What Is The Investment Visa In South Africa

Are you an ambitious investor seeking opportunities in South Africa? 

While SA doesn’t offer a specific investment visa, fret not! 

There are two alternative visa options that cater to your entrepreneurial aspirations. 

The Business Visa allows you to establish or invest in a business, while the Financially Independent Visa offers the freedom to live and thrive in this dynamic nation. 

In this guide, we’ll explore these exciting pathways, unveiling the requirements, benefits, and steps to unlock your potential in South Africa’s lucrative sectors. 

Let’s embark on this journey together and discover the visa that aligns with your entrepreneurial dreams!

Investors Permit South Africa Options

There are two options available that investors can apply for:

1. Business Visa South Africa
2. Financially Independent Visa South Africa

How Do You Qualify For Investor Visa In South Africa

Business Visa South Africa

The Business Visa for South Africa is your ticket to entrepreneurship! It’s a special type of visa that allows you to establish or invest in a company.

You need to invest R 5 million with in a new startup or within an existing company.

Financially Independent Visa South Africa

The Financially Independent Visa for South Africa is your key to freedom for high net worth individuals! It’s a special visa that allows you to live and thrive in South Africa based on your financial independence.

This visa you need to prove that you have a net worth of R 12 million and upon approval you need to pay the Director-General of Home Affairs R 120,000.00

How Do I Get An Investor Visa For South Africa

Business Visa

1.Determine Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the minimum investment requirements set by the South African government.

Assess your business experience and skills to showcase your ability to contribute to South Africa’s economy.

2.Research and Business Plan:

Conduct thorough market research to identify viable investment opportunities in South Africa.

Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your investment strategy and demonstrates the potential for growth and job creation.

3.Department of Trade and Industry Application:

Submit an application to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to demonstrate that your business aligns with South Africa’s economic interests.

Provide supporting documents, such as your business plan, financial projections, and market analysis.

4.Approval from DTI:

Await approval from the DTI, which confirms that your investment is beneficial for South Africa.

This step may involve consultations and additional documentation, as required by the DTI.

5.South African Embassy or Consulate:

Once you receive approval from the DTI, submit your application for the Business Visa to the South African embassy or consulate.

Include all necessary documents, such as your passport, financial statements, proof of investment, and DTI approval letter.

6.Application Processing and Decision:

The South African authorities will review your application and may conduct an interview or request additional information.

Wait for a decision on your visa application, which may take several weeks to months.

Financially Independent Visa

1.Determine Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the financial criteria to qualify as financially independent in South Africa.

Have proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.

2.Financial Documentation:

Gather the required financial documents, such as bank statements, investment portfolios, and income proof, to demonstrate your financial independence.

3.South African Embassy or Consulate:

Submit your application for the Financially Independent Visa to the South African embassy or consulate.

Include all necessary documents, including a valid passport, financial statements, and proof of accommodation in South Africa.

4.Application Processing and Decision:

The South African authorities will review your application and may request additional documentation or conduct an interview.

Await a decision on your visa application, which may take several weeks to months.

5.Travel and Residency in South Africa:

Once approved, you can travel to South Africa and begin your residency as a financially independent individual.

Ensure you comply with the visa conditions, such as not engaging in unauthorized employment.

Note: It’s advisable to consult with an immigration professional specializing in South African immigration to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

Documents Required For The Investment Permit

Business Permit Requirements

• Completed Online Application Form: Ensure to complete the online form accurately. The Department of Home Affairs does not accept handwritten forms.
  
  
• Valid Passport: Your passport should have an expiry date of no less than 30 days after your intended departure from South Africa.
  
  
• Timely Submission: Submit your application in person no later than 60 days before the expiry date of your current visa. If your visa was issued for less than 30 days, submit your application at least seven working days before its expiry.
  
  
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: If you have traveled from or through a yellow fever endemic area, provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Direct transit through such an area exempts you from this requirement.
  
  
• Police Clearance Certificate: Obtain an original police clearance certificate from each country where you resided for 12 months or longer after turning 18, excluding South Africa. The certificate should not be older than six months at the time of submission. Renewals or extensions of a visa may not require a certificate from a foreign country.
  
  
• Biometric Enrolment Fee: Pay the applicable fee for biometric enrolment.
  
  
• Medical and Radiological Reports: Submit a medical report not older than six months, along with a radiological report if applicable. Radiological reports are not required for children under 12 years of age or pregnant women.
  
  
• Marriage or Spousal Relationship Documentation: Provide a marriage certificate or proof of official recognition of a foreign spousal relationship, issued by the relevant authorities of the foreign country, where applicable.
  
  
• Affidavit for Spousal Relationship: Submit an affidavit if you have a spousal relationship with a South African citizen or resident. Include documentation proving cohabitation, details of shared financial responsibilities, and information about children in the relationship.
  
  
• Divorce Decree and Court Orders: Include a divorce decree if applicable, as well as a court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights, where necessary.
  
  
• Death Certificate and Parental Consent: If applicable, provide a death certificate of a late spouse and written consent from both parents, along with proof of full parental responsibilities.
  
  
• Proof of Adoption and Legal Separation: Include proof of adoption if applicable, along with a legal separation order if relevant.
  
  
• Proof of Fee Payment: Submit proof of payment for the applicable fee.
  
  Additional Supporting Documents for Business Visa:
  
  
• Certificate from a Chartered Accountant: Obtain a certificate from a registered chartered accountant or professional accountant, stating the availability of the required cash investment or cash and capital contribution as determined by the Minister.
  
