Permits

IMPORTANT NOTICES RE TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMITS:

ALL FOREIGN DOCUMENTS MUST BE TRANSLATED BY A REGISTERED TRANSLATOR.
THE EMBASSY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST MORE DOCUMENTATION.

FOREIGNERS WHO WISH TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA MUST HAVE A PASSPORT VALID FOR 30 MORE DAYS AFTER THE INTENDED RETURN DATE FROM SOUTH AFRICA. 
THE PASSPORT MUST CONTAIN AT LEAST TWO UNUSED VISA PAGES FOR ENDORSEMENT PURPOSES.

Work Permit

May be issued to a foreigner contemplating to work in South Africa and not falling within a specific professional category (see Quota Permit).

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•    Proof of valid return air ticket OR refundable deposit (€ 800.00) OR a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship) – if applicable
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •   An unabridged birth certificate
  •   If adopted, proof of adoption
  •   In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •   In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Contract of employment stipulating the conditions of employment and signed by employer and applicant.
•     Proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic.
•     Proof of experience and skills in line with the job offer.
•     A letter from the employer motivating why a citizen or permanent resident could not fill the position, as well as proof of efforts made to obtain the services of a citizen or resident.
•     Particulars of unsuccessful candidates
•     Proof of original publication of an advertisement in the national printed media which  shall:
  •   reflect the full particulars of the relevant newspaper or magazine, as well as the dates on which the advertisement was published
  •   Stipulate the minimum qualifications and experience required to fill the position
  •   Clearly define the position offered and the duties to be preformed
  •   Measure at least 60 millimetres by 60 millimetres
  •   state the closing date for the application  in the advertisement
  •    not be older than (3) three months at the time of application, which period should be calculated from the closing date of application
•     An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director General: Home Affairs should the applicant not comply with the Act or leave the employer,
•     If required by Law, proof of registration with the relevant professional body, council or board,
•     Full particulars of the employer, including if applicable, proof of registration of business with the registrar of companies,
•     A certificate from the Department of Labour or an extract from the database of a salary benchmarking organization stipulating the average salary earned by the employees accompanying similar positions in the Republic.

Exceptional Skills Work Permit

May be issued to a foreigner of exceptional skills or qualifications

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•    Proof of valid return air ticker OR refundable deposit (€ 800.00) OR a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship) – if applicable
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •  An unabridged birth certificate
  •  If adopted, proof of adoption
  •  In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •  In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     A letter from a foreign or South African organ of state or from an established South African academic, cultural or business body, confirming the exceptional skills or qualifications of the applicant
•     Testimonials from previous employers
•     Comprehensive curriculum vitae
•     Proof to substantiate exceptional skills or qualifications (publications and testimonials)
•     A letter of motivation indicating that the exceptional skill possessed by the applicant will be to the benefit of the SA environment in which he or she intends to operate
•     If already in possession of a job offer, completion of the relevant sections of the application form by the prospective employer

Intra Company Work Permit

May be issued to a foreigner who is employed abroad by a business operating in South Africa in a branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship and who by reason or his or her employment is required to conduct work in south Africa.

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     Proof of valid return air ticker OR refundable deposit (€ 800.00) OR a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship) – if applicable
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •  An unabridged birth certificate
  •  In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •  In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Contract of employment with the company abroad
•     Letter from the company abroad confirming that the foreigner shall be transferred to a branch of that company or an affiliated company situation ion South Africa
•     Letter from the South African company confirming:
  •  The transfer of the foreigner contemplated in contract
  •  Specifying the occupation and capacity in which that the foreigner shall be employed
  •  Specifying the period of employment (not exceeding 24 months)
•     Undertaking from the relevant employer in South Africa that he shall ensure that
  •   The passport of the foreigner is valid at all times
  •   The foreigner is employed in the specific position for which the permit has been issued
  •    The foreigner departs from the Republic on completion of his/her tour of duty
•     Return air ticket

Quota Work Permit

May be issued to a skilled foreigner if the foreigner falls within a specific professional category or specific occupational class determined by the Minister of Home Affairs.

