14 Apr Permanent Residency in South Africa Requirements

Obtaining permanent residency in South Africa allows you to live in our beautiful country without worrying about re-applying for a visa, doing visa runs, accidentally overstaying your visa, or changes in immigration law. You’ll be able to work restriction-free, set up a business, apply for an ID, own property, and study anywhere you would like in the country.

In this post, we’ll discuss the requirements for permanent residency in South Africa, including those of direct and residency-on-other-grounds and the application process.

Let’s dive in!

Requirements for Permanent Residency in South Africa

Meeting any below of the eligibility criteria qualifies you for a permanent residency permit.

● You must have had a South African work or critical skills visa for at least five years
● You must have been married to a South African citizen for at least five years
● You must be a child that’s under 21 of a South African citizen or permanent resident
● You must hold a critical skills visa and have at least five years of post-qualification work experience
● You intend to invest in an existing South African business or establish a South African business
● You’ve held refugee status in South Africa for at least five years
● You’ll receive a pension or annuity for the rest of your life
● You have a net worth of at least R12 million and can make a non-refundable R120,000 deposit

If you meet any of the above criteria, you are eligible for a permanent residency application.

Process of Applying for Permanent Residency in South Africa

The permanent residency application can be long-winded, so it’s important to enlist the appropriate professionals to ensure you submit all required documents to not be rejected.

Incomplete or inaccurate applications can lead to delays or rejections.

Determine Whether You’re Eligible

First, determine whether you’re eligible for permanent residency and meet the requirements of the category you plan to apply under (e.g., spousal permanent residency or refugee permanent residency).

Gather the Required Documents

Generally, you’ll need the following when applying for permanent residency:

● A completed DHA-947 application form.
● A valid passport.
● Passport-sized photographs.
● Police clearance certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for a year or more since the age of 18.
● Proof of your eligibility category (e.g., marriage certificate, employment contract, proof of financial resources).
● Medical reports – you may not be allowed to apply if you carry easily spreadable diseases.
● Other documents that are specific to your category. Ask June Luna Immigration Attorneys about this.

It’s important that all your documents are submitted in English and legalised.

Application Submission

Generally, applicants submit their applications at VFS Global or the Department of Home Affairs. You should book an appointment for your submission, or face the risk of standing in a queue and not being helped. The Department or VFS will need to take your biometrics, so it’s important to show up in person.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a permanent residence permit.

Enlist June Luna Immigration Attorneys

June Luna Immigration Attorneys are experts at gathering the required documents for your permanent residency application, assessing whether you’re eligible, and following up on your application to ensure it’s approved quickly.

To learn more, contact June Luna Immigration Attorneys today. We would be delighted to assist you with your permanent residency application.