  
• Undertaking for Staff Compliment: Provide an undertaking that at least 60% of the total staff employed in the business will be South African citizens or permanent residents, and submit proof of compliance within 12 months of visa issuance.
  
  
• Registration with Relevant Authorities: Register with the South African Revenue Service, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases, Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (where required), and relevant professional bodies recognized by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).
  
  
• Department of Trade and Industry Recommendation: Include a letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry, affirming the feasibility of your business and its contribution to the national interest of South Africa.
  
  Additional Supporting Documents for Established Business:
  
  
• Financial Statement: Provide a financial statement for the preceding financial year.
  
  
• Proof of Investment: Submit evidence of your investment in the existing company.

Financially Independent Visa South Africa

Family members have the option to apply together with the main applicant.

• Note: All documents issued by the issuing authority of the countries of origin must be original or certified copies. If applicable, they should be translated into English by a sworn translator, with the translation certified as accurate.
  
  
• While waiting for the permanent residence permit outcome, applicants must renew their temporary resident visa.
  
  
• The Department of Home Affairs does not accept handwritten forms. Please complete the DHA-947 form online.
  
  
• The application fee of R1520 must be paid.
  
  
• Each applicant must present a valid original passport. Additionally, applicants one year of age and older must provide a recent passport-type photograph with their names written on the reverse side. Machine-type or instant photographs are not acceptable.
  
  
• If accompanying or joining the applicant in the Republic, a marriage certificate or proof of relationship is required for the spouse. Note that Islamic marriages entered into within the Republic are not considered valid.
  
  
• In case of a previous marriage, a divorce decree or the death certificate of the deceased spouse must be provided to prove the dissolution of the marriage.
  
  
• Proof of financial support between the applicants is required.
  
  
• In the case of dependent children accompanying 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 is necessary.
  
  
• Unabridged birth certificates or extracts from birth records must be provided for all applicants.
  
  
• If the applicant has changed their name, surname, or sex, a deed poll is required.
  
  
• Original police clearance certificates, issued by the police or security authority in each country where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer after turning 18 (excluding South Africa), must be provided. These certificates should confirm the absence of criminal records or provide information about the applicant’s character. The certificates must not be older than six months at the time of submission. (Note: Renewal or extension of a visa from a foreign country does not require this certificate.)
  
  
• Biometric enrolment fee is applicable, and it must be paid.
  
  
• A radiological report, not older than six months, is required. However, this report is not necessary for children under 12 years of age or pregnant women.
  
  
• All applicants must provide a medical report not older than six months.
  
  
• If the person has traveled or intends to travel from or transit through a yellow fever endemic area, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. However, if the travel was in direct transit through such an area or if the application is made within the Republic, the certificate is not necessary.
  
  
• Proof of a prescribed minimum net worth (R12 Million) determined by the Minister, as published in the Gazette, must be provided.
  
  
• Upon approval of the application, a written undertaking to make payment in the specified amount (R120,000) to the Director-General is required. The amount is determined by the Minister and published in the Gazette.
  
  For the following sections, the same requirements apply with slight modifications in the titles:
  
  
• SECTION 27(F) – SPOUSE ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENT APPLICANT
  
  
• SECTION 27(F) – DEPENDENT ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENT APPLICANT

What Are The Costs For The Visas

1. Business visa – R 1520.00 for the Department of Home Affairs or South African Embassy.
2. Financially Independent Visa – R 1520.00 for the Department of Home Affairs or South African Embassy.

Permanent Residence By Investment in South Africa

Permanent Residencen Through Business Visa

If you’re looking to obtain PR in South Africa through the investment route, there’s a great opportunity for you. When you can provide proof that you have invested a minimum of 5 million in your startup within South Africa and employ at least 60% South African citizens or PR holders within your company, then you would qualify.

Permanent Residence Through Financially Independent Visa

The exciting part is that once your Financially Independent visa application is approved, you’ll be granted PR status immediately. This means you can enjoy all the benefits and privileges of being a PR holder in SA right away.

By investing in the country and creating job opportunities for South African citizens or PR holders, you not only secure your own PR but also contribute to the growth and development of the local economy. It’s a win-win situation for both you and the country.

So, if you meet the investor and employment criteria, you can embark on the path towards permanent residency in SA through the Permanent Residence By Investment program. It’s an excellent opportunity for individuals who wish to make a significant contribution to the country while securing their own long-term status.

South African Citizenship By Investment

So, you’re interested in South African citizenship. It’s an exciting option, but there are a few requirements you need to know about.

To be eligible for South African citizenship through investment, you must first obtain a Permanent Residence Permit.

This means you need to hold the permit for a period of five (5) years from the date of obtaining Permanent Residence in South Africa.

During these five years, you’ll be establishing your roots in the country, building your life, and contributing to the community.

Once you’ve completed the required five-year period as a Permanent Resident, you become eligible to apply for naturalization, which is the process of obtaining South African citizenship.

It’s an exciting milestone on your journey towards becoming a full-fledged South African citizen.

Meeting the requirements and going through the naturalization process allows you to fully enjoy the rights and privileges that come with South African citizenship.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the democratic processes, access social benefits, and truly call South Africa your own.

Keep in mind that the process may take some time, as with any citizenship application.

It’s a journey that requires patience and dedication, but the rewards are worth it. So, if you’re ready to commit to South Africa and contribute to its growth and development, South African citizenship by investment could be a meaningful path for you.

Remember to consult with the relevant authorities or seek professional advice to ensure you meet all the requirements and understand the process thoroughly. Good luck on your journey towards South African citizenship!