Eligibility quiz
Do you have a biological parent or a parent who adopted you through a court who is a South African citizen or permanent resident?
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 at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your office
Find the Home Affairs office responsible for permanent residence applications where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African Home Affairs office handles permanent residence applications near your city?”
Download the application form
Download the permanent residence application form, BI-947, also called Form 18.
Download the formGather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Home Affairs office.
See required documentsKeep your visa valid
Keep a valid temporary visa for each applicant when you apply and while you wait for the decision. Renew it when needed.
Find visa renewalSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I renew a South African temporary visa while waiting for a permanent residence application?”
Fill in the form
Complete the form in English and sign it; use a typed form if the office requires one. If your spouse is included, your spouse must also sign; if your child is applying, both parents sign.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the South African permanent residence application form BI-947?”
Arrange your interview
Arrange an interview with the Home Affairs office before you submit your application. Use the branch appointment system or contact the office to arrange it.
Book an appointmentPay the application fee
Ask the Home Affairs office how much to pay and which payment method to use. Pay the fee and keep the original receipt.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the fee for a South African permanent residence application at Home Affairs?”
Attend your interview
Bring the completed form, required documents and fee receipt to the Home Affairs office, and submit them in person at your interview. Applicants over 16 give fingerprints and other biometric information; if your child is applying, bring your child.
Find interview instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South African permanent residence application at a Home Affairs office?”
Wait for the decision
Keep copies, check your application status and tell Home Affairs if your address, information or circumstances change. Answer any questions and provide any further documents the office requests.
Check your statusUse your residence document
Once approved, follow the conditions on your permanent residence document and present it when required. It lets you live permanently in South Africa.
Find residence guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I use my South African permanent residence document after approval?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get your full birth certificate or an extract from your birth record, and a birth certificate for each dependent child included in your application. Submit the originals or certified copies; if you were adopted, add the court adoption decision. If you have changed your name or sex, add the official document recording the change, such as a statutory declaration or deed poll.
Parent's support undertaking
Your South African parent must provide an undertaking accepting financial, medical, physical and emotional responsibility for you. Include evidence that your parent can support you, and ask your office what evidence it accepts.
Parent's status records
Provide proof that your parent is a South African citizen or permanent resident. Include confirmation that your parent did not get permanent residence through this family route.
Marriage certificates *
Provide your marriage certificate, customary marriage registration, spousal affidavit or other document showing your relationship status, as applicable. If a marriage ended, include the divorce or death record.
* Only if you are or have been married or in a spousal relationship.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationProof of living together *
Provide shared accounts or other documents showing that you and your parent live together. Ask your office what evidence it accepts.
* Only if you need to show that you live with your 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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