Temporary Residence Permits In South Africa
Embarking on a journey to South Africa, whether for work, study, or exploration, often begins with securing a temporary residence permit. Need assistance with this important permit? Fret Not! We’ve got your back!
This vital document is your key to unlocking an extended stay in the Rainbow Nation, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in its rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic cities. Our guide is designed to navigate you through the application process, eligibility criteria, and all necessary steps to ensure your South African adventure starts on solid ground.
Let’s dive in!
What Is A Temporary Residence Visa?
A temporary residence visa is granted to foreign nationals wishing to stay in South Africa for over 90 days.
This could be for various reasons, such as studying, joining a family member, or working. Each temporary visa and permit type has its own conditions and eligibility criteria.
To live in South Africa as a temporary resident, you must apply for a temporary residence visa.
If you are granted the visa, you must obtain your temporary residence permit after you enter the country, which shows your right to stay for longer than 90 days.
Depending on your reason for traveling to South Africa, several types of temporary residence permits exist.
What Are The Types Of Temporary Residency Visas?
The Immigration Act provides temporary residence permits for various visa categories, such as:
Visitor’s Visas
Tourists wanting to visit South Africa can apply for a Visitor’s Visa, which allows them to enter the country for a maximum of 90 days.
Currently, 52 nationalities can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, and another 28 nationalities are exempt from visas when visiting for a maximum of 30 days.
Processing times typically range between five and 10 days, but applicants are advised to apply well in advance to avoid delays.
The costs include an application fee of R425 and a service fee of R1350.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, tourists can extend their Visitor’s Visa at a visa facilitation centre or through a registered immigration practitioner 60 days before the visa expiration date.
Just be aware that renewal is not automatic and may have a different duration than the original visa.
Because most visitor visas are only granted for single entries, you must lodge a new application to enter again once you have left the country.
You will also need to leave and apply from your country of residence to switch to another type of visa.
Study Visas
Foreigners who want to study in South Africa, at any level, must apply for a Study Visa before they arrive in the country.
This applies even if you are coming to South Africa as the dependent of someone coming to work there.
International students applying for scholarships in South Africa may also require a study visa first.
Business Visas
South Africa is a country that welcomes much-needed foreign investment.
Therefore, a section of South African immigration legislation deals specifically with foreign individuals wishing to conduct business in the country or invest in a South African company.
If you are trying to start your own business, take over an existing business, or invest in a company in South Africa, you need to apply for a Business Visa.
Furthermore, you must invest a prescribed financial capital contribution; at least 60% of your workforce must be South African.
The capital requirement may be reduced or waived for the following industries:
- Information and communication technology
- Clothing and textile manufacturing
- Chemicals and biotechnology
- Agriculture processing
- Metals and minerals refinement
- Automotive manufacturing
- Tourism
- Crafts
Medical Treatment Visas
A medical visa is required if you enter South Africa to seek medical treatment.
The DHA issues this visa for a maximum of six months and only if specific visa requirements are met.
The permit holder is not permitted to work or look for work during this period.
Apart from the typical supporting documents, the applicant must provide a letter from their registered medical practitioner or institution stating:
- The available space in the medical facility
- Estimated costs of the treatment
- The treatment schedule and period of intended treatment in South Africa
- The prognosis
Additional documents include:
- Proof of financial means or health insurance to cover all the medical costs
- Proof of economic independence to cover living costs
- A valid return air ticket
- The particulars of the applicant’s companions (if applicable)
The processing time for a Medical Visa is up to 60 working days from the submission date, and the costs are R425 for the application fee and R1,350 for the service fee.
Relative Visas
Family members of a South African citizen or permanent resident can apply for a temporary residence Relative Visa if they fall within the first or second line of kinship.
This visa applies to the following:
- Spouses
- Life partners
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
Life partners (heterosexual or same-sex) of a South African citizen or permanent resident must provide comprehensive evidence that their relationship is at least two years in length to apply for the Relative’s Visa.
