What is a relative’s visa?

A relative’s visa is geared towards anybody who is a first of kin or a second of kin and who wants to live in South Africa. Please be aware that the paperwork for a first of kin is different to that of a second of kin. You will be required to apply under either one of these categories.

A first of kin relationship refers to a parent, child, husband or wife. A second of kin relationship refers to a grandparent, grandchild, brother or sister.

Who can apply for a relative’s visa to South Africa?

In order to apply for a relative’s visa to South Africa, it is imperative for you to be either a first of kin or a second or kin to a South African citizen or alternatively a permanent resident holder.

It is important to be aware that first of kin relatives are able to apply for both temporary and permanent residency where as second of kin can only apply for a temporary residence.

What should I know about applying for a relative’s visa to South Africa?

The relatives permit is different to that of a relative’s visa. While the relative’s visa does not allow for the holder to work or operate a business, a relative’s permit on the other hand affords applicants nearly all the full rights of a South African citizen as they are awarded full and permanent residence. This will allow you the freedom to work study and own a business at your own leisure.

What is the best step forward?

The best step forward is to first assess if you qualify or not. One of the best ways to learn more and to gain a better understanding of the process in its totality is to consult with an immigration consultant who has years of experience helping people obtain relative visas for South Africa.

For more information on the South African relative’s visa, contact us

To find out more South Africa’s relative’s visa, call us in Johannesburg on +27 (0) 11 234 4275 or in Cape Town on +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a free call back or complete a quick and easy online assessment for us to contact you. Our immigration consultants have assisted thousands of foreigners immigrate to South Africa and can do the same for you.

What is a spousal and life partner visa?

A spousal visa/permit is for immigration to South Africa in the case of a husband or wife of a South African citizen or permanent residence holder who wishes to immigrate to South Africa. In the same manner, a life partner visa/permit is for a life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident.

The fundamental difference is that a visa is granted on a temporary basis and is normally only issued for 2-3 years; this is opposed to a permit which is for permit residence and allows for a full lifetime stay in South Africa.

Who can apply for a spousal and life partner visa to South Africa?

If you are a spouse or a life partner of a South African citizen or permanent residence holder, then you may apply to come and live in South Africa. It is imperative for you to be aware of the fact, that you will need to be able to prove that you have been married or together for a period of five years in order to qualify to be able to apply for permanent residency. However it is possible to be able to be granted temporary residency before this time period.

What should I know about applying for spousal and life partner visa to South Africa?

The good news is that a spousal or life partner visa gives you a wonderful advantage in terms of studying, working and even opening up your own business. If you are a foreigner who is married to or in a relationship with a South African, all that is required is an endorsement to the visa.

If you obtain a spousal or life partner permit, the good news is that you are now a permanent resident, so no endorsements will be required and you will be free to work study or open a business just like every other legal citizen in South Africa.

Please feel free to learn more about the different partner permits and visas here.

What happens if we are a same sex couple?

If you are a same sex couple the process is exactly the same. In fact South Africa is a very diverse and open country which fully supports the rights of same sex couples.

For more information on spousal or life partner visas in South Africa, contact us

To find out more about spousal or life partner visas, call us in Johannesburg on +27 (0) 11 234 4275 or in Cape Town on +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a free call back or complete a quick and easy online assessment for us to contact you. Our immigration consultants have assisted thousands of foreigners with immigrating to South Africa and can do the same for you.

What is a business visa?

A business visa is one of the ways of obtaining residency in South Africa. It does not only refer to starting or setting up your own business, but it also refers to you working within the business yourself. A business visa is different from an investor’s visa. An investor’s visa refers to investing money into a business, which you do not wish to work in. A business visa refers to a business which you yourself are a part of and work in.

Who can apply for a business visa to South Africa?

Anybody who wishes to set up and run their own business within South Africa and who also is seeking temporary or permanent residency could apply. The business itself can be a start up, a purchased company or even a partnership. It is important to fully understand the full list of criteria’s, rules and regulations with regard to setting up a business in South Africa.

What should I know about applying for a business visa to South Africa?

In order to even be considered for a business visa, you are going to need to get fully up to date with all the requirements. It is important to meet each and every single one of them fully. This is where an immigration consultant can come in very useful as they have vast knowledge and experience in this regard.

In order to be eligible for a business visa in South Africa, applicants should be fully aware that there is a capital equivalent or cash investment that needs to be met. A detailed and practical business plan needs to be submitted.

What is the first step in obtaining a business visa?

The very first step in obtaining a business visa for South Africa is to establish your eligibility. Many people waste substantial amounts of time, energy and money trying to create a business plan before even establishing if they are eligible or not.

For more information on the South African business visa, contact us

To find out more about South Africa’s business visa, call us in Johannesburg on +27 (0) 11 234 4275 or in Cape Town on +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a free call back or complete a quick and easy online assessment for us to contact you. Our immigration consultants have assisted thousands of foreigners with their business visas and can do the same for you.

What is a work visa?

