South Africa Business Visa | A Complete Guide

Eligibility & Requirements:

The South African Business Visa is specifically tailored by the South African government for international entrepreneurs aiming to either establish a new commercial enterprise or acquire and operate an existing company within South Africa.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants are generally required to satisfy the following core criteria:

1. Substantial Capital Investment: An investment of no less than ZAR 5 million (approximately USD 283,000) into a South African-registered company is mandatory. Alternatively, for those intending to launch a new venture, a robust and credible business plan must demonstrate that the initial start-up capital will be at least ZAR 5 million.

A critical stipulation is that the entirety of the invested funds must remain within the South African economy for a minimum period of five years and cannot be repatriated during this time. Nevertheless, the Department of Home Affairs reserves the discretion to lower this minimum investment threshold if the proposed venture is deemed to offer significant and demonstrably beneficial contributions to the South African economy.

2. Commitment to Job Creation: Your investment must directly result in the creation of employment opportunities. Crucially, a minimum of 60% of the total workforce employed by the enterprise must consist of South African citizens or permanent residents.

3. Viable Business Strategy and Economic Contribution: Regardless of whether the investment is directed towards a new establishment or an acquisition, a comprehensive and credible business plan is indispensable. This plan must outline a sound corporate structure and clearly articulate the positive economic impact the enterprise will have on South Africa.

Application Process:

The application process for a South African Business Visa generally involves the following key steps:

1. Submitting Your Business Plan to the DTI:

To begin your application for a South African Business Visa, you must first finalize your investment proposal and prepare a comprehensive business plan. This plan needs to be submitted to the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for review.

You can submit your application via email to the DTI’s official email address: vrecom@thedti.gov.za.

The DTI typically takes approximately 45 business days to review business plans. If approved, your investment will receive a “positive recommendation.” This positive recommendation is absolutely crucial, as it holds significant weight during the Department of Home Affairs’ assessment of your Business Visa application.

2. Submitting Your Visa Application:

Once your business plan has received a positive recommendation from the DTI, you can proceed with preparing all required documents and submitting your visa application to the South African Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African embassy or consulate.

The necessary documents for this application include:

• Applicant Identity Documents: This covers passports for all main applicants and dependents, two passport-sized photographs, and documents proving the relationship between the main applicant and dependents (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).

• Application Form: You’ll need to complete and submit a DHA-1738 application form.

• Business Plan: The same business plan submitted to the DTI.

• Proof of Financial Capacity: Documentation verifying that you meet the required investment capital.

• Police Clearance Certificate: All main applicants and dependents aged 18 and over must provide a police clearance certificate from any country where they have resided for more than one year within the past five years.

• Medical Examination Report: All main applicants and dependents must provide a medical report issued within six months prior to the application date. This includes proof of COVID-19 vaccination and an X-ray report (pregnant women and children under 12 are exempt from X-rays).

• South African Address: You’ll need to provide a South African address, which can be a hotel address. Additionally, if available, you should provide proof of your flight tickets to South Africa.

• “Positive Recommendation” Statement from the DTI.

The South African Department of Home Affairs charges a visa fee of ZAR 1520 for the Business Visa. The overall processing time for the entire visa application is typically around eight to twelve weeks.