Temporary Residence

Inicio Consular Temporary Residence

A Temporary residence visa is issued to a foreigner intending to sojourn in the Republic for a period of over 3 months but not exceeding 3 years and is issued on condition that the holder is not or does not become a prohibited or undesirable person.

All temporary residence permits are valid for multiple entries, except an asylum permit, or a visitor visa specifically endorsed as “single entry only”.Please note that no first time temporary residence visa application can be made in South Africa. It means that no foreigner will be able to enter South Africa on a visitor’s visa and then apply for a temporary immigration residence. Applications will have to be made abroad in the country of origin or legal residence.

An application for any temporary residence is subject to comply with the following general requirements:

The following general documentation must be submitted with all temporary residence visa applications on form DHA-1738, except in the event of an application for a medical treatment visa:

  • Passport valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa and with at least two blank visa pages for endorsement.
  • Fees payable to the appropriate South African representative office
  • 2 recent passport size colour photographs with white background and the applicant facing the camera
  • A duly completed application form DHA- 1738
  • Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of visit
  • Medical Report BI-811 and Radiological Report BI-806 in respect of each applicant over the age of 12 years excluding pregnant women
  • Police Clearance Certificate issued within less than six months from all countries where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since 18 years, apostilled and translated to English by a sworn public translator. Please take into account that this requirement may not be waived and the application will not be accepted if this requirement is not submitted.
  • An international Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate
  • Proof of financial means in the forms of:
    • Bank Statements
    • Salary advices
  • Undertaking (commitment) by the South African host in the Republic with certified copy of SA ID, accepting responsibility for the costs related to the maintenance and removal of the applicant, should this be necessary;
  • Proof of medical coverage valid in RSA;
  • In case of minors than 18 years old:
    • Birth Certificate apostilled and translated to English by a sworn Public Translator,
    • Consent from parents;
    • Proof of custody or adoption of a minor, where applicable 

Proof of marital status for married, divorced or widowed applicants – apostilled and translated to English by a sworn public translator;

Applicants traveling by air must be in possession of round trip tickets, or proof of sufficient funds or lodge a repatriation deposit of equivalent value to such a ticket;

  • Visitor’s Visa

    Specific cases in which a VISITOR'S VISA must be applied for in order to enter South Africa for study purposes:

    • 1. Foreigners who are nominated by their overseas employers to undergo/present in-house practical training in their occupational field in the RSA;
    • 2. Gap Students: young foreign students who have finished secondary school and have 12 or less months before commencing university or college studies in their own countries, to spend some time at a South African school to participate in and assist with sport and cultural events or activities;
    • 3. Postdoctoral Research Fellows. Should they be in possession of an employment offer and consequently be taking up employment in the RSA, a work permit must be applied for;
    • 4. Visiting professors invited by academic institutions in the RSA to present guest lectures;
    • 5. Volunteer coaches and trainers attending community sports development projects;
    • 6. Volunteers participating in "Work Camps" in South Africa;
    • 7. An academic Sabbatical
    • 8. Voluntary or charitable activities
    • 9. Research
    • 10. Spouse of a work permit holder.

    A visitor’s visa may be issued upon application for a period which may exceed three months but no more than three years provided that the applicant controls sufficient financial resources and is engaged in the Republic.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • A duly completed application form DHA-84 in black ink;
    • Passport valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa and with at least two blank visa pages for endorsement;
    • Fees payable to the appropriate South African representative office;
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background;
    • International Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate;
    • Proof of reservations, not paid tickets;
    • If return ticket is not available, proof of sufficient funds or lodge a repatriation deposit of equivalent value to such return ticket;
    • Statement and/or documentation/ invitation letter from SA host confirming the purpose and duration of visit;
    • Medical Report BI-811 and Radiological Report (BI-806- only in respect of each applicant over the age of 12 years excluding pregnant women);
    • Police Clearance Certificate issued within less than six months from all countries where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since 18 years, legalised with apostille and translated to English by a sworn public translator;
    • Proof of financial means (of the last three months) to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until the applicant receives a salary. This should be in the form of:
      • bank statements
      • cash available, or
      • salary advices
    • Undertaking (commitment) by the South African host to cover costs related to deportation, where applicable + certified copy of host’s ID/Passport;
    • Proof of International medical coverage valid in South Africa;
    • Birth Certificate/ proof of the adoption in case of an adopted minor, proof of guardianship or custody in the case of a minor subject to guardianship/ consent of the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor (in case of minors than 18 years old) legalised with apostille and translatd to English by a sworn public translator;

