are no longer required to renew a temporary visa.
• You may live, invest, study, and work in South Africa indefinitely.
• Do not remain outside South Africa for more than three consecutive years, or your status may lapse (Section 28 of the Immigration Act).

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.dha.gov.za/immigration-services/