Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by a parent who is now a South African citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Africa for life
You can live in South Africa indefinitely without renewing your residence status.
Study in South Africa
You can study in South Africa without a separate study visa.
Work in South Africa
You can work, change jobs or run a business without a separate work visa.
Conditions on your residence may restrict this.
Travel and return
You can leave and return to South Africa using your passport and proof of your permanent residence.
Entry rules for your destination still apply.
Use public healthcare
You can use public healthcare under the rules for permanent residents and other qualifying residents.
Access can depend on the service, and treatment is not necessarily free.
Access social support
You can access social support, including social grants, if you meet the requirements.
A grant is not an automatic payment.
How to apply
Applying from outside South AfricaApplying from outside South Africa
Find your consulate
Find the South African consulate that can take your permanent residence application. Depending on your situation, this may be in the country where you usually live, a country for which you have a valid passport, or a nearby country designated by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African consulate serving your city takes permanent residence applications?”
Download the application form
Download Form DHA-947, also called Form 18, for permanent residence.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the form in English, giving full details, and sign it. If the applicant is your child, both parents must sign.
Get form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in South Africa Form DHA-947 for permanent residence?”
Arrange your interview
Contact the consulate and arrange an interview before handing in the application. If the applicant is your child, arrange for your child to attend.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an interview for South Africa permanent residence at the consulate serving your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsPay the application fee
Ask the consulate for the fee and payment instructions, then pay as directed.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the South Africa permanent residence application fee at the consulate serving your city?”
Go to your interview
Bring the signed form, required documents and proof of payment to the consulate, and hand in the application in person. Attend the interview and give fingerprints and other biometric information if you are over 16; if the applicant is your child, your child must attend and give biometrics if over 16.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Africa permanent residence application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision and respond if the consulate asks you or your child for more information or documents.
See decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a South Africa permanent residence application at a consulate take?”
Collect your permit
If the application is approved, follow the consulate’s instructions for collecting the permit and providing your or your child’s passport. You or your child can then travel to South Africa on the permanent residence permit.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect a South Africa permanent residence permit from the consulate serving your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your full birth certificate or an extract from your birth record, as an original or certified copy. Also bring a birth certificate for each dependent child accompanying or joining you. If your name has changed, add your change-of-name document, deed poll or equivalent.
Adoption documents
Bring your legal adoption certificate, court order or other official proof that your South African parent legally adopted you.
Parent's citizenship records
Bring proof that your adoptive parent is a South African citizen, such as their South African passport or identity document.
Custody and maintenance orders *
Bring the relevant custody and maintenance orders. Include the documents required for any dependent child accompanying or joining you.
* Only if you have custody or maintenance orders relevant to your application.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificates *
Bring the documents that show your current or previous marital or partnership status. If applicable, include your divorce decree or proof of legal separation.
* Only if you are or have been married or in a recognised partnership.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationProof of living together *
Bring shared accounts or other documents showing that you and your South African parent live together.
* Only if you apply as a relative under section 27(g) and live with your South African parent.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Residence can be lost
Your residence can be withdrawn if you do not settle within 1 year of issue, break its conditions or are convicted of certain crimes or an immigration offence.
It can also be withdrawn after more than 3 years away; returning interrupts the absence.
Exceptions, extensions or exemptions may cover certain state, international or South Africa-linked work, accompanying spouses or dependent children, and prior approval.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Visas and permits sa
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa Applications - Help
English Facebook group for people interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa and Immigration Forum
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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