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Visa for spouses, partners, and minor children accompanying primary visa holder. Allows dependents to join applicant on any temporary residence visa. Financial requirement of R8,500/month per dependent (exemption for spouses/minors with primary visa holder).

Visa for foreign entrepreneurs and investors establishing or investing in a South African business. Requires minimum investment of R5 million (waivable for national interest projects) and 60% employment of SA citizens.

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.

Work visa for foreign professionals with critical skills in scarce occupations. Requires job offer from verified employer, SAQA-evaluated qualifications, and minimum 100 points under scoring system.

New electronic travel authorization for citizens of Mainland China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico for tourism and business visits. Available from November 2025.

Visa for young people under 25 years old participating in cultural, economic, or social exchange programs. Allows work and study during exchange period.

Work visa for foreign workers not on Critical Skills List. Subject to new points-based system (as of October 2024). No longer requires Department of Employment and Labour certificate.

Work visa for employees transferring from foreign company headquarters to South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Requires 6+ months prior employment and skills transfer plan.

Permanent residency available to holders of Critical Skills or General Work visas after 5 consecutive years. Also available to business visa holders with successful business operations.

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.

Automatic visa granted upon arrival for citizens of visa-exempt countries. Valid for tourism and short-term visits up to 90 days with no advance application required.

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).

Visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies working from South Africa. Requires minimum annual salary of R650,796 and proof of foreign employment. Cannot engage in local employment.

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.

Visa for international students enrolled in recognized South African educational institutions. Allows full-time study for the duration of academic program. Part-time work permitted (max 20 hours/week during term).

Visa issued to foreigners conducting activities in terms of international agreements to which South Africa is a party. Allows participation in agreed bilateral or multilateral programs.

Short-term visa for tourism and recreational visiting, valid for up to 90 days. Allows visitors to explore South Africa for leisure purposes without engaging in employment.

Visa for academics and researchers conducting research activities in South Africa. Typically used for sabbaticals and formal research projects at institutions.

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.