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 required. This can take the form of cash and/or capital: such as equipment, materials, or products.
Applicants will require a certificate from an accountant registered with the South African institute of Chartered Accountants to confirm that they have the required investment funds and/or capital.
Required investment exceptions
Applicants who plan to invest in or establish a business in the following industries are not required to meet the minimum investment requirement:
Clothing manufacturing
Textile manufacturing
Information and communication technology; such as software production, web design, and networking
Chemicals/bio-technology
Agroprocessing industries which deal with metals and minerals refining
Automotive manufacturing
Tourism
Eligibility requirements
In addition to the investment requirement outlines above, applicants for the South African Business visa must meet several eligibility criteria for the visa to be granted. Applicants must provide:
A completed copy of the South African Temporary Residency Permit Form BI-1738
A valid passport
A signed agreement stating that a minimum of 60% of all employees of the business to be established or invested in will be, or currently are, South African citizens or permanent resident; and will be, or currently are. employed on a full time basis
A signed agreement stating that the applicant will register with the following organisations:
The South African Revenue Service
The Unemployment Insurance Fund
The Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries
The Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (only required for certain industries)
Any appropriate professional organisations, if required for their industry
A vaccination certificate if the applicant is planning to travel from or through a Yellow Fever risk area
Police/criminal record certificates from all countries which the applicant has spent more than 12 months in since the age of 18
Further Information, help, and advice
Workpermit.com has over twenty years of experience helping people immigrate to countries all over the World. Whether you wish to visit, work, or study in South Africa our specialist team of immigration experts can help you with one to one advice, information, and representation when applying for your South Africa visa or work permit.
For more information and advice on South African immigration law and South African visa applications please contact us on 0344 991 9222 or at london@workpermit.com
