Business Visa | Xpatweb

SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Business visas are available for individuals who want to establish and operate their own business in South Africa. These visas allow applicants to obtain temporary or permanent residency while managing their business ventures in the country.
SA-icon

Enter and re-enter South Africa freely

Progress to Permanent Residency

Family members may accompany you

HOW DOES ONE QUALIFY?

Business Visa Application Requirements for South Africa 

As part of the business visa application process, applicants must provide a certificate from one of the following professionals: 

  • A chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), 
  • A professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), or 
  • A business accountant registered with the South African Institute for Business Accountants (SAIBA). 

This certificate must confirm that the applicant has proof of at least ZAR 5 million available in cash for investment in South Africa, as determined by the Minister of Home Affairs. 

Capital investment requirements may be reduced or waived for businesses in the following sectors: 

  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 
  • Clothing and Textile Manufacturing 
  • Chemicals and Biotechnology 
  • Agro-processing 
  • Metals and Minerals Refinement 
  • Automotive Manufacturing 
  • Tourism 
  • Crafts

Click here for full list 

  • Applicants must provide undertakings that include: 
  • Employment of at least 60% South African citizens or permanent residents of the total staff complement in the business operations. 
  • Registering the business with the following authorities and bodies where applicable: 
  • South African Revenue Service (SARS) 
  • Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) 
  • Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases 
  • Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) 
  • Relevant professional body, board, or council recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in terms of Section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act
  • Additionally, applicants must obtain a certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to support their business visa application.

A comprehensive business plan and business profile are essential requirements to secure a South African business visa. For detailed guidelines and templates, please click here. The certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) usually takes 1 to 3 months to obtain. Once you have this certification, you can submit your business visa application. The processing time for the business visa by the Department of Home Affairs or the relevant South African embassy typically takes about 3 – 4 months, depending on the amount of pending applications within the Department of Home Affairs. 

100-Success-rate-with-expedited-delivery

CONTACT US

Useful Tools

Scroll to Top