      • Proof of marital status for married, divorced or widowed applicants – legalised with apostille and translated to English by a sworn public translator;

  • Study Visa

    The Study visas will only be issued where the learning institution is approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training or other Government Department. There are a number of undertakings from the Registrar or Principle of the learning institution the student will be attending that they will disclose and update the Director General of Home Affairs with various notifications during the applicant’s study period.

    Please note that study visa applications will have to be submitted in the country of origin or legal residence prior to entering South Africa, as it will not be possible to start studying until the applicant is in possession of the Study Visa.

    Study permits are valid for the duration of the course for which they are issued, alternatively 36 months for school and 24 months for other institutions.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • Duly completed DHA- 1738 form in black ink;
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background;
    • Passport, with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 calendar days after expiry of the intended visit (original and copy);
    • International Yellow Fever certificate;
    • Payment of the prescribed fee in exact amount
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • Proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998 (Act No 131 of 1998);
    • Proof of sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa in the form of bank statements or salary advices of the last three months; or undertaking from parents that they will accept responsibility for the cost related to the maintenance, payment of school fees and removal of the applicant, supported by bank statements, salary devices and certified passport copies.
    • Medical and radiological reports BI-811 & BI-806. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women;
    • Police Clearance Certificate issued within less than six months from all countries where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since 18 years, legalised with apostille and translated to English by a sworn public translator (*);
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate, divorce decree, as the case may be; legalised with apostille and translated to English by a sworn public translator (*);
    • An official letter from the relevant institution confirming provisional acceptance at that institution and the duration of the course.
    • An undertaking by the registrar or Principal of the learning institution to provide proof of registration of the learning institution as contemplated in the relevant legislation;
    • An undertaking confirming that the applicant is not displacing any South African citizen/resident at a local educational institution;
    • An undertaking by the registrar or Principal of the learning institution to submit to the Director-General within 30 days a report on students who are no longer registered with such institution and a notification when the student has completed his or her studies or wishes to extend such studies.
    • In the case of a minor (i.e. a person under 18):
      • Unabridged birth certificate (*)
      • The particulars of the person, including a juristic person, residing in the Republic, who is, or has accepted to act as such learner’s guardian, including a confirmatory letter from that guardian; and
      • Written consent for the intended stay from both parents or from the custodian parent, along with proof of sole custody in the latter case (Contact the Embassy for more information)
    • In the case of a foreign state accepting responsibility for the applicant in terms of a bilateral agreement, a written undertaking from such foreign state to pay for the departure of the applicant.

    (*) All non SA- documents have to be legalised with the Apostille and translated to English by a sworn translator. Such translations will have to be legalised at the Colegio de Traductores.

    RENEWALS:

    As a holder of a study permit you may also apply for permission to work for the purposes of getting work experience, as part of your studies to obtain a diploma or degree by submitting:

    • an offer to do practical training
    • consent from the educational institution
    • proof that you are still a registered student

    The Department’s consent to get practical training as part of your studies is issued free of charge provided that you are a registered student and that your study permit remains valid for the entire duration of the training period.

    Alternatively, as a foreigner studying at a higher educational institution with a valid study permit, you may work part-time for no more than 20 hours per week. However, you may not work during academic vacations.

    The overriding consideration in processing applications for study permits are that:

    • No foreigner may displace a South African citizen/resident at a local educational institution
    • The student must have proof of sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa
    • The student must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme and proof thereof

  • Cultural Exchange Visa

    Exchange visas may be issued to foreigners who are not older than 25 years of age and wish to participate in cultural, economic or social exchange programmes administered by an organ of the State or a public higher educational institution in conjunction with an organ of a foreign state.

