Business Visa
This is a permit issued to foreigners who intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa in which they may be employed.
Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country must apply for a business permit. As an applicant, you will be required to invest a prescribed financial capital contribution.
The capital requirements above may be reduced or waived in respect of the following types of industries/businesses:
- Information and communication technology
- Clothing and textile manufacturing
- Chemicals and bio-technology
- Agro-processing
- Metals and minerals refinement
- Automotive manufacturing
- Tourism
- Crafts
Checklist of Documents to be Submitted:
- Machine readable valid passport with at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services. Passport must be valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to comply with Regulation 2(1) (A) of the Immigration Act of 2014, only machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) will be accepted on submission of visa applications and at Port of Entry. Therefore, no extended passports will be accepted. - A duly completed application form DHA-1738 signed by applicant
- Certified/notarized copy of bio page of the passport
- Two (2) passport photos with white or light background
- Proof of itinerary/reservation of round trip air tickets. Please do not purchase air tickets until you obtain a South African visa.
- Proof of sufficient fund (in the form of three months recent bank statements stamped by bank) for own maintenance for the duration of stay
- Proof of legal status for non-U.S. citizens (Certified/notarized copy of greencard, H1B, F1, J1, etc.)
- Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) or a letter of invitation from the host with proof of address (relative or friend) in South Africa
- Proof of host’s legal status in South Africa (copy of I.D. Book/ passport if South African citizen) or copy of passport and a copy of visa or residence status in South Africa, certified by the South African Police Service.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if the applicant traveled or intends traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area.
- Medical report on prescribed form (physical). The certificate must not be older than six (6) months at the time the applicant submits an application.
- Original FBI certificate (full criminal background check report) and original police clearance certificate from each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years (for the last 5 years) in respect of criminal records or the character of that applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
- Proof of financial/capital contribution equivalent to R2.5million
- Chartered Accountant certifying the investment and that it is available and originated from abroad
- A business plan outlining the feasibility of the business
- Marriage certificate or in the case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition thereof issued by the authorities of the foreign country of the applicant (where applicable)
- The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable, as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship
- Divorce decree, where applicable
- Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights, where applicable
- Death certificate, in respect of late spouse, where applicable
- Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities, where applicable
- Proof of adoption, where applicable
- Legal separation order, where applicable
- Additional supporting documents in support of a business visa in respect of a business visa by a foreigner who intends to establish a business or investment in a business that is not yet established in the Republic
- A certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that:
- at least an amount in cash to be invested in the Republic as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available, or;
- at least an amount in cash and a capital contribution as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available (5 million rand)
- Undertaking by the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff compliment to be employed in the operations of the business shall by South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions. (Provided that proof of compliance with this undertaking shall be submitted within 12 months of issuance of the visa.
- Undertaking to register with the
- South African Revenue Service;
- Unemployment Insurance Fund;
- Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases;
- Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CPIC); where legally required, and
- Relevant professional body, board or council recognized by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act where applicable (Provided that upon registration, all certificates shall be submitted to the Director-General)
- A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding
- the feasibility of the business; and
- the contribution to the national interest of the Republic
- Additional supporting documents in respect of a business visa application by a foreigner who has established business or invested in an existing business in the Republic
- A certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that:
- A foreigner who invests or has invested in an existing business shall submit
- financial statement in respect of the preceding year; and
- proof of investment
- Attention New York Applicants: The South African Consulate General in New York will no longer accept prepaid envelope/labels from FedEx and UPS with immediate effect. Applicants are welcome to enclose only USPS self-addressed, pre-paid courier envelope for this office to facilitate return services.
- Attention Washington, DC Applicants: With immediate effect, the South African Embassy in Washington, DC will no longer accept a $16.00 fee to facilitate return services, but will accept a prepaid envelope with a tracking number from either FedEx or US Postal Service.
- Processing time for long visas exceeding 90 days may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.
- Where to submit your application
Rev. Tuesday, 17-Oct-2023 3:25 PM