How to Apply for Permanent Residence in South Africa

South Africa is always appealing because of its rich cultural heritage and landscapes. No matter traveling or resenting for a long time, a South African permanent residence makes your tour of South Africa easier. Want to apply for permanent residence in South Africa? In this overall guide, learn the requirements for a SA permanent residence and know how to apply for it step by step. 

Types of South African Permanent Residence

There are two types of South African permanent residence you can obtain. They are:

1.  Direct residence permit. The most popular route to permanent residency in South Africa is through a straight permanent residence permit. If you have been in the nation for at least five years and have a valid work visa, you are eligible for this permit.

2.  Permanent residence on other bases. Those who meet certain requirements, such as holding a financially independent visa or having refugee status, are granted permanent residency in South Africa.

Who Qualifies as a South African Resident

If you have resided in South Africa for at least five years using your work permit, you and your spouse are eligible for a direct permanent residence permit. Applicants may also be dependents of South African nationals or holders of permanent residency permits.

Foreign nationals with residency on other grounds are those who:

• possess a permanent job offer in South Africa;
• have extraordinary abilities and credentials;
• intend to start a business in South Africa;
• qualify as refugees under Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act;
• are financially independent;
• are related to a South African citizen or holder of a permanent residence permit, either biologically or through court adoption.

Required Documents for SA Permanent Residence

If you need to apply for SA permanent residence, make sure you have prepared the following documents in advance:

• BI-947 application form. Signed and completed; only black ink should be used. It would help if you didn’t make any changes or use white-out.

• A valid passport. Kindly turn in your passport, which needs to be valid for a minimum of three months after you depart the nation.
• Complete collection of prints. To receive a permanent residency permit, you will also need to supply your biometric data.
• A marriage certificate or evidence of a spousal relationship. Make sure you have a 
• certificate if you are married. If you are divorced, you must also present your divorce decree or documentation of your formal separation.
• A current temporary work permit. Only if you are already in South Africa does this apply.
• Application cost. Original electronic fund transfer receipt or bank payment for every application.
• A passport photo for every candidate who is at least a year old. The applicants’ names must appear on the back of the photo, which needs to be current.
• Certificate of police clearance. Ensure that you present police certificates from every nation where you have resided since turning eighteen.

Add these extra documents if you are applying for permanent residency in a different circumstance:

1. Evidence of refugee status.
2. Evidence of funding made in South Africa.
3. Evidence of starting or funding a business in South Africa.
4. Proof of holding a permanent work in South Africa.
5. Evidence of sufficient financial resources.

For minors, provide these documents:

1. Evidence of guardianship, if relevant.
2. Parental approval (if the child is a minor).
3. Evidence of a minor’s judicial adoption, if any.
4. If the applicant is a minor, written consent is also required.

How to Apply for Permanent Residence in South Africa

To apply for permanent residence in South Africa, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1. Prepare required documents: Gather the required documents mentioned before, including proof of your residency, linguistic ability, moral integrity, and familiarity with South African society and culture, etc.

Step 2. Fill out the application: The application form is available online or in the Home Affairs office that is closest to you.

Step 3. Send in your application: You have two options for submitting your application: online via their website or in person at the closest Home Affairs office.

Step 4. Attend an interview: If your application is accepted, you will receive an invitation to speak with a Home Affairs representative to verify your citizenship status.

Step 5. Take the citizenship test: To prove your familiarity with South African society and culture, you can be asked to take a citizenship test.

Step 6. Attend a citizenship ceremony: You will receive an invitation to participate in a ceremony where you will swear allegiance to South Africa if your application is accepted.

Step 7. Get your certificate of citizenship: Your certificate of South African citizenship will be given to you following the citizenship ceremony.

How Much Does a Permanent Residence Application Cost

To apply for permanent residence in South Africa, you need to pay R1520($88). You have to pay on the day you apply and the fee cannot be refunded if the application fails to pass.

How Long Does It Take to Get SA Permanent Residence?

Generally speaking, it will take you 6-8 months to get SA permanent residence. You can obtain it after the citizenship ceremony.

Who Does Not Qualify for South African Permanent Resident

In the following cases, you cannot apply for a South African permanent resident:

1.  You’re prohibited.

In South Africa, you are deemed a forbidden person and are not eligible to apply for permanent residency if:

• You have a contagious illness that spreads quickly.
• You were found guilty of major crimes including drug trafficking, genocide, torture, and people trafficking, hence you have a criminal record.
• You belong to a group that incites social violence or hatred toward members of a marginalized community.
• You indeed belong to a terrorist group.
• South Africa had previously deported you.

2.  You’re undesirable.

In South Africa, you shouldn’t be granted permanent residency if:

• It is the Minister who has recognized you as an undesirable person.
• You’ll probably end up a public charge—that is, reliant on the state.
• You’re on the run.
• You’ve had criminal activity in the past.
• You are an applicant who lacks rehabilitation.

3.  You don’t plan to go to South Africa permanently.

You are reluctant to establish yourself there as your primary abode.

FAQ about SA Permanent Resident

• Can a permanent resident get a South African passport?

Yes. If you are a SA permanent residency permit holder, you are eligible for a South African passport.

• How long does South African permanent residency last?

There is no expiration date for a permanent residence permit in South Africa. However, you have to visit South Africa every three years to keep your permanent resident qualification.

• Do you get permanent residency if you marry a South African?

You need to have been in a relationship with a South African citizen for at least five years, then you can get permanent residency.

The Bottom Line

In this guide, we have covered information about permanent residence in South Africa. Check whether you are qualified to get a permanent residence and prepare related documents. Then follow the steps to apply for the SA permanent resident with ease.