    Please note that study visa applications will have to be submitted in the country of origin or legal residence prior to entering South Africa.

    The validity period of an exchange permit depends on the length of the programme for which it is issued and usually does not exceed 12 months. Exchange visas cannot be renewed or extended.

    Should you successfully apply for an exchange visa, you will not qualify for a temporary residence permit until you have lived outside the Republic of South Africa for at least 12 months.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • A duly completed application form DHA- 1738 completed with black ink and signed by applicant;
    • A passport with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit (original and copy);
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background;
    • Payment of the prescribed fee in exact amount;
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • International Yellow Fever Certificate;
    • Proof of financial means (of the last three months) to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until the applicant receives a salary. This should be in the form of:
      • bank statements
      • cash available, or
      • salary advices
    • Proof of medical cover for the duration of the exchange period with a Medical Scheme registered in terms of the Medial Schemes Act, 1988.
    • Medical BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports issued with less than 6 months. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women.
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate or divorce decree, where applicable, legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particular of children in the spousal relationship.
    • Proof of a union recognised in terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998), where applicable.
    • A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • For minors: Unabridged birth certificate legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator) and authorization for leaving the country;
    • Return ticket or an undertaking by the Learning Institution accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant, should it become necessary;
    • A letter from the Institution confirming that is responsible for organising or administering the existence of the programme, outlining the activities, terms and conditions and duration thereof and accepting full responsibility for the student whilst he/she is in the Republic;
    • A letter from the Institution confirming particulars of the applicant and the date on which the programme shall commence;
    • A letter from the foreign Institution confirming the enrolment of the applicant of the foreign state institution conducting the programme, as the case may be.

  • General Work Visa

    General work permits are valid for the duration of the contract of employment. This type of visa the general work visa requires that the employer shows proof that has made every attempt to try to fill their vacant position with either a South African Citizen or permanent resident before recruiting a foreign employer but was unsuccessful.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • A duly completed application form DHA- 1738 completed with black ink and signed by applicant;
    • A passport with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit (original and copy);
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background
    • Payment of the prescribed fee in exact amount;
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • International Yellow Fever Certificate;
    • Proof of financial means (of the last three months) to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until the applicant receives a salary. This should be in the form of:
      • bank statements
      • cash available, or
      • salary advices
    • Medical BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports issued with less than 6 months. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women.
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate or divorce decree, where applicable, legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
    • Proof of a union recognised in terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998), where applicable.
    • A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • Return ticket or an undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his/her dependant family members, should it become necessary;
    • A contract of employment signed by the employee and the employer stipulating the conditions of employment;
    • Original proof of qualifications and evaluation thereof by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);
    • If the qualifications are in a foreign language, such documents must be translated into English by a Sworn translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • A letter of registration, if required by a law, from the relevant professional body/board/ council or undertake to register with the relevant professional body, board or council in the Republic of South Africa, where applicable;
    • Full particulars of the employer including proof of registration with the Registrar of Companies;
    • A certificate by the Department of Labour confirming that:
      • Despite a diligent search, the prospective employer has been unable to find a suitable citizen or permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicant,
      • The applicant has qualifications or proven skills and experience in line with the job offer,
      • The salary and benefits of the applicant are not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens or permanent residents occupying similar positions in the Republic.
      • The contract of employment stipulating the conditions of employment and signed by both the employer and the applicant is in line with the labour standards in the Republic and is made conditional upon the general work visa being approved
    • extract from the database of a benchmarking organisation stipulating the salary earned by employees occupying similar positions in the Republic of South Africa;
    • All required documentation for a spouse and/or children if they intend to accompany applicant.

    A general work visa shall lapse if within 6 months of issuance and if every year thereafter the holder fails to submit satisfactory proof to the Director-General that he/she is still employed along with proof of the terms and conditions of the job, and the job description.