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account (Spouses and children of citizens or Permanent Residents are exempted from fees)
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Police Clearance Certificate from all the countries he / she has lived in for (12) Twelve months or longer since the age of (18) years
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship) – if applicable
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •  An unabridged birth certificate
  •  If adopted, proof of adoption
  •  In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •  In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Proof of financial means in the form of :
  •  A bank statement
  •  Cash available
  •  Travellers cheques to cover expenses until an income is produce
•     A refundable deposit equivalent to a single return air ticket to the applicant’s country of origin.
•     An evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority confirming the necessary qualifications from the relevant professional category or occupational class.
•     Confirmation of the required experience for the relevant category or class
•     Proof of Registration if required by Law
•     Ticket reservations

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE QUOTA WORK PERMITS:

ALL APPLICANTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A QUOTA PERMIT FROM A SOUTH AFRICAN MISSION OR A HIGH COMMISSION IN THEIR HOME COUNTRIES MUST REPORT TO A HOME AFFAIRS OFFICE IN SOUTH AFRICA WITHIN (90) NINETY DAYS OF ADMISSION TO CONFIRM SECURED EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE CATOGORY OR CLASS CONTEMPLATED AND WITHIN EVERY (12) MONTHS THERAFTER, TO CONFIRM THAT EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE CATOGORY OR CLASS IS ADHEARED TO.

SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES AND SPECIFIC OCCUPATIONAL CLASSES

Exchange Permit

May be issued to a foreigner participating in a programme of cultural, economic or social exchange, organized or administered by an organ of State or a public higher education institution, in conjunction with an organ or a foreign state

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•    Proof of valid return air ticker OR refundable deposit (€ 800.00) OR a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)

In the case of a learning institution in the Republic in conjunction with a foreign learning institution or an organ of a foreign state organizing or administering the programme, the following letters must be submitted:

•    The Department of Education or a learning institution in the Republic confirming that it is responsible for organizing or administering the existence of the programme, outlining the activities and duration thereof and accepting full responsibility for the student while he or she is in the Republic;
•    The organ or learning institution of the foreign state confirming the particulars of the student, the students enrolment with a learning institution abroad, and the date on which the study shall commence, and

In the case of an organ of state in conjunction with a foreign learning institution or an organ of foreign state organizing or administering the programme must submit the following letters:

•  The organ of state confirming the existence of the exchange programme;
•  The foreign learning institution confirming the enrolment of the applicant or a letter from the organ of the foreign state conducting the programme, as the case may be.
  
  
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship) – if applicable
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •  An unabridged birth certificate
  •  If adopted, proof of adoption
  •  In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •  In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Full birth certificate of applicant (if applicable)
•     A refundable deposit payable after the evaluation of the application to the amount of € 800.00
•     Return ticket reservation
•     A full undertaking by the organ of state or learning institute for the applicant and his/her dependent family members that he/she will be solely responsible for the maintenance and the return of each family member

Medical Treatment Permit

May be issued to a foreigner intending to receive medical treatment in South Africa for longer than three (3) months

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     Proof of valid return air ticker OR refundable deposit (€ 800.00) OR a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     A letter from the applicant’s medical practitioner or medical institution indicating the reasons for and the period and details of the treatment in South Africa
•     Details of the person or institution responsible for the medical expenses and hospital fees.  Should the medical scheme or employer of the applicant not be liable for the expenses incurred, proof of financial means or medical cover must be submitted.
•     Particulars of person accompanying the applicant (if applicable)
•     Proof of sufficient financial means
•     Return air ticket OR refundable deposit to the amount of € 800.00

Relatives Permit

May be issued to a foreigner who is a member of the immediate family of a citizen or a resident, provided that such citizen or resident provides the prescribed financial assurance

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account (Spouses and children of citizens or Permanent Residents are exempted from fees)
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Full birth certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship)
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •  An unabridged birth certificate
  •  If adopted, proof of adoption
  •  In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •  In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Proof by means of salary advice or bank statement that the sponsoring citizen or permanent resident has R4600.00 per month per person (not applicable where the applicant is a spouse or dependent minor child)
•     A refundable deposit payable after the evaluation of the application to the amount of € 800.00 (except in the case of a spouse or dependent minor child)
•     Return ticket reservations

Retired Person Permit

May be issued to a foreigner who intents to retire in South Africa.

