Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Designed for foreign nationals who intend to establish a new business or invest in an existing business in the Republic of South Africa, as well as for those who have already made such an investment. To qualify for this visa, applicants must make a foreign direct investment of at least ZAR 5 million (approximately USD 266,000) into the business and ensure that 60% of the business's employment complement consists of South African citizens or permanent residents. In some cases, the capital requirements may be reduced or waived, depending on the industry or nature of the business. The visa may be issued for a period not exceeding 3 years.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
3 years
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>The visa is issued for a maximum period of 3 years.</p>
3 years
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>The visa allows for a maximum stay of 3 years. The period of residence in the Republic of South Africa will be determined from the applicant's date of admission in accordance with any conditions that may appear on the visa.</p>
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>The renewal process follows the same requirements as the initial application; however, extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to the discretion of South African authorities.</p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>The visa is issued for multiple entries.</p>
from 1 month to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Decisions on visa applications are typically made within 30 to 60 calendar days from the date of submission. This period may be extended in exceptional cases.</p>
R 1,520 (~$90)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>Visa fees are reviewed and subject to change annually. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.</p>
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Or an equivalent travel document, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least 30 days and with at least 2 blank pages.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible. Applicants must submit 2 photographs.
Visa application form
Official visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Passport copies
Applicants are required to submit a copy of the passport page bearing their personal data and photograph, copies of any previous South African visas appearing in the passport, and, if applicable, a copy of a second passport.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Accountant's report
A certificate or factual finding report, issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants, or a business accountant registered with the South African Institute for Business Accountants. The certificate must confirm the availability of a minimum cash amount of ZAR 5,000,000 for investment in the Republic, or a combination of cash and a capital contribution. These amounts are determined periodically by the Minister in consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry and published in the Government Gazette.
Guarantee to employ local workforce
The applicant must provide a written undertaking confirming that at least 60% of the total workforce employed in the business operations will be South African citizens or permanent residents, employed on a permanent basis across various positions. Proof of compliance with this undertaking must be submitted within 12 months of the visa being issued.
Undertaking to register with statutory bodies
The applicant must provide a written undertaking to register with the following institutions: South African Revenue Service; Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF); Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases; Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required; and any relevant professional body, board, or council recognised by SAQA. Upon registration, all corresponding certificates must be submitted to the Director-General.
Recommendation letter from the Department of Trade and Industry
A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry, confirming the feasibility of the proposed business and its contribution to the national interest of the Republic. Required for applicants who intend to establish a new business, invest in an existing business in South Africa, or have already made such an investment.
Accountant's report (for applicants who have already established or invested in a South African business)
A certificate or factual finding report, issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants, or a business accountant registered with the South African Institute for Business Accountants. The certificate must confirm that a minimum of ZAR 5,000,000 in cash (or a combination of cash and capital contribution) is available for investment or has already been invested in the Republic. These amounts are determined periodically by the Minister in consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry and published in the Government Gazette.
Proof of employment of South African citizens and residents (for applicants who have already established or invested in a South African business)
The applicant must submit proof that at least 60% of the total staff employed in the business operations are South African citizens or permanent residents, employed permanently in various positions.
Proof of registration with statutory bodies (for applicants who have already established or invested in a South African business)
The applicant must submit proof of registration with the following institutions: South African Revenue Service; Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF); Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases; Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required; and any relevant professional body, board, or council recognised by SAQA.
Proof of investment
A foreign national who invests, or has invested, in an existing business must submit financial statements for the preceding financial year and evidence of the investment made.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for individuals traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic regions of Africa or South America. The vaccination should be administered at least 10 days prior to entry. This requirement does not apply to persons who remain in direct transit through such areas without stopover.
Medical report
Applicants must submit a medical report issued by a registered medical practitioner, confirming their general state of health and detailing any medical conditions they may have. The document must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the full duration of stay in South Africa, covering at least $100,000 and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
Proof of accommodation
A hotel booking, a lease agreement, or a copy of property ownership.
Air ticket
The applicant must provide evidence of flight arrangements, which may be a provisional or confirmed air ticket (one-way tickets are accepted).
Police clearance certificate
A police clearance certificate must be issued by the police or competent authority in any country where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer during the five years immediately preceding the application, after having attained the age of 18. The certificate must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
Proof of financial mean
Applicants must submit an original bank statement for the last 3 months, duly stamped and certified by the issuing bank, and dated no earlier than 7 days prior to the date of submission. Alternative sources of income may include proof of investments, stocks, pensions, bank assurances, income from properties or assets, or any other relevant sources.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Business visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Businessman, entrepreneur
Last updated 2026-03-17