Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to set up or invest in a new business in South Africa and work in it?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Africa
You can live in South Africa for the length of your visa, which can be issued for up to three years at a time.
Study part-time
You can study part-time without changing the conditions of your visa.
You can also use education services under the rules for foreign residents and the service you use.
Work in South Africa
You can work in and for the business named on your visa, but not take an unrelated job or do unrelated work.
Travel in and out
You can leave and re-enter South Africa if your visa allows multiple entries.
Multiple entries are available where needed to run the business effectively.
Use healthcare services
You can use healthcare services in South Africa under the rules for foreign residents and the service you use.
Your visa does not guarantee free care.
How to apply
From outside South AfricaFrom outside South Africa
Find your consulate
Find the South African consulate responsible for your country of origin. If South Africa has no diplomatic representation there, find a South African consulate in a neighbouring country.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African consulate near your city can take my business visa application?”
Download the application form
Download form DHA-1738, the application for a temporary-residence visa.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete and sign the form for a business visa. Indicate whether your application is for a new business or an existing business.
Get form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the South Africa business visa application form DHA-1738?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsHand in your application
Ask the consulate how to arrange your visit and how to pay the fee, then bring your completed form and original supporting documents in person. Pay the fee using the consulate's instructions and give your fingerprints and other biometric information there.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Africa business visa application and pay the fee at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate's decision and respond if it asks for more information or documents. Do not arrange travel to South Africa until your visa has been issued.
Learn about waitingSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a South Africa business visa decision take at a consulate?”
Travel to South Africa
Once your visa has been issued, arrange your travel to South Africa. You can then work in the business for which your visa was issued.
Plan your travelSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I travel to South Africa after receiving a business visa?”
Once in South AfricaOnce in South Africa
Complete your registrations
Complete the registrations you undertook to make and send the registration certificates to the Department of Home Affairs. Work only in the business covered by your visa.
Find registration guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete registrations and submit certificates for a South Africa business visa?”
Submit your staffing proof
Within 12 months after your visa is issued, submit proof that at least 60% of the business's positions are permanently filled by South African citizens or permanent residents.
Find submission guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit the 60 percent staffing proof for a South Africa business visa?”
Submit your investment proof
Send the Department of Home Affairs proof that you have met the investment requirement within 24 months after your visa is issued, and every two years after that. Continue to follow your visa conditions while you work in the approved business.
Find submission guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit investment proof for a South Africa business visa after it is issued?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates *
Get the full, unabridged birth certificate for the person whose relationship or status must be shown. If the relationship is through adoption, include the adoption decision.
* Only if you or a family member need to show a family relationship or status.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage and relationship records *
Provide your marriage certificate or the required proof of your spousal relationship, such as an affidavit. If you are divorced or legally separated, include the divorce decree or proof of legal separation.
* Only if your spouse is accompanying or joining you or you need to show your marital status.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationSpouse's death certificate *
Get your late spouse's death certificate from the office that issued it. Provide the original or a certified copy.
* Only if your spouse has died.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Business visa conditions
Keep the required investment in the business and show proof within 24 months of issue and every two years after that.
Within 12 months, show that at least 60% of staff are permanently employed South African citizens or permanent residents.
Register with the tax authority and, where required, the business registry and professional body; work only in the named business.
Visa can be lost
Your visa expires unless renewed or replaced; it cannot be renewed for a business listed as undesirable.
It can be cancelled, including for breaking conditions, after written notice and a chance to respond.
Public support, certain convictions, a deportation order, fugitive status or repeated overstays may bar a visa unless waived; staying without status risks detention and deportation.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Abaqondisi Section A(Kwezi &Section 1)
English Facebook group for people interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookVisas 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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