Eligibility quiz
Is one of your parents a South African citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Live in South Africa for life
You can live in South Africa indefinitely, as long as your status does not lapse or get withdrawn.
Study in South Africa
You can study without a study visa.
You can also use public education on the same legal basis as others who are entitled to it.
Work in South Africa
You can work without a work visa, though rules such as professional licensing still apply.
Use a travel document
You may qualify for a South African travel document if you prove permanent residence and your country confirms it cannot issue you a passport.
Use public healthcare
You can use public healthcare on the same legal basis as others who are entitled to it, though fees may apply.
No one may be refused emergency medical treatment.
Receive social grants
You can qualify for social grants, including older-person and disability grants, if you meet the relevant age, residence, disability, income and other conditions.
How to apply
Applying from inside South AfricaApplying from inside South Africa
Find your local office
Find the nearest Home Affairs regional office for your child's permanent residence application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Africa Home Affairs regional office near your city accepts permanent residence applications for a child?”
Download the application form
Download the BI-947 Application for a Permanent Residence Permit for your child.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete your child's form in English by typing it, and have both parents sign it.
Get form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in South Africa's BI-947 permanent residence permit application for a child?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your child's application to the Home Affairs regional office.
See required documentsArrange an interview
Contact the Home Affairs regional office to arrange your child's interview before submitting the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an interview for a child's South Africa permanent residence permit application at the Home Affairs office near your city?”
Pay the required fee
Ask the Home Affairs regional office how to pay any fee that applies to your child's application, and keep the payment proof.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the fee for a child's South Africa permanent residence permit application at the Home Affairs office near your city?”
Attend the interview
Bring your child, the completed form, supporting documents and any payment proof to the Home Affairs regional office for the interview and submit the application in person. Keep copies of everything submitted.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a child's South Africa permanent residence permit application at the Home Affairs office near your city?”
Give biometrics
If your child is over 16, have them give biometrics as instructed by the office.
Find biometrics instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a child give biometrics for a South Africa permanent residence permit application?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision on your child's application and respond to any requests from Home Affairs for more information or documents.
Learn about waitingSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a child's South Africa permanent residence permit application take?”
Apply for confirmation
Once your child turns 18, they must apply for confirmation of their permanent residence within two years. Otherwise, their permit may lapse.
Find confirmation instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for confirmation of a South Africa permanent residence permit obtained as a child?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Submit your full birth certificate or a full extract from your birth record, as an original or certified copy. If you have a dependent child joining or accompanying you, include their birth certificate and documents about them. If you were adopted, include the legal adoption certificate; add a statutory declaration if one is needed to establish your parentage.
Parent’s status record
Submit proof that your parent is a South African citizen or has permanent residence in South Africa. This can be your South African parent’s passport or their permanent residence permit, as applicable.
Marriage records *
Submit the documents that show your marital status or relationship with your spouse. If applicable, include records of divorce or a spouse’s death.
* Only if you are or have been married or have a spouse.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Residence can be lost
Your status lapses unless you apply for confirmation within 2 years after turning 18.
It may be withdrawn for breaking permit conditions, certain convictions, or not moving to South Africa within 1 year of issue.
Over 3 years abroad risks withdrawal, with exemptions and exceptions for some state, employer, international-organisation and family absences; an extension can be sought beforehand for good cause.
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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