  • Intracompany Transfer Visa

    Occasionally, multi-national companies may decide to transfer an existing employee from a foreign branch to a branch in South Africa. These employees must apply for intra-company transfer work visas. In such cases, no proof of steps taken to obtain the services of a South African citizen/permanent residence will be required.

    Intra-company transfer work permits are valid for 4 years only and cannot be renewed or extended. Applications must be lodged at the South African Embassy of the country of origin.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • A duly completed application form DHA- 1738 completed with black ink and signed by applicant;

      • A passport with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit (original and copy);

      Payment of the prescribed fee in exact amount;

      2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background;

      Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;

      International Yellow Fever Certificate;

      Proof of financial means (of the last three months) to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until the applicant receives a salary. This should be in the form of:

      • bank statements
      • cash available, or
      • salary advices
    • Medical BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports issued with less than 6 months. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women;
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate or divorce decree, where applicable, legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
    • Proof of a union recognised in terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998), where applicable.
    • A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • Return ticket or an undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his/her dependant family members, should it become necessary;
    • The foreigner’s contract of employment with the company abroad signed by employee and employer, valid for a period of not less than 6 (six) months;
    • Letter from the company abroad confirming that the applicant shall be transferred to a branch, subsidiary or an affiliate of that company in the Republic;
    • Letter from the branch, subsidiary or an affiliate in the Republic confirming the transfer of the foreigner and specifying the occupation and the capacity in which the foreigner shall be employed and that the maximum duration will not exceed four (4) years.
    • A written undertaking by the employer to estipulate the following;
      • That the passport of his/her employee is valid at all times for the duration of the employment,
      • The foreigner shall only be employed in the specific position for which the visa has been issued,
      • The foreigner will, at all times, comply with the provisions of the Act and with the conditions of his/her visa and undertakes to immediately notify the Director-General if the employee refuses to comply with the provisions of the Act or conditions of his/her visa,
      • A plan is developed for the transfer of skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
      • An intra-company transfer work visa shall be issued for a period not exceeding four years and is not renewable

      • All required documentation for a spouse and/or children if they intend to accompany applicant during his employment stay in the Republic.

  • Critical Skills Visa

    This is a visa issued to applicants who are in possession of exceptional skills or qualifications that are scarce in South Africa, as determined by the Minister of Home Affairs in the Critical Skills list in the Government Gazette.

    • A duly completed application form DHA- 1738 completed with black ink and signed by applicant;
    • A passport with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit (original and copy);
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background;
    • Payment of the prescribed fee in exact amount;
    • International Yellow Fever Certificate;
    • Proof of financial means (of the last three months) to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until the applicant receives a salary. This should be in the form of:
      • bank statements
      • cash available, or
      • salary advices
    • Medical BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports issued with less than 6 months. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women;
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate, divorce decree or death certificate where applicable, legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship;
    • Proof of a union recognised in terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998), where applicable;
    • A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • Lodge a cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return or an undertaking from the employer;
    • A contract of employment signed by the employee and the employer;
    • Original proof of foreign qualifications and evaluation thereof by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic;
    • Proof to substantiate exceptional skills or qualifications, such as Publications and Testimonials, if applicable;
    • Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae;
    • A letter of motivation indicating that the exceptional skills posessed by the applicant will be to the benefit of the South African environment in which he/she intends to operate. 
    • A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary;
    • A written undertaking by the employer to ensure that the passport of his or her employee is valid at all times for the duration of his or her employment;
    • Proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category;
    • Foreign qualifications legalised and translated to English by Public Translator;
    • A written confirmation from the accredited professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(2)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No 67 of 2008), or any relevant government Department confirming the skills or qualifications of the applicant and appropriate post qualification experience;
    • If required by law, proof of application for a certificate of registration with the relevant accredited professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(2)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No 67 of 2008)

    A spouse and dependent children of a holder of a critical skills work visa shall be issued with an appropriate visa valid for a period not exceeding the period of validity of the applicant's critical skills work visa.

