Eligibility quiz
Do you intend to start a new business in South Africa?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Africa for life
You can live in South Africa permanently, without a regular renewal cycle.
Study in South Africa
You can study in South Africa without a separate study visa.
Work in South Africa
You can work or run a business in South Africa without a separate work or business visa.
Use public healthcare
You can access healthcare in South Africa under the laws in force.
Permanent residents are among those who may be covered by the planned health fund.
Get social support
Permanent residents may qualify for certain social grants, depending on where they live, their means and the grant’s other conditions.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Home Affairs regional office that serves the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Africa Home Affairs regional office serves your city for a permanent residence through a business application?”
Download the application form
Download the BI-947 permanent residence application form.
Download the formGather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your Home Affairs regional office.
See required documentsFill in the form
Complete the BI-947 form online in English and sign it. Include any family members applying with you; handwritten forms are not accepted.
Get form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the South Africa BI-947 permanent residence application form for a business?”
Arrange your interview
Arrange an interview with your Home Affairs regional office before submitting your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an interview at the South Africa Home Affairs regional office in your city for permanent residence through a business?”
Pay the application fee
Ask your regional office for the current fee and how to pay it. If you pay by bank or electronic transfer, keep the original payment receipt.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the South Africa permanent residence through a business application fee at the Home Affairs regional office in your city?”
Attend and submit
Go to your interview and submit your completed form, supporting documents and payment or payment receipt at your regional office. Applicants over 16 give fingerprints and other identifying details, and family members are interviewed where required.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Africa permanent residence through a business application at the Home Affairs regional office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Keep permission to stay in South Africa while you wait, and respond to any requests from Home Affairs. You can track your application online or contact the Home Affairs call centre.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track my South Africa permanent residence through a business permit application status?”
Submit staffing proof
If your permit is for a new business, submit proof within 12 months of its issue that at least 60% of the business’s staff are South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently.
Find submission instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit staffing proof after receiving South Africa permanent residence through a new business?”
Submit investment proof
If you hold the business permit, provide Home Affairs with proof that the required contribution remains invested within two years after the permit is issued and every three years after that. This is needed to keep your permanent residence permit.
Find proof instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit continuing investment proof to keep South Africa permanent residence through a business?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get a full, unabridged birth certificate or an extract from the birth record for yourself and each family member applying with you.
Marriage certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate or other proof of your relationship that the office accepts.
* Only if your spouse applies with you.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Investment and time abroad
Keep the required investment and prove it within two years of issue and every three years after that.
The required amount may be reduced or waived for qualifying businesses.
Some overseas work for the South African state, a South African-based employer or an international organisation does not count towards time abroad, nor does time spent accompanying the worker as a qualifying partner or dependent child.
Permanent residence can end
Your status lapses without investment proof and may be withdrawn if you do not settle within one year, break its conditions or are convicted of certain offences.
It may also be withdrawn after over three years abroad, unless an extension is granted for good cause after a request made in advance.
Only entering and staying in South Africa interrupts that absence.
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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