Want to visit, live, work, or study in the rainbow nation?
SA Migration | 16 Jan 2023
We explain how to apply for the correct visa for South Africa based on your situation.
South Africa is a beautiful and culturally diverse country that offers unique experiences and exciting opportunities for all. However, many tourists and migrants wanting to cross her rugged shores must first apply for a South African visa if they are planning to visit, live, work, or study in the country; or perhaps join a relative or partner there. Furthermore, your nationality and reasons for coming to South Africa will dictate what type of visa you need.
Luckily, this guide is here to explain the conditions of each type of visa for South Africa to help you choose the correct permit. But before we delve into that, it’s important to know that this information serves only as a guideline. Ideally, you should seek specific advice from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) or its official immigration partner, VFS.Global, which manages all visa applications and visa facilitation centers of the DHA. Just note that only the DHA can issue visas and permits for South Africa and VFS.Global do not influence the outcome of the application.
The guide includes the following information on permits and visas for South Africa:
• Immigration in South Africa
• Who needs a South African visa?
• Types of South African visas
• Temporary Residence Visa (TRV)
• Non-immigrant South African visas (short-term)
o Visitor’s Visa (Holiday/Tourist Visa)
o Other types of long-term visitor visas
o Business Visa
• Non-immigrant South African visas (long-term)
o Study Visa
o Exchange Visa
o Work Visas
o Relative Visa
o Medical Visa
o Retired Person’s Visa
• Asylum seekers and refugees in South Africa
o The process for seeking asylum or refugee status in South Africa
o Requirements for applying for a Permanent Resident Permit (PRP)
• Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
• Citizenship in South Africa
• Arriving in South Africa
• Appeals and complaints
• Useful resources
SA Migration
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Immigration in South Africa
South Africa is the most industrialized economy in the region with a culturally diverse population of over 60 million people and 11 official languages. According to a survey conducted by HSBC in 2019, 62% of expats who moved to South Africa saw an improvement in their quality of life compared to their home countries. Furthermore, 55% planned to reside in South Africa for more than 20 years.
The county’s attractive climate, thriving outdoor lifestyle, and general quality of life were among the reasons for wanting to remain there longer. In 2020, South Africa also ranked as the 38th most appealing country for expats in HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey, based on living, aspiration, and mindset criteria.
Read our Guide on the cost of living in South Africa
However, as a society, South Africa does have its problems. Indeed, general safety, security, and racial tensions remain the biggest concerns among expats living or considering moving to the country. You can gain a better understanding of South Africa by reading our guides on where to live, the society and history, and the cost of living in the country. Furthermore, these may help you make a more informed decision about whether to move there.
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