HOW DOES ONE QUALIFY FOR A PERMANENT RESIDENCY VISA?

In order to obtain a Permanent Residency Visa for South Africa, one must meet certain requirements. There are a few different ways in which one can qualify for this visa:

1. HOLD A WORK VISA FOR FIVE YEARS

In order to qualify this way the applicant must:

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

2. BE MARRIED TO A SOUTH AFRICAN SPOUSE FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS

In order to qualify this way the applicant must:

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

3. BE A CHILD UNDER 21 OF A SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT

1. The applicant must provide an undertaking from the relative that they will provide financial support to the applicant.

4. HOLD A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA WITH 5 YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE

In order to qualify in this way the applicant must:

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

5. SET UP A BUSINESS

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:

1. The applicant must employ at least 60% South African citizens of permanent residents.
2. R5 million must be invested into the business.

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 broken down into R 500,000 capital contributions with the first contribution being made at the start and the remaining balance to be transferred into the country over a 12-month period and invested into the business. The contributions can also be in the form of equipment.

6. 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.

7. HAVE A NET ASSET WORTH OF R12M WITH REQUIRED PAYMENT OF R120, 000 MADE 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.