Visas for South Africa

Getting a permanent residency visa for South Africa is a natural step for many expats that already have a temporary residence visa, as well as those who wish to have more access to national infrastructure.

The application process varies according to what activity an expat wishes to carry out on arrival. Therefore, the first thing to consider when seeking a permanent residency visa in South Africa, is under which category an application is going to made.

Applicable categories for permanent residency fall mainly under the following headings:

• Work – applicants must first of all hold a valid temporary work permit for five years unless applying under the exceptional skills work permit options
• Retired – applications can be made for permanent residency on a stand alone basis
• Business – applications can be made for permanent residency on a stand alone basis
• Relatives – applications can be made for permanent residency on a stand alone basis providing the relationship is first kin or applicants have been married or in a life partner relationship for a provable five year period

Though some applications for permanent residency visas can in theory be made as stand alone applications, the vast majority of immigrants have to adopt a two-step approach by first getting temporary residency. The reason for this is often a practical one of time scales, as permanent residency applications can take anywhere between 12 and 36 months.

Benefits of permanent residency

One of the most obvious benefits of applying for a permanent residency visa is the fact that the permit is valid for a lifetime; the holder must merely enter and stay in South Africa once every three years to maintain. All other permits require renewal or re-application after a limited amount of time.

Additionally, permanent residency holders are able to:

• Access credit and banking as per a South African citizen
• Obtain a South African driving licence
• Sponsor in qualifying relatives
• Work, set up a business or study (within any permit restrictions)

Permanent residency application

Applications for permanent residency can be made both abroad and in South Africa. In terms of where is most appropriate to make the application and which is the better option, there is no hard and fast rule. Levels of efficiency and the speed of the application process depend upon the specific embassy or consulate abroad and the service level they are able to offer.

Criteria

The following basic documentation is required of applicants of all categories:

• A completed application form
• Payment of the full fee
• A full set of fingerprints
• A marriage certificate / Proof of spousal relationship, if applicable
• A divorce decree / proof of legal separation, if applicable
• Proof of custody of a minor, if applicable
• A death certificate for a late spouse, if applicable
• The consent of parents in the case of minors
• Proof of judicial adoption of a minor, if applicable
• Police clearance certificates for all countries in which you resided for a period of one year or longer since your 18th birthday
• A valid temporary residency permit (if already in South Africa)

Additional requirements will be needed according to the category the application is made under.

Using a registered immigration practitioner

Applicants can apply directly to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa, but may find certain offices are not organised for easy public access. The process is also more often than not quite confusing, time consuming and frustrating. South African Home Affairs is notorious for poor customer service, disorganisation and shifting standards.

South Africa's immigration regulations are not points-based, but assessed on a case by case basis. This policy creates a large grey area that is often best navigated with the help of an external service. The experience and knowledge an immigration practitioner provides can be invaluable to preparing the correct application and monitoring its process.