Residence in South Africa: permits and requirements
Living legally in South Africa is possible through 8 permit types: work, entrepreneurship, retiree, family, study, permanent. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
General work visa
Residence type #1 of 8
Temporary residence permit for employed foreigners
Requirements
- An employment contract with a South African employer
- Demonstrating that there is no South African available
- A SAQA evaluation for foreign degrees
- The employer's letter with a repatriation commitment
Documentation
- A valid passport (valid 30 days beyond departure)
- BI-1738 form completed
- Employment contract
- Medical certificate (less than 6 months old)
- Criminal record certificate (less than 6 months old)
- SAQA-evaluated degrees
- Marriage certificate (where applicable)
- Proof of fee payment
Frequently asked questions about residence in South Africa
How many types of residence permits are there in South Africa?
South Africa offers 8 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, entrepreneurship, retiree, family, study, permanent. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in South Africa last?
Durations vary by permit type: Up to 5 years; Up to 3 years (Reg. 14, Immigration Regulations 2014); Up to 4 years; Up to 2 years renewable (Sec. 18, Immigration Act 13/2002). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in South Africa be renewed?
It depends on the type: 6 of 8 permits are renewable. Each fact sheet on this page indicates whether the permit in question allows renewal.
What documentation is usually required to reside in South Africa?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Certificado médico; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Valid passport; Formulario de solicitud. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in South Africa lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalisation by residence pathway, which requires 5 continuous years of ordinary residence + permanent residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of South Africa.
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Anything to correct or add about South Africa?
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