A work visa offers many opportunities for people who are wishing to live in South Africa as well as obtain legal and ethical work. The regulations around work visas aims to provide a balance between ensuring that local South Africans are recruited as far as possible but also to recruit workers from abroad who can fulfill skill shortages and requirements.

Who can apply for a work visa to South Africa?

Anybody who wishes to live and work in South Africa and who meets the specific requirements can apply for a work visa to South Africa.
There are two types of work visas, mainly where the applicant has a job and another where the applicant doesn’t have a job. In each of these instances there are further categories and requirements which need to be met. It can all get somewhat tricky and this is why the use of an immigration consultant can come in very handy.

What should I know about applying for a work visa to South Africa?

In order to apply for a working permit for immigration purposes, all criteria’s need to be met fully. It is highly advisable to first find out if you are eligible prior to arranging anything else. A knowledgeable and experienced immigration consult would be able to help you in this regard, fortunately for you this may increase your chances of success, as well as decrease your chances of wasting your time, energy and money.

Will my family be able to come with me if I successfully obtain a work visa to South Africa?

One of the most common questions asked by people, who wish to obtain a work visa, is if their family is allowed to come with. The answer is that in many instances partners as well as dependants may accompany holders of work visas. However this does not mean that partners are allowed to study, work or run a business.

For more information on South African work visas, contact us

To find out more the different work visas for South Africa, call us in Johannesburg on +27 (0) 11 234 4275 or in Cape Town on +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a free call back or complete a quick and easy online assessment for us to contact you. Our immigration consultants have assisted thousands of foreigners with immigrating to South Africa and can do the same for you.

What is a retired visa?

A retied visa or permit is a specific type of visa which is granted to immigrants who are keen on spending their retirement years in beautiful South Africa. A retired visa is granted under the premises that the applicant is not looking to work, study or open their own business. A retirement visa is granted purely for retirement purposes.

Who can apply for a retirement visa?

There are various factors which are taken into consideration however the main qualifying criteria are financially based. Good character and health are also taken into account.

It is imperative to understand that a retirement visa in South Africa comprises of a visa which is temporary. It is valid for up to four years at a time. Permanent residency can then be applied via a retired person permit application.

The requirements are based on the same monthly income amount but the retirement visa does allow you to substitute the required income level with a cash equivalent.

How much money will I need to have for a South African retirement visa?

One of the biggest concerns for South African immigration law is that retirees can afford their retirement without placing too much strain on the resources of the state.

The minimum income which is required is a set figure of ZAR 37,000. This is a gross income and it needs to come from reliable source that is guaranteed.

What is the best way forward should I wish to retire in South Africa?

It is going to be within your best interest to consult with a reputable and experienced immigration consult that specialises in immigration for South Africa. It may also prove useful to consult with an immigration consultant who works for a reputable and trustworthy immigration company.

One of the best things which you can do for yourself is to determine if you are eligible for a retirement visa. This can be done by taking a free one minute assessment here.

For more information on the South African retired visa, contact us

To find out more about South Africa’s retired visa, call us in Johannesburg on +27 (0) 11 234 4275 or in Cape Town on +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a free call back or complete a quick and easy online assessment for us to contact you. Our immigration consultants have assisted thousands of foreigners with their immigration to South Africa and can do the same for you.

Moving to any country is always a big deal and should never be underestimated in any way. If you are planning to move to South Africa, then you may want to gain a better understanding about the different types of South Africa visas which are available.

Some basic information you should know:

Visas for immigration to South Africa

Should you wish to immigrate to South Africa, you will be required to apply for a visa. Visas and permits to South Africa can strictly only be issued by The Department of Home Affairs.

The specific type of permit or visa for immigration purposes which you should apply for is determined by the activity which you choose to undertake during the process of relocating to South Africa.

The available South African visas are:

Work Visa: Anyone who wants to work in South Africa, must apply for a work visa. Both temporary and permanent residency are available. To be eligible for permanent residency however, 5 years on a temporary visa is a requirement.

Spousal and Life Partner Visas: These visas are available to the spouses and life partners of South African citizens or permanent residents. Same-sex partnerships qualify too.

Relative’s Visa: First or second kin family members of South African citizens or permanent residents can apply for a relative’s visa to immigrate to South Africa.

Retired Visa: To spend your retirement years in South Africa, apply for a retired visa. The approval of the visa is subject to meeting certain financial requirements.

Business Visa: Foreigners who want to set up or buy a business in South Africa, or who want to enter into a partnership, must first apply for a business visa.

Contact us with any questions you may have on South African visas

Intergate has processed more than 9 000 visa and visa related queries since our inception in 2005. We are in the perfect position to answer any questions you might have on South African visas and immigration to South Africa. Call our Cape Town office on +27 (0) 21 424 2460 or our Johannesburg office on +27 (0) 11 234 4275. Alternatively, request a free call back for one of our consultants to contact you instead. Until you make contact, why don’t you complete an online assessment to see which South African visa you could qualify for?