Permanent Residence in South Africa

Obtaining Permanent Residence in South Africa is a significant step for foreign nationals looking to settle in the country permanently. This status grants the holder the right to live, work, and conduct business in South Africa without time restrictions, offering security and freedom in building a long-term future. Whether for family, business, or personal reasons, South Africa’s Permanent Residence offers various pathways to accommodate different circumstances and needs.
Currently, the Permanent Residence Permit allows for a path to citizenship. If this changes in the near future, please be sure to look out for updates on this page.

Note: Regulations regarding the path to permanent residence may change.
Check in to our website to stay on top of updates.

Study Visa and ICT Visa holders do not qualify for Permanent Residence.

Applying for Permanent Residence involves submitting a thorough and well-documented application to the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times may vary depending on the category under which the application is made. However, securing permanent residence is the gateway to long-term stability, freedom to work and invest in the country, and an eventual path to South African citizenship.

Please note that all documents from the country of origin must be original or certified copies, and where necessary, translated into English with certification by a sworn translator.

Applicants must renew their temporary resident visa while awaiting the outcome of their permanent residence permit application.

• VFS appointment letter
• A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Payment of the application fee. If paid via EFT to the VFS bank account or the mission, include the original bank payment receipt.
• Present a valid original passport for each applicant and passport-sized photographs for applicants one year or older. Ensure the applicant’s name is written on the back of the photograph (machine or instant photographs are not acceptable).
• A valid temporary residence at the time of application if applying from within South Africa.
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship for a spouse accompanying or joining the applicant. Note: Islamic marriages performed within South Africa are not recognised.
• Divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of financial support between the applicant and their spouse/partner.
• Proof of parental responsibilities, rights, or written consent from the other parent/legal guardian in the case of dependent children accompanying or joining the applicant.
• Unabridged birth certificate or extract from birth record for dependent children.
• A deed poll for applicants who have changed their name, surname, or gender.
• Original police clearance certificate for applicants 18 years or older, issued by the police authority in each country where they have lived for 12 months or more (excluding South Africa) within the past 5 years.
• Medical report for all applicants, not older than six months.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area.

• South African Police Clearance Fee: R175 per applicant
• Biometric Enrolment Fee: Applicable for most applicants, especially for visas requiring police clearance and identity verification.

Note that medical reports and translations of documents may incur additional costs, depending on the specific visa category requirements and applicant circumstances.

You can apply at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.

• Always ensure that your documents are original or certified copies and, if necessary, translated into English by a sworn translator.
• Ensure your temporary visa remains valid while waiting for permanent residence approval.
• Check for specific additional fees, such as biometric enrolment fees and police clearance fees.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• Proof of five years continuous work visa, excluding intra-company transfer, corporate, or Zimbabwean special project visas.
• An offer of permanent employment in the form of a contract.
• A letter from your employer confirming current and permanent employment (not older than six months).
• Proof of qualifications evaluated by SAQA.
• Work references or certificates of service covering the last five years.
• Biometrics taken at the visa facilitation centre.
• Attach any endorsements related to Professional Associations.

Costs

• Cost: R2870
• This fee applies for the General Work Visa application and can be paid via EFT or at the VFS centre.

How to Apply

1. Ensure you meet the requirements, including a valid General Work Visa.
2. Gather all required documents, including the completed DHA-947 form, valid passport, and supporting documents such as proof of employment and qualifications.
3. Book an appointment to submit your application at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R2870 through EFT or at the consulate/VFS centre.
5. Submit your application in person and provide biometrics.
6. Await the outcome while ensuring your temporary resident visa remains valid during the process.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• A declaration of support for the application from the spouse who is a citizen or permanent resident.
• Proof of financial support between the spouses.
• Copy of the spouse’s ID if they are a citizen or permanent resident.
• Copy of the permanent residence permit of the spouse if applicable.
• Biometrics taken at the visa facilitation centre.

Costs

• Cost: R1350
• Applicable for spouses married to a South African citizen or permanent resident for five or more years.

How to Apply

1. Ensure that you have been married to a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least five years.
2. Complete the DHA-947 form and prepare the necessary documentation, such as your marriage certificate and proof of financial support.
3. Book an appointment to submit your application at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R1350.
5. Submit your application and biometric data.
6. Ensure your temporary resident visa remains valid during the waiting period.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• An undertaking from the citizen or permanent resident parent to assume full financial, emotional, medical, and physical responsibility for the minor.
• Written consent from both parents if only one parent is immigrating.
• Copy of the ID of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who is a citizen or permanent resident, if applicable.
• Copy of the permanent residence permit of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), if applicable.
• Biometrics taken at the visa facilitation centre.

Costs

• Cost: R1350
• For dependents under the age of 18 applying for residence based on a parent’s citizenship or permanent residence.

