South Africa immigration and work visas

The South African Business visa allows entrepreneurs and investors to enter South Africa in order to establish a new business or invest in an existing one. Applicants for this visa must have a minimum of R5 million (approximately £240,000 GBP) available for their application to be considered, with the exception of certain industries (see below). Length of stay Required investment A minimum of R5 million (approximately £240,000 GBP) of available investment funds or assets is...Read more

The South African Critical Skills visa was created by the South African Department of Home Affairs in June 2014 to help the country bring in the skills and expertise needed to meet the goals set in their national economic infrastructure projects. In order to be eligible for a Critical Skills visa potential immigrants must have experience in an occupation on the South African Critical Skills list. Length of stay The Critical Skills work visa can...Read more

The South African general work visa allows immigrants to enter South Africa for up to 5 years in order to fill job roles for which native workers are not available. Length of stay The South African General Work visa can be issued for up to 5 years. Family Spouses and dependent family members, such as children, can be included on this visa. Eligibility requirements Applicants for the South African Intra-Company Transfer visa must meet several...Read more

The South African Intra-Company Transfer visa allows multinational businesses to transfer employees from an overseas branch to their South African branch for up to 4 years. Length of stay The South African Intra-Company Transfer visa can be issued for any period of time up to 4 years, but cannot be extended or renewed. Family Spouses and dependent family members, such as children, can be included on this visa. Eligibility requirements Applicants for the South African...Read more

The South African Retired Persons' visa allows people to immigrate to South Africa for their retirement, provided that they meet the financial and other eligibility requirements below. There is no set age range for this visa, meaning retired people of any age can apply. Holders of a South African retirement visa may also work in South Africa if they wish. Length of stay The South African Retired Persons' visa is issued on a temporary 4...Read more

Passport holders from certain countries may enter and travel through South Africa for a limited period of time depending on their country of origin without the need for a Visitors' visa. These visa exemption countries are split into two groups. Holders of passports from countries in Group A may visit and travel through South Africa for up to 90 days at a time. While holders of passports from countries in Group B may do so...Read more