  • Business Visa

    Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country must apply for a business visa, if it is his or her intention to be employed in the business.

    The following documents must form part of a business visa application:

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • A duly completed application form DHA- 1738 completed with black ink and signed by applicant;
    • A passport with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit (original and copy);
    • Payment of the prescribed fee in exact amount;
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • International Yellow Fever Certificate;
    • Proof of financial means (of the last three months) to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until the applicant receives a salary. This should be in the form of:
      • bank statements
      • cash available, or
      • salary advices
    • Medical BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports issued with less than 6 months. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women.
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate or divorce decree, where applicable, legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
    • Proof of a union recognised in terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998), where applicable.
    • A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • Return ticket or an undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his/her dependant family members, should it become necessary;
    • A certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant or a Professional Accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that you have at least R5 000 000 available in cash, or at least R5 000 000 in cash and capital to be invested in the Republic.
    • A recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the feasibility of the business and the contribution of the business to the national interest of the Republic.
    • An undertaking that at least 60% of the total staff compliment to be employed in the operations of the business shall be South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions.
    • An undertaking to register with the-

    The holder of a business visa is entitled to study part-time, without the need to apply for permission from the Department of Home Affairs in the form of an application for change of conditions to an existing business visa.

  • Life Partner Visa

    Life partner visas are issued to foreigners who are immigrating to South Africa with a South African boyfriend or girlfriend (life partner) with whom they are in a permanent relationship.

    Requirements:

    • Application forms DHA- 1738, DHA-84 and Form 12-DHA 1712A affidavit duly completed in black ink;
    • Valid passport for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit and with at least two blank pages (original and copy);
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background
    • Proof that the relationship is permanent in the form of:
      • Shared responsibilities,
      • Testimonies from relatives, friends confirming that the relationship exists and is permanent+ certified copies of their ID or passports,
      • Full passports (and previous passports if necessary) that shows entry/departure stamps to RSA and vice versa,
    • Valid visa (as the case may be);
    • International Yellow fever vaccination certificate;
    • Proof of Partner of the sponsoring citizen or resident;
    • Applicant need to be in a relationship for at least 2 years with the SA Partner and will have to submit a Notarial contract confirming shared responsibilities (affidavit signed by life parties) request the form at the Embassy ;
    • International medical coverage valid in South Africa;
    • Submit certification by a chartered accountant or proof of corroborated documentation confirming the Partners means of support or the Partners and your joint means of support. The Partner should not be less than R5 000 per month per person for the duration of the visit;
    • Proof of marital status for married, divorced or widowed applicants – apostilled and translated to English by a sworn public translator; (*)
    • Police Clearance Certificate issued within less than six months from all countries where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since 18 years, legalised with apostille and translated to English by a sworn public translator (*);
    • Full birth certificate (in case of minors than 18 years old) apostilled and translated to English by a sworn public translator;
    • Medical reports BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women;
    • Proof of residence of South African partner (in a form of electricity, water bill);
    • Regarding employment: Once a suitable position has been found and offered via contract of employment, the applicant may apply for an endorsement to the life partner visa enabling the life partner to work;

    (*) All non SA- documents have to be legalised with the Apostille and translated to English by a sworn translator.

  • Reative’s Visa

    As an immediate family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident you may be issued a relative's permit once the financial means as contemplated in the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) have been complied with. Relative’s permits are valid for a minimum period of 24 months and may be extended.

    Applications must be made at the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad. For a spouse and/or a dependent child of a South African citizen or permanent resident the permit is issued free of charge, whilst there is a fee for other relatives wishing to join their family members in South Africa.