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     Refundable deposit to the amount of € 800.00
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Proof of an existing pension or an irrevocable annuity or retirement account which will pay out an amount of R20 000.00 per month OR  a combination of assets realising R20 000.00 per month
•     Medical report
•     Radiological report (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Air ticket

Study Permit

May be issued to a foreigner intending to study in South Africa for longer than three (3) months

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     An official letter from the relevant institution confirming provisional acceptance at the Institution and the duration of the course.
•     In the case of a foreign state accepting responsibility for the applicant in terms of a bilateral agreement, a written undertaking in respect of the departure of the applicant.
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     In case of a person under the age of 21 years:
  •  The particulars of the person in the Republic who will act as the learner’s guardian and a confirmatory letter form that intended guardian,
  •  Proof of consent for the intended stay from both parents or from the custodian parent, along with proof of sole custody in the latter case.
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •  An unabridged birth certificate
  •  If adopted, proof of adoption
  •  In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •  In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition fees, subsistence and incidental costs in the form of:
  •  Bank statements
  •  Cash available traveller’s cheques

OR

•     Confirmation letter from the host in South Africa containing the following:
  •   Copy of hosts ID document or Residence Permit or Passport
•     Contract details (residential address and telephone numbers)
•     Payment of refundable deposit after the evaluation of the application (€ 800.00)
•     Return ticket reservation (submission of proof of a valid return air ticket after the approval of the Permit

Treaty Permit

May be issued to a foreigner conducting activities in South Africa in terms of an international agreement to which South Africa is a party.

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     Proof of valid return air ticker OR refundable deposit (€ 800.00) OR a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     A letter from the relevant organ or state involved in the agreement attesting to the:
  •         Nature of the programme and the treaty under which it is conducted;
  •         Participation of the foreigner in the mentioned programme;
  •         Type of activities the foreigner is expected to perform under the agreement and the duration of the project
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship) – if applicable
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •  An unabridged birth certificate
  •  In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •  In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Return air ticket
•    Written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary  Where the employer is a Government Department of the Republic and is unable to submit the mentioned written undertaking, the sending State may submit that undertaking

Business Permit

May be issued to a foreigner intending to establish or invest in a business in South Africa in which he or she may be employed.

•     Complete application form (BI-1738) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi1738.pdf)
•     Fee to be deposited into the Embassy bank account
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     Proof of valid return air ticker OR refundable deposit (€ 800.00) OR a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to the effect that:
  •   at least R2,5 million in cash;
  •   a capital contribution of at least R2,5 million; or
  •   at least R2 million in cash and a capital contribution of at least R460 000.00 originating from abroad is available to be invested as part o the book value of the business
•     Business plan outlining the feasibility of the business (both short and long term)
•     Proof of undertaking to register with the South African Revenue Service
•     Proof of registration with the relevant body, board or council, if applicable
•     The capitalisation requirement may be reduced or waived in respect of the following businesses (national interest or requested by Department of Trade and Industry):
  •   Information and Communication Technology;
  •   Clothing and textile manufacturing;
  •   Chemicals and bio-technology industry;
  •   Agro-processing industry;
  •   Metals and minerals refinement industry;
  •   Automotive manufacturing industry;
  •   Tourism industry; and
  •   Crafts
•     A foreigner who invests or has invested in an existing business shall submit financial statements of the business in respect of the preceding financial year
•     A foreigner who invests or has invested in an existing business as a partner shall submit:
  •   Financial statements in respect of the preceding financial year; and
  •   A partnership agreement
•     A refundable deposit payable after the evaluation of the application (€ 800.00)
•     Medical report in respect of each applicant
•     Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not applicable for children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women)
•     Police Clearance Certificate
•     Marriage certificate (if applicable)
•     Proof of relationship (affidavit in respect of permanent spousal relationship and particulars of any children born of such relationship) – if applicable
•     Minor dependent children accompanying or joining:
  •   An unabridged birth certificate
  •   If adopted, proof of adoption
  •   In the case of minor subject to guardianship or custody, proof of such guardianship and custody
  •   In the case of unaccompanied minor – consent from the guardian
•     Return ticket reservations (submission of proof of a valid return ticket after approval of visa)

Diplomatic Permit

May be issued to a diplomatic passport holder.

•     Complete application form (BI-84) (www.home-affairs.gov.za/documents/bi-84.pdf)
•     2 x passport size photos
•     Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
•     At least two unused pages when presenting the passport for the purpose of endorsing a visa or permit
•     A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicant travelled or intends travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area (not applicable for direct transit)
•     Note Verbale from the relevant Embassy or Government Department with the following information:  the purpose and duration of the visit