Immigration to South Africa

Many people from all over the world want to immigrate to South Africa but are often unsure how to begin the process. South Africa welcomes immigrants who are in a position to make a meaningful contribution to broadening the economic base of South Africa – whether it is from skills held or finances that will be invested. 

As with all countries, a visa is required for immigration to South Africa. The type of immigration permit or visa that immigrants should apply for is determined by the activity that they want to engage in when immigrating to South Africa.

1. Work Visa

Applying for a work permit as a way of immigration to South Africa is done through one of the work permit categories, which vary in duration from three months to five years. The main purpose of most categories of South African work visas is to provide for skill shortages that may exist in South Africa and also assist with transferring skills to the South African work force.

For more information on work visas, head over to our website.

2. Retired Persons Visa

South Africa welcomes the immigrant retiree as an increasingly popular retirement destination, with its many attractions and great value for money. These visas are intended for immigrants seeking to settle in South Africa and who do not intend, nor have the need, to work in South Africa. A retired person visa for South Africa is a short-term visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to four years.

For more information on retired person visas, head over to our website.

3. Business Visa

A difficult category to qualify for, a business visa is for those who wish to invest R5 million into a South African business which falls within the national interest. These visas are valid for a period of three years and are renewable.

For more information on business visas, head over to our website.

4. Study Visa

South Africa offers some world-class educational institutions and is a popular destination for international students. The benefits include cheaper living expenses and relatively modest study fees. Although study visas are provided for the duration of the program, there is a maximum period of 8 years for primary school education and 6 years for secondary school education.

For more information on study visas, head over to our website.

5. Spousal and Life Partner Visa

Spouses and life partners of South African citizens or permanent residents are allowed to live in South Africa based on their relationship. These visas are valid for a period of two to three years and will remain valid as long as the relationship continues and is in good faith. Once together for a period of five years, a foreigner can also apply for permanent residency on the basis of their spouse. 

For more information on spousal visas, head over to our website.

6. Relatives Visa

These visas are for persons who have a direct relationship to a South African citizen or permanent resident – for example a child or parent. A relative’s visa does not entitle a person to work, so the South African citizen or permanent resident will be financially responsible for their relative during their stay – which is valid for a period of two years at a time.

For more information on relative visas, head over to our website.

A foreigner who wishes to immigrate to South Africa should consider the option of permanent residency, which will alleviate the need to constantly renew visas. If a foreigner holds temporary residency in South Africa, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency whilst in the country – alternately, these applications can be made from abroad if no temporary residency for South Africa is held.  

For permanent residency, an applicant can make application under ‘direct’ or ‘indirect’ residency and there are set categories which you can fall under. You cannot combine categories nor does the amount of time spent in the country make any difference to whether or not you will qualify for permanent residency. Categories of permanent residency include: 

• 26(a) – If you have held a work visa for at least five years and have a permanent job offer in South Africa, you may be entitled to apply for permanent residence.
• 26(b) – If you have been married or in a life-partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least five years, you may be entitled to apply for permanent residence.
• 26(c) – You may be eligible to apply for permanent residency if you are the child of a citizen or permanent resident who is under the age of 21.
• 26(d) – If you are a citizen’s kid of any age, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
• 27(b) – If you have a critical skills work visa from the Critical Skills List published in the Government Gazette AND you have at least five years of post-qualification experience in this category, you may be entitled to apply for permanent residency.
• 27(f) – You may be eligible to apply for permanent residence if you are financially independent and can demonstrate a net worth of at least R12 million and agree to pay a non-refundable one-time fee of R120,000.00 to the DHA upon approval of your application.

June Luna Immigration Attorneys can help you with all your South African immigration needs, whether you are a first-time applicant from abroad, renewing or altering a condition on your current temporary resident visa or seeking permanent residency.

If you have any inquires regarding immigration in South Africa, please get in touch with us.