A Comprehensive Guide to Long-term Residency in South Africa
Country Profile:
South Africa, located at the southernmost tip of Africa, is a middle power in international affairs; it maintains significant regional influence and is a member of both the Commonwealth of Nations and the G20. At this stage, the country is one of the most racially and culturally diverse countries in Africa and even the world.
Capital: Cape Town
Population: 62,027,503 (2022, 23rd)
Ethic Groups: 81.4% Black, 8.2% Coloured, 7.3% White, 2.7% Asian
Area: 1,221,037 km2 (24th)
Offical Language: 12 languages, including English
Currency: South African rand
GDP per Captial: $16,625 (2024, 95th)
How To Immigrate To South Africa:
The main ways for foreigners to reside in South Africa include business visas and two types of income visas (financially independent visas and retirement visas).
Financially Independent Permit:
The financially independent visa in South Africa, also referred to as the 27 f visa, is designated for foreign nationals and their family members who can prove financial sufficiency (12 million South African Rand, equivalent to around 650,000 US dollars on March 14, 2024 – current exchange rates should be checked).
The advantage of this type of income visa in South Africa is that it is a direct permanent residence visa, without the need to worry about the duration of the visa. Specific requirements for applicants are as follows:
1. Proof of assets exceeding 12 million Rand, and after the visa is granted, a one-time payment of 120,000 Rand (approximately 6,500 US dollars on March 14, 2024) must be made to the South African Department of Home Affairs;
2. Adult, in good health, and no criminal record.
The required documents for application generally include the following: valid passport; proof of no criminal record; proof of relationship with co-applicant; completed BI-947 application form; record of visa fee payment; records of name or gender change; physical examination report, vaccination certificate, X-ray report (pregnant women and children under 12 are exempted) from the last 6 months; proof of financial means; donation letter after the visa is granted. The detailed requirement can be found from http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/permanent-res/10-immigration-services/966-documents-required-financial-independent-applicant
The application process is entirely offline and involves the following steps:
1. Visa Application: Applicants who meet the criteria should schedule an appointment with the South African embassy or consulate, ensuring all required documents (financial proof being paramount, either as cash or bank deposits) are in place. The application form should be completed, submitted on the scheduled day, and accompanied by the visa fee of 1,520 Rand (about 88 US dollars). An interview may or may not be conducted by embassy staff.
2. Visa Issuance: Upon approval notification, an additional fee of 120,000 Rand must be paid by the applicant before receiving the visa.
The entire visa review process may last up to approximately 8 months. Spouses of applicants and unmarried children under 21 can be included as co-applicants.
While the South African financially independent visa grants permanent residency, visa holders are required to enter South Africa once every three years to retain the visa.
Retired Person Visa:
The South African retired person visa has no specific age requirement for applicants, but it does require them to have a stable monthly income of at least 37,000 Rand (approximately 1,991 US dollars on March 14, 2024). This income can come from pensions, financial insurance portfolios, or other stable financial assets such as deposits, bonds, etc.
The required documents for application encompass: a passport with at least one empty page; the application form for the retired person visa; two photographs that meet passport specifications; locally applicable medical insurance; a medical examination report; evidence of a clean criminal record; vaccination documentation; and the payment of the visa fee.
The entire application process for the retired person visa is consistent with that of the financially independent visa, and the visa fee is 425 Rand (about 28 US dollars). The visa is valid for four years, and a renewal application can be made 60 days before its expiration via the South African online visa application platform, VFS.
While individuals with financially independent visas can work and establish businesses in South Africa, holders of the retired person visa are not allowed to engage in any profit-making activities within South Africa that utilize South African resources.
Business Visa:
South Africa’s business visa is designated for foreign individuals who are planning to invest or start a business within the country, provided they submit a persuasive business plan.
The application process is roughly structured as follows: Initially, the applicant must register the business with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in South Africa. Following this, they should prepare a comprehensive business plan and gather all necessary documentation. An appointment for an in-person interview must then be scheduled with an overseas South African embassy or consulate. Upon completion of the interview, the applicant must wait for a decision on the visa application, which usually takes between 3 to 4 weeks.
The documents needed for the application encompass: a completed application form; two photographs conforming to passport standards; a valid passport; proof of vaccinations; financial evidence showing monthly resources of more than 3,000 Rand (around 177 US dollars); a medical examination certificate; and a certificate of no criminal record.
The business visa has a validity of 3 to 5 years, and high-quality investors can directly obtain permanent residency in South Africa.
Digital Nomad Visa:
In April 2022, the South African government unveiled plans to launch a digital nomad visa program specifically for remote workers. This move was announced as part of an effort to alleviate the economic strain caused by the pandemic. As it currently stands, the program is in the developmental stages within the legislative process, and specific details have not been disclosed.
Work Visa:
South African work visas include four types: corporate visas, intra-company transfer(ICT) work visas, critical skills work visas, and general work visas. The basic prerequisite for obtaining a work visa is having the support of a local employer.
Work visas generally have a maximum validity of 5 years, and a critical skills worker in key industries may have the possibility to directly apply for permanent residency in South Africa.
Naturalization:
For most South African visas, the main applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can apply as dependents for a family visa.
South African permanent residency cards are divided into two types: direct residence permit and residence permit on another basis.
Residence permit on another basis are mostly issued to individuals with financially independent visas, refugees, highly skilled laborers in critical fields, and local investors, with the first two forms being the most common;
Direct residence permit are issued to foreigners who have been legally residing in South Africa for a full five years;
Permanent residents can apply for a South African passport after continuing to reside locally for another 5 years.
Passport Power:
South Africa recognizes dual citizenship, and its passport ranks 45th globally. Holders of the passport can travel freely (either visa-free or obtaining a visa on arrival) to 108 countries and regions around the world.
Useful Links:
Immigration Page of The Department of Home affairs Of South Africa：http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services