SA Immigration
Temporary residence visas
First applications, renewals and changes of status — from three months to five years. Choose the category that matches the purpose of your stay, or write to us and we will place the matter.
Work visas
A foreign national who wishes to work in South Africa needs a visa endorsed for work — typically issued for three months up to five years. You cannot work on a visa that is not endorsed for work.
- Short-term work visa — up to three months, with the possibility of extension, where a South African employer needs a short-term skill it cannot source locally.
- General work visa — the employer must show, with Department of Labour approval, that a citizen or permanent resident with the required skills could not be found for the post.
- Critical skills work visa — the applicant must hold the academic and professional qualifications, and usually a fixed-term offer, in a field on the current critical skills list.
- Intra-company transfer visa — an employee is seconded from a foreign employer to a South African branch or affiliate to work and transfer skills.
We prepare the file for the category that fits the facts, including the labour-market and skills evidence the Department requires.
Business visa
A foreign national who wishes to establish a business in South Africa, or invest in an existing one, applies for a business visa. The application must include a certificate from a chartered accountant registered in South Africa. Typical requirements include:
- a prescribed cash investment into the Republic (R5 000 000 is the minimum ordinarily accepted without a waiver);
- confirmation that at least 60% of the workforce will be South African citizens or permanent residents;
- undertakings to register with SARS, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, the Compensation Fund and, where the business is not yet trading, CIPC;
- a letter addressing feasibility and the contribution to the national interest.
Applications to invest in an existing business also require the preceding year’s financial statements and proof of the registrations above. A waiver of the capital requirement is a separate process and must be approved before the visa is lodged — see waivers.
Spousal visa
A foreign spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident may apply for a temporary spousal visa, provided the marriage or partnership is genuine. “Spouse” includes opposite-sex and same-sex relationships, and both civil marriage and life partnership. There is no prescribed minimum duration of the relationship for a temporary spousal visa.
Proof typically includes a marriage certificate or evidence of the partnership, the South African party’s citizenship or residence status, a letter of support and the completed application form. We assemble the relationship evidence and lodge the file, or rework it where the Department questions whether the relationship is genuine.
Study visa
An international student who intends to study full-time in South Africa must hold a study visa issued for that institution. A change of institution requires a fresh application. The applicant must produce an acceptance letter and show that the student or a sponsor can meet tuition and living costs; medical cover and a valid passport are required.
Study visas are typically issued for the duration of the programme and may be renewed from within South Africa where the studies continue. We match the file to the institution’s letter and the Department’s checklist, including where a minor studies and a parent holds a different visa category.
Relative’s visa
A foreign national related to a South African citizen or permanent resident may qualify for a relative’s visa. It is ordinarily a two-year, multiple-entry visa and is renewable. Work is not generally permitted on this category. The applicant must prove the relationship (usually with a birth certificate) and that the South African family can support the applicant financially.
We take the kinship documents and the financial evidence together so the category is not confused with a spousal or visitor file.
Retired person’s visa
The retired person’s visa is for applicants who can meet the financial requirements without working. There is no prescribed age limit, but a monthly income (a pension, annuity or similar) at the prescribed level is required. The visa may be issued for up to four years and can be extended from within South Africa. A spouse and dependent children may be included; school-age children should hold their own study visas.
We prepare the temporary file and, when the facts support it, plan the later permanent residence application using the same income evidence.
Visitor visa
Nationals of some countries may enter South Africa without applying for a visitor visa in advance; others must apply in their country of citizenship or residence. A typical visitor visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and, in some cases, a further 90-day extension. Longer visitor categories of up to three years may be available where the applicant qualifies, including:
- an accompanying spouse, life partner or child of a holder of a work, study, business, retired person’s or relative’s visa;
- an academic sabbatical supported by the home institution;
- film and advertising production cast and crew;
- a journalist employed by a foreign news agency;
- research at an institution, or work as a tour leader;
- a child born in South Africa to parents who are both temporary residents.
We identify the correct visitor subcategory rather than stretching a tourist admission.
Where to apply
A first temporary residence application (other than a holiday visit) is ordinarily lodged from the applicant’s country of citizenship or residence. Exceptions include certain medical-treatment visas, a child or spouse of a general work or business visa holder, and cases where a waiver has already been granted. Renewals and most changes of status can be lodged from within South Africa through VFS, provided this is done in time.
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.