Spouses or partners who want to work, study, or conduct business must apply for a Visitor’s Visa 11.6 (Reside with SAC and work). Notably, this visa is not available to any other relatives.
In the case of dependent family members, the South African citizen or permanent resident must prove their ability to care for the applicant financially.
Furthermore, the applicant is not allowed to work and must prove kinship via a birth certificate.
For spouses, a financial requirement is not necessary. However, they may be subject to an interview to demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship.
You can read the required documents on the visa facilitation website.
Relatives’ permits are valid for two years and can be extended. For certain immediate family members – such as a spouse or dependent children – the permits are issued free of charge (except for the VFS fee).
That said, there is still an additional application fee and different conditions for extended family members wishing to visit South Africa.
Processing time for the Relative Visa is up to 60 working days from the submission date. The costs depend on the relationship between the applicant and the South African resident or citizen.
Work Visas
Four primary types of work visas are available for South Africa, and these depend on the applicant’s situation.
In short, these main work visas are:
- General Work Visa
- Critical Skills Work Visa (GSWV)
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT)
- Corporate Work Visa
General Work Visa
The General Work Visa is the most common type of work visa for South Africa.
To obtain one, the employing company must show documentary proof that they tried to employ a South African citizen first and could not fill the position; for example, showing advertisements for the position in the local media.
Secondly, the applicant must submit proof of their qualifications and experience. The South African Qualifications Authority must also approve their qualifications.
General Work Visas are valid for the duration of the contract, up to five years.
Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV)
The South African government considers some skills in short supply in the local labour market.
This has allowed employers to recruit suitable candidates from abroad who meet these skill-shortage demands.
A person with these coveted skills or qualifications may obtain a Critical Skills Work Visa without securing a specific position at the time of application.
Having published articles, a doctorate, or being an expert in a field will also strengthen your application.
Some of the skills currently considered as critical are:
- Agricultural engineer
- Boilermaker
- Business analyst
- Financial investment advisor
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- IT security specialist
- Mining technician
- Nursing professionals
- Pressure welder
- Soil scientist
- Urban and regional planner
The most recent list of critical skills catalogues positions that can be filled by formally qualified foreigners who have a minimum of five years of practical experience.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT)
It is not uncommon for multinational companies to transfer employees between countries.
When a person moves to South Africa, they must apply for the Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT).
Notably, an applicant must have worked for at least six months in the company’s foreign office before applying to relocate to the South African branch.
An Intra-Company Transfer Visa lasts for four years and is not extendable. Applicants must also apply for a new ICT from their country of origin or permanent residence.
The processing time is within 60 business days, and the costs are R1,520 for the application fee and R1,350 for the service fee.
Corporate Work Visa
Suppose a business, often in the farming, mining, or engineering sector, needs to recruit more international workers due to a domestic skills shortage.
In that case, it must apply to the number of workers required and provide specific job descriptions.
The employer must also prove they could not find employees with the relevant skills in the South African labour market.
If the Corporate Work Visa is approved, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will issue each employee a Corporate Workers Certificate.
The employer will then convert this into a Corporate Workers Visa. This is valid for up to three years in South Africa.
The processing time for Corporate Work Visas is up to 60 days, and the costs are R1,520 for the application fee and R1,350 for the service fees; these are paid by the employer and employee, respectively.
Retired Person Visas
The Retired Person’s Visa is a temporary residence visa for any person who intends to retire in South Africa, regardless of age.
To qualify for this visa, the applicant must show they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in South Africa.
To meet the necessary financial requirements, the applicant must show that they receive a monthly income of at least R37,000 per month through specific means.
Such as a pension fund, an irrevocable retirement annuity, a net worth, or a combination of assets.
Exchange Visas
Young people aged 25 and under can apply for an Exchange Visa in order to participate in economic, cultural, and social exchange programs in South Africa.
Notably, these programs must be affiliated initiatives between a South African state body or higher education institution and an international organization or education institution.
It is important to note that these visas are only valid for the duration of the program and cannot be renewed or extended.
The documents required depend on the exchange program, and the processing time is within 40 working days.
You must contact the embassy to determine the costs, which can vary.
