RETIRED PERSON VISA

Retiring in South Africa is an ideal choice for foreign expats seeking a warm climate, rich cultural diversity, affordable living costs, and access to world-famous tourist attractions.

What you need to know about the Retired Person Visa

Benefits of the Retired Person Visa in South Africa

Work Authorisation Available: Retirees can apply for ad-hoc work permits if they wish to work occasionally.
Valid for Four Years: The visa is issued for a four-year period and can be renewed.
Multiple Entry Privileges: Visa holders can freely exit and re-enter South Africa during the visa validity.
No Minimum Stay Requirement: There is no minimum number of days you must spend in South Africa to maintain your visa status.
No Age Restrictions: Applicants of any age can qualify for the Retired Person Visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: This visa can serve as a stepping stone towards applying for permanent residency in South Africa.

Qualification Requirements for the South African Retired Person Visa

To qualify for a Retired Person Visa in South Africa, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of R37,000. This income can be proven through one or a combination of the following sources:

Pension or retirement income
Annuity payments
Combined assets
Interest earned from investments
Rental income
Dividend payments
Profit shares from business interests

FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

If you do not meet the monthly income requirement for the Retired Person Visa, consider applying for a Financial Independence Permit in South Africa. To qualify, you must prove:

A net worth of at least R12 million

A readily available deposit of R120,000

This permit offers a viable alternative for retirees seeking residency without the monthly income criteria.

WHY US?

Xpatweb boasts a team of experienced immigration specialists, master tax practitioners, commercial attorneys, chartered accountants, and mobility experts. Our unique advantage lies in integrating tax optimisation throughout the visa application process, ensuring all tax and residency implications are carefully considered.

Don’t meet the retirement visa requirements?

Our trusted partners at Africorp Advisory Solutions are ready to assist you with alternative options.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Retired Person Visa in South Africa?

The Retired Person Visa allows foreign nationals who can support themselves financially to live in South Africa during their retirement years. It can be issued on a temporary or permanent basis depending on the applicant’s financial circumstances.

2. Who qualifies for a Retired Person Visa?

You qualify if you can prove a monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000 (± USD 2,000) through:

Pensions
Annuities
Investments
Rental income
Other passive sources

You do not need to be officially retired or over a certain age.

3. How long is the visa valid for?

Temporary Residence: Issued for up to 4 years at a time, renewable
Permanent Residence: Can be applied for if your income is guaranteed for life
Applicants can choose to apply for both (or start with temporary and upgrade later).

4. Do I need medical insurance for this visa?

Yes. You must provide proof of comprehensive health insurance that will cover you for the duration of your stay in South Africa.

5. Can I work in South Africa on a Retired Person Visa?

Not by default. This visa is intended for those not seeking employment. However, you may apply for authorisation to conduct part-time or passive income-generating activities on a case-by-case basis.

6. Can I bring my spouse or partner with me?

Yes. You can include your spouse, life partner, or dependents in your application. Each person must submit their own documents, but they can be grouped under your visa as the primary applicant.

7. What documents are required for a Retired Person Visa?

Key documents include:

Proof of monthly income (bank statements, pension slips, etc.)
Valid passport
Medical and radiological reports
Police clearance (from all countries lived in for 12+ months)
Proof of medical insurance
Completed DHA application forms
Marriage or birth certificates (if applying with dependents)

8. Can I buy property in South Africa on this visa?

Yes. Foreigners on a Retired Person Visa can legally buy property in South Africa, though you may face stricter rules for mortgages or financing. Many retirees choose this visa to live in a home they’ve purchased.

9. Does the Retired Person Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes. If your income is guaranteed for life (e.g., through a pension or annuity), you may qualify for permanent residence under the Retired Persons Permit category. You can apply directly or after holding temporary residency.

10. How long does it take to process the visa?

Temporary Residence: 8–12 weeks (varies by country and embassy)
Permanent Residence: 12–24 months, depending on Department of Home Affairs processing backlogs
Planning ahead is crucial due to these lead times.

CONTACT US

Full Name(Required)

Contact Number

Email Address(Required)

Please select the visa category you require assistance with:(Required)

How old is the child?(Required)

Does the child's parent/ guardian have valid status within South Africa?(Required)

What is your marital status?(Required)

What is the status of your spouse?(Required)

What is the number of foreign nationals you are looking to employ?(Required)

CS - Do you currently have a formal offer of employment from a registered South African company?(Required)

CS - What is your highest level of Education?(Required)

CS - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

CS - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

CS - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

CS - In which country did you complete your highest qualification(Required)

CS - What position have you been offered(Required)

CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

GWV - What is your highest level of education?(Required)

GWV - In order to qualify for a General Work Visa, you must have an offer of employment from a South African employer. What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

GWV - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

GWV - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

GWV - Are you proficient in one of South Africa's 11 official languages?(Required)

ICT - Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

ICT - Have you been employed in your current position for longer than 6 months?(Required)

ICT - What is the expected duration of your secondment/ assignment?(Required)

RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

RV - What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

RV - Are you currently residing in South Africa?(Required)

RV - Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RWV - Are you currently employed by a foreign entity outside of South Africa?(Required)

RWV - Do you earn an annual salary exceeding R650,000? (UDS $37,000 / EUR 33,000)(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R1.8 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

STWA - What is the duration of your assignment in South Africa?(Required)

STWA - Does your current employer support your work in South Africa?(Required)

SV - Do you have an enrollment letter from a recognized learning institution?(Required)

SV - What level of education will you be completing in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is your intention in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is you intended duration of stay in South Africa?(Required)

RNW - What visa do you currently hold?(Required)

Please specify other(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Intra Company Transfer Work Visa?(Required)

PR - What Visa do you currently hold for South Africa?(Required)

PR - Have you received a permanent offer of employment?(Required)

PR - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_CS - What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

PR_CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_GWV - What is the expiry date of your current General Work Visa?(Required)

PR_GWV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_GWV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_ICT - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_ICT - Have you been offered Permanent employment by a South African employer?(Required)

PR_RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RV - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you receive an irrevocable income of at least R37,000 per month (Rental income, dividends, interest, pension, ect )(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least ZAR 1,8 million(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

RV - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R2.4 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

PR - Do you have direct family members that are South African Citizens or Permanent Residence holders?(Required)

BV - Do you intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa?(Required)

What type of business do you intend to operate or invest in?(Required)

BV - Are you able to invest a minimum of R5 million into the South African economy?(Required)

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GWV - Total Points(Required)

Country(Required)

Important Notice: Applications are accepted only from the countries listed below.

Please select the Visa Type you need to verify:(Required)

Company

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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