How to Apply

1. Ensure the child is under 18 and has a South African citizen or permanent resident parent.
2. Complete the DHA-947 form for the child and gather supporting documents, including unabridged birth certificates and consent from both parents if applicable.
3. Book an appointment at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R1350.
5. Submit the child’s application and biometrics.
6. Keep the child’s temporary resident visa valid while awaiting the outcome.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• Proof that the applicant falls within the Critical Skills category as per the prescribed list.
• An offer of employment in the form of a contract of employment.
• A letter from your employer confirming your current employment (not older than six months).
• Proof of application for a certificate of registration with the professional body, council, or board recognised by SAQA, if required by law.
• Proof of qualifications evaluated by SAQA.
• Proof of post-qualification experience of at least five years.
• Testimonials from previous employers.
• Comprehensive curriculum vitae.
• A letter of motivation indicating how the applicant’s critical skills will benefit the South African environment in which they intend to operate, relating to the critical skill in question.
• Present yourself for biometrics at the visa facilitation centre.

Costs

• Cost: R2870
• For individuals applying for permanent residence based on their critical skills listed under South Africa’s Critical Skills list.

How to Apply

1. Ensure you possess skills listed on South Africa’s Critical Skills list.
2. Complete the DHA-947 form and gather necessary documents, such as proof of your qualifications, post-qualification experience, and a letter of employment.
3. Book an appointment to submit your application at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R2870.
5. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics in person.
6. Ensure your temporary resident visa remains valid while waiting for the final decision.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• A certificate from a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) confirming that at least R5 million in cash is available to invest.
• A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the feasibility of the business and its contribution to South Africa’s national interest.
• An undertaking that at least 60% of the total staff complement employed in the business will be South African citizens or permanent residents, employed permanently.
• An undertaking to register with the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
• An undertaking to register with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
• An undertaking to register with the Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases.
• An undertaking to register with the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required.
• Proof of registration with the relevant professional body, board, or council recognised by SAQA, if applicable.

An Applicant Who Invests or Has Invested in an Existing Business as a Partner Shall Also Submit

• Proof of investment in the business and the partnership agreement.
• Financial statements for the preceding financial year.
• A letter of confirmation from the Department of Labour confirming that 60% of the total staff employed in the business are South African citizens or permanent residents, employed permanently.

Costs

• Cost: R2870
• For applicants establishing or investing in a business in South Africa. Additional financial commitments like proof of R5 million in investment funds apply.

How to Apply

1. Ensure that your business complies with South Africa’s business regulations and is not classified as undesirable.
2. Complete the DHA-947 form and gather necessary documents, such as proof of investment funds and a letter from the Department of Trade and Industry.
3. Book an appointment at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R2870.
5. Submit your application and biometrics.
6. Keep your temporary resident visa valid while awaiting the outcome.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• Proof that the applicant has the right to a pension, irrevocable annuity, or retirement account that provides a prescribed minimum payment of R37 000 per month for life, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.
• Alternatively, proof that the applicant has a minimum prescribed net worth of R37 000 per month realised from a combination of assets, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.
• Present yourself for biometrics at the visa facilitation centre.

Costs

• Cost: R2870
• This fee applies for retired individuals seeking permanent residency, with proof of monthly income (minimum R37,000) required.

How to Apply

1. Ensure that you meet the financial requirements, including proof of a pension or retirement account with a minimum monthly income of R37,000.
2. Complete the DHA-947 form and gather the required documents, including medical reports and proof of income.
3. Book an appointment at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R2870.
5. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics.
6. Maintain your temporary resident visa while awaiting approval.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• Proof that the applicant has a prescribed minimum net worth of R12 Million, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.
• Written undertaking to make a payment of R120 000, as determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette, to the Director-General upon approval of the application.

Costs

• Cost: R1520 (Application fee) + R120,000 (Upon approval)
• Financially independent applicants must pay R1520 during the application process. Upon approval, an additional R120,000 must be paid to the Director-General.

How to Apply

1. Ensure you have a net worth of R12 million and are prepared to make an additional payment of R120,000 upon approval.
2. Complete the DHA-947 form and gather necessary documents, such as proof of your net worth and financial statements.
3. Book an appointment to submit your application at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R1520.
5. Submit your application and biometrics in person.
6. Ensure your temporary resident visa remains valid while awaiting approval.

Eligibility Requirements

Specific Document Requirements

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• Proof that the applicant is a relative of a South African citizen or permanent resident within the first step of kinship (parents or dependents of the South African citizen or permanent resident).
• An undertaking by the citizen or permanent resident that they are able and willing to support and maintain the foreign relative applying.
• Copies of the South African citizen or permanent resident’s ID, permanent residence permit, and/or naturalisation certificate.
• Present yourself for biometrics at the visa facilitation centre.

Costs

• Cost: R2870
• This fee applies for relatives within the first step of kinship (parents or dependents) applying for permanent residence.

How to Apply

1. Ensure that you are within the first step of kinship (parents or dependents) of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Complete the DHA-947 form and gather necessary documents, including proof of kinship and financial support.
3. Book an appointment to submit your application at a South African Consulate or a VFS centre abroad, or in South Africa if you hold a valid long-term temporary residence visa.
4. Pay the application fee of R2870.
5. Submit your application, documents, and biometrics.
6. Ensure your temporary resident visa remains valid while awaiting the outcome.

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/