Business visa may be issued to those who wish to obtain temporary and/or permanent residency in South Africa whilst setting up and running their own business.
An application for a Business visa by a foreigner shall be accompanied by the following quintessential documents –
- 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 of ZAR 5 million in cash to be invested in the Republic as determined by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available.
- An undertaking by the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff complement to be employed in the operation of the business shall be South Africa citizen or permanent residents.
- An undertaking to register with the following –
- South African Revenue Service
- Unemployment Insurance Fund
- Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases.
- Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required.
- Relevant professional body, board or council recognized by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act.
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
Similarly, to the work permits, the applicant’s family may accompany them to South Africa on the basis of the main applicant’s Business visa.
Business visas are typically issued for a period of up to 3 years and are renewable provided that the requirements continue to be met. Holders of a Business visa may also apply for Permanent Residency on the same basis should this be a desired status.
Click here to send your query to contact@workpermitsoutafrica.co.za to confirm whether you qualify for a Business visa.
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
Business visa may be issued to those who wish to obtain temporary and/or permanent residency in South Africa whilst setting up and running their own business.
An application for a Business visa by a foreigner shall be accompanied by the following quintessential documents –
- 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 of ZAR 5 million in cash to be invested in the Republic as determined by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available.
- An undertaking by the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff complement to be employed in the operation of the business shall be South Africa citizen or permanent residents.
- An undertaking to register with the following –
- South African Revenue Service
- Unemployment Insurance Fund
- Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases.
- Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required.
- Relevant professional body, board or council recognized by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act.
Applications submitted in South Africa at the VFS office take approximately 8 weeks.
Fees
- Department of Home Affairs Application Fee – R1520
- VFS Service Fee – R1350
