South Africa
All Visa Pathways(23 visas)
South Africa11(1)(a) — Visitor's Visa
Temporary visa for tourism, business, or short-term visits to South Africa, valid for up to 90 days
South Africa11(1)(b) — Visitor's Visa
Temporary residence permit for tourism, voluntary work, research, and prescribed activities with flexible duration options
South Africa11(2) — Visitor's Visa with Short-Term Work Endorsement (up to 180 days/year)
Temporary work authorization for short-term and urgent work assignments in South Africa (technicians, trainers, film crews) not exceeding 90 days per grant with one possible extension
South AfricaBusiness Visa (establish or invest in a business, valid up to 3 years)
Temporary residence visa for foreign investors establishing or purchasing a business in South Africa with a minimum investment of ZAR 5 million and full work rights.
South AfricaCorporate Visa
Work visa issued to corporations (not individuals) established under South African or foreign law to employ foreign workers in South Africa. Corporate entity must be registered and in good standing with relevant authorities.
South AfricaCritical Skills Work Visa (Section 19(4))
Person-centric work visa for professionals on South Africa's Critical Skills List, valid up to 5 years and transferable between employers in the same field.
South AfricaDiplomatic Visitor's Visa
Temporary visitor visa for diplomatic personnel and officials on official business to South Africa.
South AfricaETA — Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
New electronic travel authorization for citizens of Mainland China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico for tourism and business visits. Available from November 2025.
South AfricaExchange Visa
Visa for young people under 25 years old participating in cultural, economic, or social exchange programs. Allows work and study during exchange period.
South AfricaGeneral Work Visa (Section 19(2))
Employer-specific work visa under Section 19(2) for skilled foreign professionals filling positions unmet by South Africa's local labor market, valid up to 5 years.
South AfricaIntra-Company Transfer Work Visa (Section 19(5))
Intra-company transfer visa for foreign staff moving to a South African branch or subsidiary of their employer, valid up to 4 years and non-renewable.
South AfricaPermanently Residence Permit - Financially Independent
Permanent residency for individuals with minimum net worth of R12 million. No requirement to invest funds in South Africa. Grants immediate permanent residency without expiry.
South AfricaRemote Work / Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years)
Visitor's visa under section 11(1)(b)(iv) for foreign remote workers earning at least ZAR 650,796/yr from a foreign-based employer; up to 3 years.
South AfricaResearch Visa (Section 11(1)(b)(iii))
Temporary residency permit for academics and researchers invited by South African institutions to conduct non-remunerative scholarly work, valid up to 3 years.
South AfricaSection 14 — Treaty Visa (activities under international agreements)
Visa for foreigners conducting non-commercial activities in South Africa under bilateral or multilateral government-to-government treaties or international agreements
South AfricaSection 17 — Medical Treatment Visa
This visa is for foreign nationals intending to receive medical treatment in South Africa for a period exceeding three months.
South AfricaSection 18 — Relative's Visa
Visa for family members of South African citizens or permanent residents. Includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings within 1st or 2nd line of kinship. Financial sponsor requirement applies (except for spouses/minor children).
South AfricaSection 20 — Retired Person Visa
Visa for retirees with stable pension or investment income. Requires monthly income of at least R37,000 from pensions, annuities, investments, or equivalent lump sum. Valid for up to 4 years with pathway to permanent residency.
South AfricaSection 21 — Corporate Visa
This visa is issued to a corporate applicant (juristic person) to employ a predetermined number of foreign nationals for a specific period.
South AfricaSpousal Visitor's Visa (spouse of SA citizen or permanent resident)
Temporary residence visa for foreign nationals married to or in a permanent relationship (2+ years cohabitation) with a South African citizen or permanent resident.
South AfricaStudy Visa
Visa for foreign nationals to study at accredited South African educational institutions, valid for the duration of their enrolled course.
South AfricaTransit Visa (transit through a South African port of entry)
Short-term visa for foreign nationals transiting through South Africa to neighboring countries or onward international destinations
South AfricaVolunteer Visa
Visa for foreign nationals performing unpaid volunteer or charity work with registered organizations in South Africa. Valid for up to 3 years for extended volunteer assignments.