    To apply for a relative’s visa you must submit:

    • A duly completed DHA- 1738 application form (in black ink);
    • A passport with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit (original and copy);
    • International Yellow Fever vaccination certificate;
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background
    • Payment of the prescribed fee (not applicable for the spouse or dependent children of a South African citizen/permanent resident);
    • A cash deposit equivalent value to a return or onward ticket (not required for the spouse or dependent children of South African citizen/permanent resident). Or an undertaking by the SA hostess (family member) accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant, should it become necessary;
    • A statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit and proof that you are an immediate family member of a South African citizen/permanent resident (a full birth certificate for children, a marriage certificate in the case of a spouse and proof of kinship for others);
    • A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residence of the relative in South Africa in the form of a certified copy of identity document or passport;
    • Proof of kinship, within the second step, between the applicant and the citizen or permanent resident in the form of unabridged birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc, legalised with apostille and translated to English by Public Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator)
    • Proof availability of a minimum amount of R8 500 per month per person to cover living expenses in the Republic (this does not apply for dependent minor child of a South African citizen/permanent resident). This should be in the form of:
      • bank statements (of the last three months)
      • salary advices (of the last three months)
      • travellers’ cheques
    • Medical BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports issued with less than 6 months. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women.
    • Proof of address (service bill issued under the south African relative)
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate, death certificate for the partner or divorce decree, where applicable, legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);

  • Retired’s Visa

    A persons who wish to retire in South Africa permanently or for limited or seasonal periods during the validity of the visa may apply for a retired person visa, provided that he or she receives at least R37 000 per month from a pension fund or an irrevocable retirement annuity or has a net worth or a combination of assets realising a minimum monthly income of R37 000.

    Requirements

    • A duly completed DHA- 1738 application form (in black ink);
    • A passport with at least two blank pages and valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit (original and copy);
    • International Yellow Fever vaccination certificate;
    • Proof of reservations, not actual tickets;
    • 2 recent 4x4cm passport colour photographs with white background
    • Payment of the prescribed fee;
    • Proof of financial means in the form of a pension with a minimum value of R20,000 per month or an irrevocable retirement annuity or retirement account to the equivalent amount or a net worth providing an income of at least R37,000 per month. This should be in the form of:
      • bank statements (of the last three months)
      • salary advices (of the last three months)
      • travellers’ cheques
    • A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • Medical BI-811 and radiological BI-806 reports issued with less than 6 months. Radiological reports will not be required from children under the age of 12 and pregnant women.
    • Proof of address (service bill issued under the south African relative, as the case may be)
    • Proof of marital status: marriage certificate, death certificate for the partner or divorce decree, where applicable, legalised with the apostille and translated to English by a Sworn Translator (and provide proof of registration of the translator);
    • In respect of dependent children accompanying the applicant or joining the applicant in the Republic, proof of parental responsibilities and rights or written consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent or legal guardian,
    • In respect of a spouse accompanying the applicant or joining the applicant in the Republic, a copy of a marriage certificate or proof of a relationship as contemplated in regulation 3;

Where to apply for a temporary residence visa

Any foreigner who wants to enter South Africa must apply for the appropriate temporary residence visa at:

  • the South African diplomatic representative in his/her country of origin, or 
  • at a South African diplomatic representative in a neighbouring country if there is no South African diplomatic representation in the applicant's country of origin

Arrangements to travel to South Africa must only be made once the temporary residence visa has been issued. 

Extending the validity of a temporary residence permit or applying for change of status or conditions

An application for the extension of the validity of a temporary residence visa must be done at least 60 days prior to the expiry of the visa by submitting an application online at www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica. There is a fee payable when applying for an extension of the validity of a temporary residence visa.

Applying for a change of status or change of conditions relating to an existing temporary residence visa

An application for a change of status or change of conditions relating to an existing temporary residence visa must be submitted online at www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica within the validity period of the visa.

It is important to take note that the Immigration Act prohibits an application for change of status or change of conditions relating to an existing temporary residence visa, where the foreigner is the holder of a visitor’s visa or medical treatment visa. Such foreigners are required to return to their countries of origin or of permanent residence in order to submit an application for an appropriate temporary residence visa. Exceptions are only allowed where the foreigner is in need of lifesaving medical treatment, or where the foreigner is required to remain in the Republic in order to testify as a state witness in a criminal court case, or where the applicant is the spouse or dependent child of a work visa or business visa holder who wish to apply for a work visa or study visa.

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