Permanent Residency for South Africa: Independent Visa
This program grants permanent residency directly and therefore allow successful applicants to work, study or manage their own business in South Africa. This program requires a minimum net-worth of ZAR 12,000,000 (USD 820,000) and typically requires 8 months of processing.
Advantages Permanent Residency
- Reside, work, study and start a business in South Africa
- Grants permanent residence status and the possibility to apply for a Non-Citizen Identity Book
- No age requirement and open to all nationalities
- No investment or residency required
- Valid indefinitely
- Dependents can be included:
- Spouse
- Children up to 25 if full time student
- Children between 18 and 25 if financially dependent on parents
- Any age if medical dependent due to handicap or such but must be confirmed by Dr’s.
- South Africa is a business hub on the African continent with a fast-paced real estate market, exceptional private healthcare and developed tourism industry
- Application can be submitted from abroad or from South Africa
South Africa Permanent Residency Requirements
- Proof of the prescribed minimum net worth of at least ZAR 12,000,000
- Proof of identification
- Undergo a medical examination
- Provide original police clearance certificate
- Pay an application fee of ZAR 120,000 directly to the Director General upon approval of the application
- Once the application is granted, the applicant must enter South Africa at least once every 3 years
Process (8 months)
- Prepare all application forms, supporting documentation and submit your application
- Pay all required fees
FAQ
- The financially independent visa allows a person to apply for permanent residency directly and therefore allowing the applicant to work, study or manage their own business in South Africa. A financially independent visa is for those who can sustain themselves without an income within the country. Ideal for people of any age and nationality wishing to permanently stay in South Africa.
- The financially independent visa allows a person to apply for permanent residency directly and therefore allowing the applicant to work, study or manage their own business in South Africa. A financially independent visa is for those who can sustain themselves without an income within the country. Ideal for people of any age and nationality wishing to permanently stay in South Africa.
No age limit for the main applicant.
Dependents can be included:
- Family members may apply together with the main applicant
- Children up to 25 if full time student
- Children between 18 and 25 if financially dependent on parents
- Any age if medical dependent due to handicap or such but must be confirmed by a doctor.
- Yes. Each applicant over 18 must provide an original police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where they resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years except for South Africa. The certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission and will need to be legalized/apostilled.
There is no guidance as to what “net worth” means and therefore, it would be understood in a literal sense to include immovable property, investments, banking, in combination, or independently.
All documents issued by the issuing authority of the country of origin shall be original or certified copies and where applicable translated into English, which translation shall be certified as a correct translation by a sworn translator.
Yes, when submitting the application at the Embassy / Consulate. Biometrics will also be taken.
– It is not necessary for the immigrant to permanently reside in South Africa.
– Once the visa is obtained, the immigrants must simply enter South Africa at least once every 3 years.
– Apply for a Non-Citizen Identity Book.
– No stamp in your passport or Permit
– No new Permanent Residence Certificate will be issued if lost. Only a confirmation letter will be issued as a replacement.
– The financially independent visa has a usual minimum processing time of 8 months.
Read also about the New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa
The present document is intended for guidance and general information only and does not constitute or purport to provide you with legal advice. Such information is subject to changes without notice. Each case is unique and depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual and due consideration should be taken if applying the general information to your personal situation. For an evaluation of your personal circumstances one of our legal team would be happy to assist.