How Do You Apply For A Temporary Resident Visa In South Africa?
To apply for a temporary residence visa in South Africa, you must follow the steps below:
- Select Your Visa Type.
- Schedule an appointment with an embassy/consulate.
- Prepare your documents.
- Submit your application.
- Select Your Visa Type
First, depending on your situation, you must choose the correct visa type and prepare the documents accordingly.
It’s also important to remember that a change of status for a temporary visa is no longer available in South Africa, so you must carefully select the correct visa type and apply for the one you need.
Schedule An Appointment With An Embassy/Consulate
Then, you must set up an appointment with the nearest embassy or consulate representing South Africa in your country.
You need a prior appointment to submit your application for a temporary visa.
Please remember that you may be required to apply via another office representing South Africa if a diplomatic mission needs to be added to your country.
Prepare Your Documents
Depending on which temporary residence visa you apply for, you need to prepare several documents which may differ.
Some documents may require translation and be notarized, for example, your birth or marriage certificate.
So assemble and prepare your documents carefully on time for your appointment.
Submit Your Application
You must submit your documents to start your application process on the day of your appointment.
The embassy or consulate staff may ask you to attend a brief interview to understand your intentions of immigrating to South Africa.
After you submit your application, you must wait patiently while your visa is processed.
If your application is successful, you can enter South Africa and stay as long as your visa is valid.
Then, you must obtain your temporary resident permit from the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.
For this process, you must contact the nearest immigration office and receive instructions.
What Are The Requirements For Temporary Residence Visas?
To apply for a temporary residence permit, you must submit the following documents:
- Application Form: Please submit a completed and signed application form for your temporary residence permit.
- You must provide your passport with a validity period of at least 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit.
- One Recent Passport Photograph: Include a passport photograph you’ve taken in the last six months according to the Department of Home Affairs guidelines.
- Yellow Fever Vaccine Certificate: Please submit proof of vaccination against yellow fever— if required.
- Police Certificate: You must also submit a police certificate obtained from every country where you have lived for more than 12 months.
- Medical And Radiology Reports: You must submit medical and radiology certificates not older than six months, but remember that radiology reports are not mandatory for pregnant women and children under 12.
- Civil Status Documents: You must submit civil status documents such as marriage and divorce certificates (if applicable), a birth certificate, proof of name change (if applicable), etc.
- Proof Of Relationship: If you’re bringing your partner but are not married, you must submit proof of your relationship.
- For A Minor Applicant:
- An unabridged birth certificate.
- Proof of custody for the minor.
- Content from the parents of the minor.
- A marriage certificate.
- Proof of legal adoption.
Please note that to complete your application, you must attach additional supporting documents depending on which type of temporary residency visa you have applied for.
Supporting Documents For A Study Permit Include
If you’ve applied for a temporary residence permit on the basis of study, you need the following documents:
- Official letter from the educational institution, which should state:
- The nature of the course you will be taking,
- Any applicable language proficiency requirements
- Details about accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, maintenance, and incidental costs.
Supporting Documents For A Business Permit
For a South Africa business visa — one that leads to temporary residence— you must provide the following additional documentation:
- Proof that you have the available funds for transfer from abroad.
- Certification by a chartered account that the applicant will have at least R2,5 million (approx. USD 145,321) value invested as part of the business’s book value.
- Written partner agreements should include complete details of their partners/directors and their residential status in South Africa.
- Proof of registration as a closed corporation or company.
- Documentation to prove investments, whether in shareholders or partnership agreements, for an investment in an existing business.
- The business’s nature requires proof of planned registration with the relevant body.
- Audited financial statements to prove the viability of the business (if this is an existing business).
- An undertaking to comply with the registration requirements.
Supporting Documents For A Medical Treatment Permit Include
A South African medical visa is usually issued for less than 90 days.
However, in specific cases where the medical treatment requires a more extended stay, applicants can obtain a temporary residence permit for which they need the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of financial means to cover day-to-day needs in the form of a bank.statements, salary advice, and/or traveller’s cheques.
