How To Qualify For Permanent Residence In South Africa

What is Permanent Residence?

Permanent residency is a person’s legal resident status in a country or territory of which such person is not a citizen but where they have the right to reside on a permanent basis.

How To Qualify For Permanent Residence In South Africa

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 the board or council in South Africa or a 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 African 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 or 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 register 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 A 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.

Does South African permanent residency expire?

While your permanent resident status does not expire and remains valid indefinitely, you must not stay outside South Africa for more than three years at a time.

Can a foreigner get a South African ID?

Immigrants who have valid permanent residence permits can also get an ID. A temporary ID serves as proof of identity while you’re waiting for your application for an ID to be processed. This document is only valid for a short period.

What is the difference between a South African citizen and a South African permanent resident?

As a permanent resident, you have most of the rights and responsibilities of a South African citizen. You will not be able to obtain a South African passport nor be able to vote in South African government elections. These rights are only obtained with South African citizenship applications.

How can a foreigner get permanent residency in South Africa?

You can also apply for permanent residency if you:

  1. are in possession of a permanent work offer in South Africa.
  2. have exceptional skills and qualifications.
  3. intend to establish a business in South Africa.
  4. qualify as a refugee in terms of Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act.
  5. qualify as a retired person.