South Africa Permanent Residency

The primary applicant must have a minimum net worth of ZAR 12,000,000 (USD 720,000), make a payment of ZAR 120,000 (USD 7,200) to the Director-General on approval, be of good and sound character, have no criminal record, not have been refused entry into South Africa, not have entered or stayed illegally in South Africa, and have sufficient economic means to cover personal and family living expenses.

There is no age limit for the main applicant. Children over 21 are not eligible to apply as dependents.

Dependents include a spouse or life partner in a spousal relationship for over 5 years, children up to 21 years of age, and a family member who is medically dependent at any age due to a handicap or other situation, confirmed by a physician.

Yes. Each applicant over 18 must provide an original police clearance certificate from the police or security authority in every country where they resided for 12 months or longer after turning 18, except South Africa. The certificate must be no older than six months at submission and must be legalized or apostilled.

The applicant must prove a minimum net worth of ZAR 12,000,000 (USD 720,000), which is total wealth across all financial assets and liabilities. Documentary evidence should include proof of immovable property, movable property, investments, and cash or cash equivalents.

All documents from the issuing authority in the country of origin must be originals or certified copies, and where applicable translated into English, with the translation certified as correct by a sworn translator.

Prohibited or undesirable persons cannot apply for permanent residence. A foreigner becomes eligible only once that undesirability or prohibition status has been successfully lifted.

Yes. Dependents can be added after the residency certificate is issued by submitting an application pack and paying additional fees where applicable.

The application must be submitted at the mission of the Republic in the foreign country of the applicant's usual residence, which covers the country of origin, permanent residence, and long-term temporary residence.

Yes. An interview may be conducted when the application is submitted at the embassy or consulate. Biometrics are also taken, and all applicants must submit their permanent residence permit applications in person.

Processing takes approximately 9 to 24 months.

There is no residency requirement for the permit itself. However, holders must take up residence in South Africa within 1 year of the permit being issued, and they must enter South Africa at least once every 3 years.

No. The permanent residence permit does not expire and remains valid indefinitely.

Yes. The Director-General may withdraw a permanent residence permit if the holder is convicted of any offence under the Immigration Act, fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit, has been absent from the Republic for more than three years (subject to certain exemptions), or has not taken up residence in the Republic within one year of the permit being issued.

Yes. Permanent residence permit holders become eligible for citizenship after 10 years, but can apply sooner with sufficient motivation.

The applicant receives a Permanent Residence Permit certificate, which is activated on entering South Africa. If it is lost, no new certificate is issued, and only a confirmation letter is provided as a replacement.

The mandatory ZAR 120,000 must be deposited into the Department of Home Affairs' account upon approval. HLG SA provides the account details for payment.