South African Permanent Residence Permit
How to Apply for South African Permanent Residence
How To Apply for a South African Business Visa
Permanent residence is granted to foreigners who meet the criteria outlined in Sections 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act and Regulations 22 and 23. As South African immigration specialists, we provide strategic advice and assistance with your permanent residence application.
Section 26 of the Immigration Act and Regulation 22 specify the following grounds for direct residence for those seeking long-term residency:
Holder of a 5-year South African Work Visa: The applicant must have held a work permit, excluding one issued under a corporate permit, for five continuous years and received an offer of permanent employment.
Spouse/Life Partner to a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident: The applicant must have been the spouse or life partner (in a bona fide marriage or permanent heterosexual or same-sex relationship) of a citizen or permanent resident for five years in South Africa.
Child under the Age of 21 of a South African Citizen/Permanent Resident: The applicant must prove they are under 21 and a child of a citizen or permanent resident. The permit is granted with specific conditions.
Child of a Citizen: The applicant must be a child of a South African citizen.
Section 27 of the Immigration Act and Regulation 23 outline other grounds for long-term residency or permanent residence for foreigners of good and sound character:
- b) South African Permanent Residence Extraordinary Skills or Qualifications Permit
Applicants in this category must demonstrate that they possess extraordinary skills or qualifications
b) South African Permanent Residence Extraordinary Skills or Qualifications Permit
Applicants in this category must demonstrate that they possess extraordinary skills or qualifications.
c) South African Permanent Residence Business Permit
Applicants must intend to establish a new business or invest in an existing one with a minimum amount of R5 million as part of the business’s book value, which may be waived or reduced in certain cases.
d) South African Permanent Residence Refugee Permit
Applicants must be refugees as defined in section 27(c) of the Refugees Act and provide certification from the Standing Committee confirming that they will remain refugees indefinitely.
e) South African Permanent Residence Retired Person Permit
Applicants must intend to retire in South Africa and demonstrate a financial consideration of R37,000 per month per person, either through direct annuity income or a combination of assets.
f) South African Permanent Residence High Net Worth Permit
Applicants must prove to the Director-General in South Africa that they have a minimum net worth of R12 million and have paid R120,000 to the official, indicating their financial security.
g) South African Permanent Residence Relatives Permit
A South African citizen or permanent resident must prove their willingness to support the applicant who is a relative.
Permanent residence applications generally take up to 8 months to process due to the security checks involved. It is therefore advisable not to apply for the permit without an underlying visa.
