SA Immigration
Permanent residence
Indefinite residence without a visa-renewal cycle. Permanent residence is granted in a named category under the Immigration Act — time spent in the Republic, without more, is not enough.
How permanent residence works
Permanent residence allows the holder to remain in South Africa without renewing a temporary visa. It is granted only in a category under sections 26 or 27 of the Immigration Act. The application is lodged in person, preferably inside South Africa through VFS, so that a tracking number is issued.
The category must be chosen correctly: a file lodged in the wrong category is not a near miss, it is a refusal. Once permanent residence is granted, the holder must apply for a South African identity document. Permanent residence is not citizenship — it does not confer the vote or a South African passport.
Spouse or life partner
Permanent residence on spousal or life-partnership grounds requires a genuine relationship of at least five years, with evidence of cohabitation and shared financial responsibility. The relationship must be exclusive and the applicant must show good character. Life partnerships, including same-sex partnerships, are recognised.
We build the relationship evidence to the standard the Department applies, and carry a temporary spousal file through to permanent residence.
Retirement
Permanent residence for retired persons is for applicants who intend to remain indefinitely and can show the prescribed income without having to work. It is usually the second step after a retired person’s visa, taken once the income test is met on an open-ended basis. Spouses and dependent children are planned in the same instruction.
We treat the temporary and permanent retirement files as one plan, and map the income evidence once for both stages.
Financial independence
The financially independent category is aimed at applicants of substantial means. There is no age limit and no requirement to have lived in South Africa already. A clean criminal record, good character and proof of sufficient resources are required. The ordinary threshold is a net worth of at least R12 million, together with the payment prescribed by the Department.
After grant, the holder must take up residence within a year and visit at least once every three years. Adding dependants after grant is a separate process.
Proof of permanent residence
A permanent residence certificate is issued once. Keep the original and a certified copy. If the certificate is lost, you can apply for confirmation of status — a letter that records the same standing.
The conditions printed on the certificate must be complied with. Leaving South Africa for three years or more places the status at risk. We advise on confirmation of status, certified copies, and travel that might be read as abandoning residence.
Speak to us about your matter
Monday to Friday 08:00–16:30. Email is best for a first enquiry — include the facts and any deadline.