South Africa Guide: Visas & Permits

Which documents do you need when going to South Africa? What are the regulations on visas and residence permits? Our legal guide will help you understand the paperwork you need to complete before moving to South Africa.

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  Visas

  What papers are needed to enter South Africa?

  Not every foreign national needs a visa to travel to South Africa; outlined below is those who are exempt, and what those who are not exempt need to bring with them.

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  Visa Applications

  How to apply for a visa

  Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry and airline officials are obliged to insist on seeing visas before allowing passengers to board the aircraft.

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  Visitor's Visas

  How to obtain a visitor's visa

  South African short stay visitors' visas are for individuals whose permanent residence is outside South Africa wishing to enter the country for 90 days or less.

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  Residence

  Who can become a resident in South Africa?

  South Africa’s immigration requirements are subject to change and each application is treated individually, so the following information should be treated only as a guide.

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  Permanent Residence

  How to stay permanently in South Africa

  In terms of granting Permanent Residency for South Africa, an emphasis is placed on immigrants who are in a position to make a meaningful contribution to broadening the economic base of South Africa.

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  Work Visas

  Who needs them?

  There are three independent categories of South African work visa, namely, the General Work Visa, the Intra-Company Transfer Visa, and the Critical Skills Visa.

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  Student and Exchange Permits

  What is a study visa?

  A South African study visa allows a foreign national to enroll with a registered primary, secondary or tertiary institution of education within the country, it also permits the holder 20 hours of part-time employment per week.

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  Retired Persons and Medical Permits

  Who can apply?

  Retired Persons and Medical Permits applications must be made at the local Department of Home Affairs office or the nearest South African Embassy, Mission or Consulate.

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