- Letter from the applicant’s medical practitioner stating the reason/necessity of the treatment, the treatment period, and the details about the treatment plans in South Africa.
- Details of the person responsible for the medical expenses and hospital fees, if any.
Supporting Documents For A General Work Permit Include
The application for a work permit must be accompanied by the following additional documents:
- Copy of the employment contract containing the signatures of both the employer and employee and the employment terms and conditions should also be included.
- Proof that all shortlisted candidates have been interviewed.
- A letter of motivation from the employer, including documentary proof of efforts made to obtain the services of a citizen/resident.
- Certification of the applicant’s skills, qualifications, or experience.
- Proof of registration with the professional body/board.
- Letter of approval from the:
- Relevant professional body/board/council
- The Department of Labour
- The relevant organ of the state
- Certification from a chartered accountant that salary benefits equal those prevailing for South African citizens/residents.
Supporting Documents For A Relative’s Permit Include
For a relative’s visa, submit the additional documents:
- Proof that the foreigner is a member of the immediate family of the sponsoring citizen or resident.
- Certification by a chartered accountant confirming the sponsor’s means of support.
Can You Extend Your Temporary Residence Visa?
Yes, you can. Suppose you wish to extend/renew a temporary residence visa.
In that case, you must demonstrate that you still meet the eligibility requirements of the visa you possess— even if there are new requirements.
For example, if you have a business visa, you must prove that the capital and number of employees specified in the original business plan have been adhered to and the business is making a profit.
Similarly, suppose you wish to extend/renew a temporary retired person visa. In that case, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the period you wish to extend your visa.
No matter what type of visa you wish to renew/extend, you must submit an application to the nearest Home Affairs office or visa application centre at least 60 days before your current permit expires.
How Much Does A Temporary Residence Visa Cost?
Temporary residence visa fees vary depending on which type of visa you applied for:
- General Work Permit ZAR 1520
- Relatives Visa (minor child) Free of charge
- Relatives Visa (adult child) ZAR 426
- Retirement Permit ZAR 425
- Business Permit ZAR1520
- Study Permit ZAR 425
Please note that visa fees are non-refundable even in case of visa denial.
Where Can You Apply For A Temporary Residence Visa?
Applicants must apply for a temporary residence visa in person to South African diplomatic representatives in their home country.
If there is no South African diplomatic representation in the applicant’s country of origin, they must apply for a South African diplomatic representative in a neighbouring country instead.
Duration Of Temporary Residence Visas
- Business Visa: Issued for 12 months to the expiry date of the applicant’s passport.
- Work Visa: Issued for two years (depending on the employment offer).
- Study Visa: Issued for the period of the study course.
- Retired persons Visa: Maximum of 4 years.
- Relative Visa: Usually issued for between 2-4 years.
What Happens When A Temporary Residency Visa Expires?
If you hold a temporary residency visa, you can renew your visa as long as you meet the requirements.
In most cases, applying for a permanent residence visa is also possible.
Usually, however, to obtain a permanent residence visa, you must have lived in the country for a minimum of five years (this may vary depending on the type of the visa).
Can You Apply For A Change Of Status On A Temporary Residence Visa?
If you have entered South Africa with a visitor’s visa, you cannot apply for a status change and obtain a temporary residence permit.
For example, if you enter the country to visit a family member, you cannot apply for a relative visa.
To do so, you must return to your home country and apply for a temporary residence permit (relative visa) following the correct procedure.
However, you may be permitted to change status if you possess a valid temporary residence visa.
For example, you may
apply for a work visa if you’re a student but find employment in the country.
However, you are strongly advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs for more information before applying for a status change.
Conclusion
As you conclude this guide, the path to obtaining a temporary residence permit in South Africa should now seem less daunting and more like an exciting prelude to your adventure. Armed with the right information and preparation, you’re ready to embark on this significant step towards embracing life in South Africa.
Remember, every piece of paperwork is a stepping stone to experiencing the diversity and warmth of the Rainbow Nation firsthand. Welcome to your South African journey.
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