Should you wish to reside in South Africa on a more permanent basis, you may apply for permanent residence, which entitles you to all the same rights and responsibilities as a citizen, save for certain exceptions (for example, the right to vote).
Lee and Truter Attorneys can assist you in applying for permanent residence.
- Work: If you have held a work visa for a continuous period of five years and have received an offer of permanent employment.
- Spouse: If you have been the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident for a period of at least five years.
- Child: If you are the child, under the age of 21, of a citizen or permanent resident or the child of a citizen.
- Critical Skills: If you hold a critical skills visa and have at least five years of post- qualification experience.
- Business: If you have established or invested in a business in South Africa with an investment amount of ZAR 5 million or otherwise prescribed.
- Refugee: If you have been a recognised refugee for at least 10 years and have received certification from the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs.
- Retirement: If you receive a monthly amount of ZAR 37, 000 from a pension, irrevocable annuity, retirement account, or from your net worth.
- Financial Independence: If you have a net worth of ZAR 12 million and, upon approval, undertake to pay ZAR 120, 000 to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Relative: If you are the relative (within the first degree of kinship) of a South African or permanent resident.
Permanent residence may be withdrawn under certain circumstances, for example if you are absent from South Africa for more than three years.
Under certain circumstances, you may be required to apply for proof of permanent residence.