How do you get Permanent Residency to South Africa?

There are a seven different ways in which one can meet the requirements for this visa. In order to acquire a Permanent Residency Visa for South Africa, one must be able to either:

1. Setup a business in South Africa

Should an applicant wish to set up a business in South Africa then he may apply for Permanent Residency. In such a case there are two main requirements the applicant must meet:

• R5 million must be invested into the business.
• The applicant must employ at least 60% South African citizens of permanent residents.
• The applicant will also need to present a complete business plan, and have the financials assessed by a qualified Chartered Accountant, as well as registering the business with the South African Revenue Services.

With regards to the investment amount, this can be split up into R 500,000 capital contributions with the first contribution being made at the start and the remaining balance to be sent into the country over a 12-month timeframe and invested into the business. The contributions can also be in the form of equipment.

2. Have a Critical Skills Visa with 5 years’ worth of working experience

In order to qualify in this way the applicant must:

• Provide comprehensive curriculum vitae.
• Obtain a letter from the South African or foreign organ of state and or established academic in South Africa confirming outstanding qualifications for skills.
• Give proof that the outstanding skills will add value to the South African workforce.
• Provide testimonials from previous employers if applicable.

3. Be in a lawfully wedded relationship with a South African resident for five years

In order to qualify this way the candidate must:

• Have a Declaration of Support for the application by the South African spouse.
• Provide proof that they have been with the South Africa citizen or permanent resident spouse for at least two years.
• Provide a copy of the permanent residence permit if the South African spouse is a permanent resident.
• Provide the identity document of the South African partner.

4. Earn a retirement income

• Applicants must have an income or pension of at least R37, 000 per month to qualify. Both capital and income can be used in calculating the required income per month.
• Applicants must be aware that only certain types of income can be used for the purposes of qualifying for a Retirement Visa. The value of pensions and rental income from property are sources of income that can be used.
• To confirm whether you would qualify for Permanent Residency under this section you are welcome to contact us.

5. Hold a General Work Visa for five years

In order to be eligible this way the applicant must:

• Provide proof of five years of continuous work visa status.
• Have an offer of permanent employment.
• Provide proof of registration with board or council in South Africa or professional body, if applicable.

6. One must be a child under the age of 21 who has a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident as a parent.

• The applicant must provide proof of responsibility from the relative that they will provide financial support to the applicant.

7. Have a net asset worth of R12 Million and make a payment to Home Affairs

• The Applicant must provide proof that he or she has a minimum net worth of at least twelve million Rand and make the proper payment of R120, 000 to the Director-General.

If you would like to consult any of our legal experts on how you could obtain Permanent Residency to South Africa, please fill in our free visa assessment form to see if you qualify.