South Africa Immigration and Visas

A recent report ranked South Africa among the top destinations for investment in Africa. This reinforces the country’s reputation as a popular immigration destination

Factors that influence your decision to immigrate to South Africa could include breathtaking scenery, from semi-desert landscapes to lush mountain ranges.

South Africa’s diverse population welcomes immigrants from around the globe, so you’ll always feel at home.

Take a look at the visas available and contact our South Africa Visa Experts to help you through the immigration process, from the types of visas that suit your purpose to the completion of application forms.
Immigration to South Africa does not need to be a hassle!

All Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

All forms of South African Temporary Residence require the applicant to use the DHA 1738 (Form 8).

Work Visas

• Critical Skills Work Visa: This visa is designed for applicants with skills that are in high demand in South Africa. Critical Skills Visa Requirements include SAQA-certified qualifications, a completed skills assessment, and professional body registration.
• General Work Visa: For applicants with an employer-specific job offer in South Africa. General Work Visa Requirements include proof of qualification (SAQA evaluated), a signed employment contract, and evidence of attempts to fill the position with a South African citizen or resident.
• Short-Term Work Visa: Suitable for temporary assignments or employment lasting 90 days or less. Required documents include a job offer letter, short-term contract, and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa: Designed for employees being transferred within the same company group. ICT Visa Requirements include an intra-company transfer letter, proof of foreign employment for at least six months, and a commitment to repatriate the employee after the visa period.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Enables remote workers to live and work remotely from South Africa. Digital Nomad Visa Requirements generally include proof of employment outside of South Africa, evidence of remote work capability, and proof of income.

The Trusted Employer Scheme

Qualified employers can streamline visa applications for foreign employees under the Trusted Employer Scheme. Eligibility for this scheme typically requires proof of corporate compliance, tax records, and established processes that show good standing. It reduces processing times and simplifies the application process for frequent hirers of foreign talent.

Business (Investment) Visa

Business owners must provide documentation that includes a certificate from a chartered or professional accountant (registered with SAICA or SAIPA) confirming that the applicant has R5 million in cash and capital to invest in South Africa. Additional requirements include a business plan detailing both short- and long-term goals, as well as proof of registration with a professional body, board, or council.

Visitor and Tourist Visa

There are short- and long-term Visitor/Tourist Visas, each with different requirements. Short-term visas require a completed BI-84 form, a return airline ticket, and a statement indicating the purpose of your visit. Long-term visitor visas are available for foreign journalists, visiting professors, and volunteers, requiring additional documentation from the host and the visitor’s country of residence.

Study Visa

Study Visas are available for minors attending school and tertiary students. Documentation requirements include an official acceptance letter, medical insurance, and proof of financial means. Students can work up to 20 hours per week without needing additional permissions to supplement their income.

Retirement Visa

If you wish to retire in South Africa, you will need to supply documentation that includes proof of independent income (such as a pension), with a minimum of R37,000 per month. Other requirements include medical reports, a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a marriage certificate if applicable.

Family and Partner Visas

Family members joining a resident in South Africa require specific documentation, such as proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, affidavit proving life partnership), evidence of joint accounts or photos, and a letter of support from the primary visa holder. Partners must also show proof of financial means to support family members.

Accompanying Spouse/Minor (Dependant) Visa

This visa allows spouses and dependants to join a primary visa holder in South Africa. Required documents include marriage certificates for spouses, birth certificates for children, and proof of financial stability from the primary visa holder.

Relatives Visa

This visa applies to immediate family members of South African citizens or permanent residents. Requirements typically include proof of the family relationship, letters of support, and financial evidence to support the relative’s stay in South Africa.

Permanent Residence Permit

The Permanent Residence Permit offers many advantages, such as job market access, fewer banking restrictions, and stability against future immigration changes. Specific document requirements apply, depending on the grounds for application, such as work, business investment, critical skills, or family ties.

Visa Application Costs

When applying for a visa to South Africa, there are several costs to consider beyond the standard visa application fee. These can include fees for service providers, documentation requirements, and additional logistical costs depending on your specific visa category. Below is a breakdown of typical fees associated with South African visa applications:

Department of Home Affairs Visa Application Fee

The base fee varies by visa type and is payable to the South African Department of Home Affairs. For instance, the general fee for work visas is R1,520. Ensure to confirm the exact amount for your visa type, as fees may vary.

VFS Global Fees

When submitting your application through VFS Global, an additional fee of R1,550 applies. Payments can be made by EFT; keeping a proof of payment is recommended.

VFS Premium Lounge Services (Optional)

For a more comfortable and expedited application experience, applicants may opt for the VFS Premium Lounge service, available for an extra R500. This option is not required but can streamline the process.

Document Translation Costs

If any of your documents are not in English, they will need to be professionally translated by an accredited service. Translation costs vary depending on the language and the number of pages.

Medical and Vaccination Certificates

Applicants may need to provide medical certificates or Yellow Fever vaccination certificates, depending on their country of origin. The cost for a South African medical certificate averages R180 when obtained via VFS, while Yellow Fever vaccination fees vary by country.

Police Clearance Certificates

Police clearance certificates are required from each country where you’ve resided for 12 months or more in the past five years. Costs for obtaining police clearance vary by country. South African clearances are approximately R180 per application through VFS.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Application Fee

For those verifying foreign qualifications, SAQA charges an application fee of R2,145 for the first qualification, and R900 for each additional qualification. This verification is mandatory for certain visa types, such as the Critical Skills Work Visa.

Professional Body Membership Fees

If your profession requires membership with a South African regulatory body (common for Critical Skills Work Visa holders), there may be associated membership fees. These vary depending on the profession and organization.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Flight and Relocation Costs: Plan for travel and any logistics related to moving belongings.
• Accommodation: Include budgeting for housing costs, both temporary and long-term, based on your plans in South Africa.
• Integration Costs: These may include initial living expenses, setting up utilities, and local registrations.

While these are the common costs associated with various South African visas, the total expenses will vary depending on individual circumstances. Consulting with a trusted immigration consultant can provide a comprehensive estimate, ensuring you are fully prepared for all necessary expenses.

South African Visas all have complex steps, waiting times and recommended processes.
While some are similar and have identical elements, it is very important that you approach applying for your South African Visa with preparation and planning. This serves to ensure that your South African Visa will not be rejected as well as maintaining a fully legal status once obtained.

It is recommended that you click on and visit one of the South African Visa Types above, to learn more about the specific visa your require.

Otherwise, you can contact us regarding your South Africa Visa and our Immigration Experts will guide you through the Application Process, Step-by-Step.

Important Links:

• Department of Home Affairs – Immigration
• Department of Labour
• The Department of Trade Industry and Competition
• Invest SA

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/