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South Africa Permanent Residency

This program grants permanent residency directly and therefore allow successful applicants to work, study or manage their own business in South Africa. This program requires a minimum net-worth of ZAR 12,000,000 (USD 632,000)

South Africa Permanent Residency Benefits

Residency and Family Inclusion

  • Grants permanent residence status in South Africa, thereby having all the rights and duties of a South Africa citizen (except the right to vote).
  • Grants the possibility to apply for a Non-Citizen Identity Book.

Dependents can be included:

  • Spouse /Life-partner in a spousal relationship for over 5 years
  • Children up to 21 years.
  • Any age if medical dependent due to handicap or such but must be confirmed by doctors.

Travel and Quality of Life

  • Reside, work, study, retire and start a business in South Africa.
  • South Africa is a business hub on the African continent with a fast-paced real estate market, exceptional private healthcare and developed tourism industry.

Ease of Access

  • No age requirement and open to all nationalities.
  • No investment or residency required.
  • Valid indefinitely.
  • Pathway to South African citizenship after 10 years, or sooner with sufficient motivation, provided the applicant has proof of the prescribed minimum net worth of at least ZAR 12,000,000 (Approx. USD 678,516).
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South Africa Permanent Residency Requirements

  • The applicant must not be a prohibited or an undesirable person.
  • Must not have been refused entry into South Africa.
  • Should not have entered or stayed illegally in South Africa.
  • Must have sufficient economic means to cover their personal and family living expenses.

South Africa Permanent Residency Investment Options

Donation

  • Pay an application fee of ZAR 120,000 (USD 6,785) directly to the Director General upon approval of the application.
  • Once the application is granted, the applicant must enter South Africa at least once every 3 years.

South Africa Permanent Residency Process

South Africa PR Processing time 8 Months

Due Diligence And Application

  • Prepare all application forms, supporting documentation and payment of application fee.
  • Submission of application, in person, in the applicant’s country of origin, permanent residence and long-term temporary residence.

Approval And Investment

Once approved, payment of ZAR 120,000 to the Director General.

Residency

Successful applicants will immediately receive permanent residence by investment in South Africa.

Contact us

With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Financially Independent Permit for South Africa grants permanent residency to high-net-worth individuals, allowing them to work, retire, or study in South Africa without relying on local income.

Eligibility for permanent residency in South Africa requires a net worth of at least ZAR 12,000,000, a ZAR 120,000 fee upon approval, a clean criminal record, and sufficient funds for personal and family expenses.

There is no age limit for the main applicant seeking South African Permanent Residency; however, dependents over 21 years cannot be included unless medically dependent.

Dependents on the application include spouses or life partners of over five years, children under 21, and any age if medically dependent.

Applicants over 18 must provide a recent police clearance from every country they’ve lived in for 12 months or more after turning 18.

Proof of a minimum net worth of ZAR 12,000,000 is needed, including documentation of properties, investments, and liquid assets.

All foreign documents must be translated into English by a certified translator and presented in original or certified form.

Individuals classified as prohibited or undesirable are not eligible for permanent residency until their status is officially cleared.

Dependents can be added to the South Africa residency application post-issuance of the residency certificate; additional fees may apply.

The residency application process may include an interview and biometric data collection at an embassy or consulate.

Permanent Residency in South Africa does not require ongoing residency but mandates a move to South Africa within one year and re-entry at least every three years.

Permanent Residency permits do not expire and remain valid indefinitely unless revoked due to specific violations.

South African Permanent Residence can be revoked if the holder commits offenses under the Immigration Act, breaches permit conditions, leaves South Africa for over three years without exemption, or fails to establish residence within a year of permit issuance.

Permanent residency holders can pursue citizenship after 10 years, potentially sooner with adequate justification.

Upon approval, a Permanent Residence Permit certificate is issued, which becomes valid upon entry into South Africa; lost certificates are replaced with a confirmation letter only.

Payment of the ZAR 120,000 fee for the Financially Independent Permanent Residence application must be made to the specified Department of Home Affairs account.

The minimum net worth requirement for the Financially Independent Visa in South Africa is ZAR 12 million (approximately $640,000 USD). This amount must be verifiable through documentation of assets, investments, and liquid funds.

The processing time for a Financially Independent Permit application is usually around 8 months. However, this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of the application.

While South Africa permanent residents enjoy most rights of citizens, they cannot vote or hold a South African passport. However, they can freely work, study, or run a business in South Africa.

No, there is no requirement to invest the funds in South Africa. Your assets can remain in any country, as long as you can prove the required net worth.

To maintain your permanent residency status, you must enter South Africa at least once every three years.

Yes, you can include your spouse/life partner (if in a relationship for over 5 years) and dependent children up to 21 years old. Older dependents may be included if they are medically dependent.

While the content doesn’t specifically address tax implications, it’s important to consult with a tax professional about potential tax consequences of obtaining permanent residency in South Africa.

The provided information doesn’t cover this scenario. It would be advisable to consult with immigration authorities or a legal professional about the implications of significant changes in financial status after obtaining permanent residency.

Yes, permanent residents can pursue citizenship after 10 years, or potentially sooner with adequate justification.

While a comprehensive list isn’t provided, you’ll likely need proof of net worth, police clearance certificates, medical reports, and various application forms. It’s best to consult with immigration authorities or a legal professional for a complete list.

Harvey Law Group has an office in South Africa, specifically located in Johannesburg 2nd Floor Max Serviced Offices 145 Second St, Parkmore, Sandton, 2196 South Africa.(Google Map)