South Africa Business Visa

South African business permits concentrate upon the entrepreneurial ability and experience of the prospective candidate as well as the investment requirements as well as place emphasis upon the creation of jobs for South African citizens or permanent residents.

The range of South Africa visas and immigration services available to those intending to migrate to South Africa are varied and a range of specific visa services are available depending on the length of time spent in the country and the purpose of the visit.

For those considering South Africa immigration for a shorter period for the purposes of tourism or visiting family, a straightforward visit visa will be required.

However, for those hoping to live and work in South Africa, study, or begin a commercial enterprise, a number of temporary residence permits are available. In addition, for applicants migrating to South Africa on a permanent basis a range of methods are offered.

As a immigration advisory service, Global Visas can help you make sense of the South African immigration structure, helping you to assess your eligibility and determine which migration service is right for you. 

South Africa visa applications can be monitored throughout the process and our immigration consultants can offer specialist South African immigration lawyer advice to ensure that you obtain the best solution for your requirements.

Business Visa Benefits

The South African business visa is one of many temporary resident visas for South Africa which allow a foreign national to migrate to South Africa for an agreed period.

The South Africa business visa equates most directly to the UK investor visa and the USA EB-5 visa, both of which are based upon a candidate possessing sufficient business acumen and capital to successfully begin a commercial enterprise.

South African business visas are granted for a period of twenty-four months, which can be extended indefinitely providing that the SA visa requirements below continue to be met.

In addition, like South African work permits, business permit holders may ultimately apply for a permanent residence permit.

Visa Eligibility

In South Africa, immigration via this route requires a minimum investment of R2.5 million, around £175,000, to be made in either an existing business or a new venture.

In addition, if the business falls in line with the following sectors, a request for a capital reduction can be made. With our close relationship with the Department of Trade and Industry, Global Visas can assist with this capital waiver certificate.

• Chemicals/biotechnology
• IT/communications
• Metals/minerals
• Automotive/transport
• Agricultural processing
• Tourism
• Clothing/textiles/crafts

The other key requirement of the South Africa business visas is that the enterprise in question must result in the creation of at least five (5) employment opportunities for South African citizens or permanent residents. This requirement applies to a five year period in which the jobs must be created.

Beyond these criteria, candidates immigrating to South Africa via this route must also satisfy the following requirements:

• A detailed business plan must be submitted,
• The applicant must be employed in the investment or entrepreneurial venture,
• The business must demonstrate export potential of the transfer of a technology not generally available in the country,
• Evidence must be supplied to show that the investment capital will originate from abroad,
• Documentary evidence of the applicant's business experience and entrepreneurial skills must be submitted,
• A signed agreement must be made to register, if required, with the relevant statutory body for the sector.

Whilst a South Africa business permit may be extended, it is important to note that the conditions outlined above must continue to be met in order for a South African visa extension to be granted.

In some cases, business permits may be revoked if an enterprise does not continue to perform satisfactorily.

Dependents

As discussed, South African investor visas or entrepreneur visas are grouped within the temporary residence permit classification.

However, since South African visas of this class can be extended and may ultimately lead to permanent residence in South Africa, it is likely that successful candidates establishing or investing in a South African business will be present in the country for some years if not indefinitely.

As a result, spouse and dependent immigration are permitted and the spouse or partner and dependent children may accompany the principle applicant to South Africa.

Dependents will be granted visitor visa status to immigrate to South Africa for the same length of time as that granted to the business permit holder and therefore do not need to apply for a South Africa Relatives visa.