South Africa

Business Visa

South Africa's Business Visa is a temporary residence visa under Section 15 of the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002, targeting foreign nationals who intend to establish a new business or invest in an existing one. The program is administered by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and requires a recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). It is designed to attract foreign direct investment, stimulate job creation for South African citizens, and support sectors in the national interest. The visa provides a pathway to permanent residence under Section 27(c) of the Immigration Act.

• Minimum capital investment of ZAR 5,000,000 from outside South Africa, certified by a South African registered chartered accountant or SAIPA-registered professional accountant
• DTIC recommendation letter confirming the business is in the national interest
• Undertaking to employ at least 60% South African citizens or permanent residents within 12 months
• Registration with SARS, the Department of Labour, and any relevant professional bodies
• The capital requirement may be waived or reduced for businesses in priority sectors: IT, renewable energy, tourism, agri-business, manufacturing, and agro-processing

• Completed Form DHA-1738
• Valid passport with at least 30 days validity and minimum 2 blank pages
• Two passport-sized colour photographs
• Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence (12+ months) in the past 5 years
• Medical report on Form DHA-811 (not older than 6 months)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
• Chartered accountant certificate confirming ZAR 5,000,000 available in cash or capital
• DTIC recommendation letter
• Business plan and signed letter of intent
• Proof of accommodation in South Africa

The application follows a two-stage process. First, the applicant obtains a DTIC recommendation by submitting through the Visa Recommendation System (VRS) portal, which takes approximately 45 working days. Second, the visa application is submitted to the DHA either online via the ePermit system, through a VFS Global centre within South Africa, or at a South African embassy abroad. DHA processing takes 8-12 weeks after the DTIC recommendation is obtained, making the total timeline typically 4-6 months.

Fees: DHA application fee of ZAR 1,520 plus VFS Global service fee of ZAR 1,550 for in-country applications.

The visa is issued for up to 3 years and is renewable for further 3-year periods. Renewal must be submitted at least 60 days before expiry. The holder must provide proof that the ZAR 5,000,000 investment has been fulfilled and the 60% employment requirement is met, within 24 months of issuance and every 2 years thereafter. A fresh DTIC recommendation is not required for renewal, but compliance proof is mandatory.

The holder may only conduct work related to the specific business for which the visa was issued. No other employment is permitted. The DHA maintains a list of ineligible business undertakings published in the Government Gazette.

Spouses and children may accompany the visa holder by applying for a relative's visa under Section 18 of the Immigration Act. Applications can be submitted concurrently or after the main business visa is issued. Required documents include marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof that the main applicant can financially support all dependants. Children over 6 require study visas for school attendance. Processing takes 8-12 weeks for embassy submissions.

South Africa operates a residence-based tax system. Individuals meeting the physical presence test (91+ days per year for 6 years, totalling 915+ days over 5 preceding years) are taxed on worldwide income. Business visa holders residing in South Africa will generally become tax residents and must register with SARS. An extensive network of double taxation agreements is available.

Business visa holders may apply for permanent residence under Section 27(c) of the Immigration Act after demonstrating that the ZAR 5,000,000 investment has been maintained in the book value of the business and the 60% employment quota has been met. The investment must be maintained for 5 years following issuance of permanent residence.

• If the investment has not been made at the time of application, the applicant has 24 months to invest; failure to do so may prevent renewal
• The capital waiver for priority sectors is not automatic and must be specifically motivated in the DTIC recommendation application
• The visa permits multiple entries when necessary for conducting the business effectively
• Overstaying results in fines of ZAR 2,500-3,000; an overstay under 30 days triggers a 12-month re-entry ban, and the holder may be declared an undesirable person

Links

• https://www.thedtic.gov.za/sectors-and-services-2/1-4-2-trade-and-export/investment-promotion/business-permits/
• https://vrs.thedtic.gov.za
• https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home
• https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/dha/southafrica/english/index.html

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