Investor Permit for South Africa: What to Know
An investor permit is a document issued to foreigners residing in South Africa who are investing in new or existing businesses and gives them the privilege of residing in South Africa permanently.
All legal business investments are due for foreign investors to receive investor permits except the industries listed below:
- Security industry
- Hospitality Industry
- Cosmetics and beauty brands
- Fast food outlets
- Exotic entertainment
Furthermore, the list of documents required to obtain an investor permit as stipulated by the Department of Home Affairs differ from that of a regular permanent residence permit and are discussed below.
Documents Required For Obtaining South African Investor Permit
The Department of Home Affairs require originals and/or copies of the following documents;
- VFS appointment letter.
- Completed online copy of Form DHA-947.
- Proof of payment of application fee which is 2870 Rands.
- Original passport with matching face and name of applicant.
- Business visa which is still valid at the time of submitting application.
- Marriage certificate for applicants who are accompanied to the republic by a spouse.
- Proof of parental responsibility/ legal guardian rights for applicant accompanied by children and other dependents.
- Biometrics fully recorded and biometric fee paid for.
- Birth record documents of applicant.
- A deed poll for applicants who have undergone a name change.
- Original copies of police clearance documents which must not be older than six months from the time of application.
- Applicant’s medical records of not more than six months prior to application.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate for persons who travelled in from endemic areas.
- Certification from a chartered accountant registered with the south African Institute of Chartered Accountants determining that the applicant has five million Rands in cash for the investment intended in the republic.
- Recommendation letter from the Department of Trade and Industry.
- Undertaking agreeing to recruit 60% of the workforce from South Africa.
- Undertaking agreeing to register the business with the South African Revenue Services.
- Undertaking agreeing to register the business with Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission.
- Registration with relevant and recognized professional bodies.
- Proof of investment in already existing business.
- Signed partnership agreement for applicants investing in already existing businesses.
- Business financial statement.
Equally, the spouse and dependents of the applicants will be required to present certain documents such as:
- VFS appointment letter.
- Form DHA-947.
- Original passport of spouse and/or dependents.
- Birth records of spouse and dependents.
- Proof of marriage for spouse who’s accompanying an investor.
- Biometrics for applicants over sixteen.
- Police clearance documents from country of origin and the South African Police.
- Medical reports.
- Valid relative visa.
- Copy of identity documents of spouse, parent or guardian who the applicant is accompanying to the Republic.
Conclusion
These documents must all be in English with appropriate translations made where applicable. Processing can take from weeks to months which means that during this time; applicants should renew their visas while expecting the result of their investor permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an investor’s permit in South Africa?
To acquire an investor visa, the applicant must have a networth of not less than USD 700,000 in cash.
How much bank balance is required for South Africa visa?
South African government required you have at least 173 USD, which will cover your intended stay in the country.
