South African Retirement Visa

The South African Retired Visa is an ideal option for individuals seeking to retire in South Africa, offering long-term stay for those who meet the financial criteria. This visa is flexible, permitting either temporary or permanent residence depending on the applicant’s circumstances and intent.

The key requirement is proof of sufficient financial means to sustain your stay in South Africa. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000, which can be derived from pension funds, retirement annuities, rental income, or dividends from investments.

At certain embassies, applicants may also qualify if they can show that they hold a combination of assets equivalent to this threshold (lump sum), rather than a regular monthly income stream.

Note also: A Retired Person’s Visa is only for people who want to immigrate to South Africa purely to enjoy their retirement and not for people who want official employment, formalised education, and long-term volunteering at any organisation.

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

Requirements

• Retirement Visas require a monthly income of at least R37,000. The income may originate from a pension, retirement account, or irrevocable annuity OR from assets providing the required monthly income.
• There are no age restrictions on the South African Retirement Visa as per the law. However, some South African embassies abroad do enforce age restrictions when accepting applications.

Forms and Documentation

You need the following documents and forms to apply for a South African retirement visa:

• Original Machine Readable Passport, valid for at least 30 days after intended departure from South Africa, with two blank pages for endorsement.
• Passport copies of the personal data page.
• One fully completed application form DHA-1738.
• One recent biometric photograph (not older than 6 months).
• Original Police Clearance Certificate from all countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 5 years.
• Medical Certificate, signed and stamped by a doctor, and not older than 6 months at the time of application.
• Proof of financial requirement amounting to at least R37,000 per month, which may come from:
  • Pension or retirement account.
  • Irrevocable annuity.
  • Assets providing income (e.g., rental income, dividends, interest).
• Original bank statements for the past 3 months, stamped by the bank.
• Original Chartered Accountant Certificate proving the financial requirement (if applicable).
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate (if applicable).
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable).

Note: All documents accompanying your application for a South African retirement visa must be in English. Ensure all your documentation is professionally translated into English.

When applying for a South African Retirement Visa, there are several costs you need to be aware of beyond the visa application itself. These include travel, accommodation, and integration costs as you settle in South Africa.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs specifically related to the visa application:

• Department of Home Affairs Visa Application Fee:

The standard application fee is R1,520 when submitting directly to the South African Department of Home Affairs or an overseas Consulate.

• VFS Fee:

When applying through VFS Global, the additional fee is R1,550.
VFS Fees can be paid via EFT, and we recommend keeping a proof of payment for your records.

• VFS Premium Lounge Services (Optional):

For a more comfortable application process, you may opt for the Premium Lounge service at an additional fee of R500. This is entirely optional.

• Document Translation Costs:

If any of your documents are not in English, they will need to be translated by an accredited service.

• Medical Certificates:

You will need to submit a medical certificate as part of your application. The cost will depend on your country of origin and the medical provider you choose.

• Police Clearance Certificates:

Police clearance certificates are required from each country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last five years. South African police certificates cost R180 when processed through VFS.

• Proof of Financial Means:

To qualify for a Retirement Visa, you must provide proof of a stable income. This may incur administrative costs for notarisation or certification of documents.

Other Potential Costs:

• Flight and Moving Costs: Consider the cost of travel and moving personal belongings to South Africa.
• Accommodation: Budget for both temporary and long-term accommodation.
• Integration Costs: These could include initial living expenses, setting up utilities, and any required local registrations upon arrival.

Although these are the primary costs associated with the Retirement Visa, the total expense will depend on your circumstances. It is highly recommended to consult with a trusted immigration consultant, who can provide a comprehensive estimate based on your situation, ensuring you’re well-prepared for all costs.

How to Apply for a South African Retired Visa

Applying for a South African Retired Visa can be an extensive process, especially for those unfamiliar with South Africa’s immigration requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: The South African Retired Visa is available for individuals seeking to live in South Africa for extended periods based on retirement income or assets.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the process:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

• Age Requirement: There is no formal age requirement, but some embassies enforce age restrictions when accepting applications.
• Financial Requirements: You must prove that you have a monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000 (approx. USD 2,000) from a pension, annuity, or passive income source. This amount CANNOT be based on a salary. Alternatively, for certain South African embassies, you can show that your net income can generate this amount as a lump sum.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

• Completed Application Form (DHA-1738): Fill out the South African Retired Visa application form, available at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) or Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS).
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure, with two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Proof of Financial Means: Provide income statements (pension slips, annuity statements, etc.) showing a monthly income of ZAR 37,000, or evidence of sufficient assets. Bank statements from the past 3 months are also required.
• Proof of Accommodation: You will need to show proof of where you will stay, such as a lease agreement or property ownership document.
• Medical Report: You will need a completed medical report.
• Police Clearance Certificate: Submit a police clearance certificate from your home country or any country you have resided in for more than 12 months after the age of 18.
• Proof of Health Insurance: You will need valid health insurance for the duration of your stay.
• Passport-Size Photos: Attach two recent passport-size photos to the application.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Location: Submit your application to the South African embassy, consulate, or Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS) in your country of residence.
• Processing Fees: Pay the visa application fees. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
• Method of Submission: Track your application online if applying through VFS.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Processing Time: The standard processing time is 6–8 weeks, but delays are possible depending on circumstances.
• Tracking: Use the VFS portal to track the progress of your application.

Step 5: Receive Your Visa Outcome

• Notification: You will be informed via email, SMS, or phone call when a decision has been made on your application.
• Visa Collection: Collect your outcome from the embassy, consulate, or VFS centre where you submitted your application.

Step 6: Enter South Africa

• Travel: Ensure you travel to South Africa within the validity period of your visa.

Step 7: Renewal or Permanent Residency

• Temporary Visa Renewal: You can renew your South African Retired Visa in-country. Apply at least 60 days before your visa expires.
• Permanent Residency: If you plan to live permanently in South Africa, you can apply for permanent residency as a retiree, provided you meet the requirements.

Step 8: Compliance and Staying in South Africa

• Visa Conditions: Ensure you comply with all visa conditions, including not taking up employment without a work visa.

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/