Visitor’s Visa
(Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)

The Research Visa allows foreign nationals to reside in South Africa temporarily for the purpose of conducting approved academic research. It is issued for individuals who have been formally accepted by a recognised South African institution to undertake a specific research project. The visa provides legal residence for the approved duration of the research and supports academic collaboration with South African universities and research institutions.

Benefits of the Research Visa

Enables temporary residence in South Africa for approved academic research
Encourages collaboration with South African universities and recognised research institutions
Provides access to relevant research environments, facilities, and academic networks
Valid for the approved duration of the research project (typically up to 12 (twelve) months)

Research Visa Requirements

This visa is designed for foreign nationals who wish to conduct academic research in South Africa for a limited period.

If you are applying for a Research Visa, you will need to show proof of your research purpose, medical cover, and financial means, along with standard Visitor Visa documentation.

The required documents include:

Completed application form BI-1738.
Valid passport (with at least 3 (three) blank pages).
Vaccination Certificate (if required).
Proof of financial means in the form of latest 3 (three) months bank statements.
Undertaking(s) by host(s) in South Africa (e.g. research institution or university).
Proof of medical cover for the duration of your stay.
Medical Certificate.
Police Clearance Certificates from all countries in which you have lived for 12 consecutive months or more during the last 5 years.
A letter from the South African Research Institution confirming:

– The nature, purpose, and duration of the research project.
– The institution accepts responsibility for the applicant during their stay.
A letter from the applicant’s foreign institution confirming registration, research objectives, and continued enrolment abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who qualifies for a South African Research Visa?

Foreign nationals who have been formally accepted by a South African research institution to conduct Short-Term Academic Research. 

2. How long is the Research Visa valid?

It is valid only for the duration of the approved research project, typically up to 12 (twelve) months. 

3. Can I extend my Research Visa?

No, extensions are generally not granted. You must depart from leave South Africa once your project ends or your visa is set to expire. 

4. Can I work while on a Research Visa?

No, the visa is strictly for research purposes and does not allow general employment. 

5. Can my family accompany me on this visa?

No, dependants are not automatically included. They must apply separately under the appropriate visa category. 

Visitor’s Visa
(Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)

The Research Visa allows foreign nationals to reside in South Africa temporarily for the purpose of conducting approved academic research.

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

RNW - What visa do you currently hold?(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 - Have you received an Offer of Employment(Required)

GWV - 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)

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)

Have you secured an official business invitation or cooperation letter from a Chinese-based company?(Required)

If Yes, Please provide the name of the inviting Chinese company.(Required)

Please provide a brief description of the purpose of your visit.(Required)

What is your current occupation and the nature of your business activities?(Required)

What is the intended duration of your stay in China?(Required)

How frequently do you intend to travel to China for business purposes?(Required)

Will you have any dependents accompanying you during your stay?(Required)

Full Name(Required)

Contact Number(Required)

Email Address(Required)

What is your current nationality or country where you hold long-term residency status?(Required)

What is the nature and purpose of the research you intend to conduct in South Africa?(Required)

Have you received a formal invitation or confirmation from a South African research institution or university?(Required)

What is the anticipated duration of your intended stay in South Africa for the research activity?(Required)

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Visitor’s Visa
(Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)

Benefits of the Research Visa

Research Visa Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who qualifies for a South African Research Visa?

2. How long is the Research Visa valid?

3. Can I extend my Research Visa?

4. Can I work while on a Research Visa?

5. Can my family accompany me on this visa?

Visitor’s Visa
(Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)

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Visitor’s Visa (Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)

Benefits of the Research Visa

Research Visa Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who qualifies for a South African Research Visa?

2. How long is the Research Visa valid?

3. Can I extend my Research Visa?

4. Can I work while on a Research Visa?

5. Can my family accompany me on this visa?

Visitor’s Visa (Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)

Contact Us

Useful Tools

FIND US

Contact US

IN THE NEWS

Copyright © 2026 | Xpatweb

Visitor’s Visa
(Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)

Visitor’s Visa
(Section 11(1)(b)(iii) – Research Visa)