A Permanent Residence Permit in South Africa is seen as a document which allows you to stay in South Africa indefinitely, even if you are not considered a citizen of South Africa. It is advised that when you apply for a Permanent Residence Permit in South Africa, you apply for temporary residence as well. This is because even if you apply for permanent residence immediately, it takes about 12 to 36 months currently for your permit to be ready.
Applications for Permanent Residence Permit in South Africa are evaluated in accordance with Regulation 33 of the Immigration Regulations and Sections 26 (Direct Residency Permits) and 27 (Residency on Other Reasons Permits) of the Immigration Act 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). Immigrants who can significantly contribute to extending South Africa’s economic foundation are given priority when it comes to issuing Permanent Residence Permits.
Two ways to gain a permanent residence permit in South Africa
There are two ways to gain a Permanent Residence Permit in South Africa, and that is through Direct Residency Permits and Residency on Other Reasons Permit. A foreigner is eligible for Direct Residency on the following grounds:
- Spouse married for more than five years.
- Dependent of a South African citizen or permanent residence holder under the age of 18 years (minor).
- Dependent of a South African citizen over 21 years.
While Recidency on Other Reason Permit is applicable on the following grounds:
- If the person is in possession of a permanent work offer in South Africa.
- If they have exceptional skills and qualifications.
- If they intend to establish a business in South Africa.
- Qualify as Refugees in terms of Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act.
- Qualify as retired persons.
- Are financially independent.
- Are relatives (biologically or judicially adopted) of a South African citizen/permanent residence permit holder.
Each of the above permanent residence categories have their own documentation needed for submission, in order to gain permanent residency, which you can find here.
Main documents needed for permanent residence in South Africa are:
Below is a list of the main documents needed for permanent residence permit in South Africa, a detailed set of documents needed can be found on the link above.
- All sets of your fingerprints.
- VFS appointment letter.
- Proof of spousal relationship or marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of legal separation or divorce decree, if applicable.
- Proof of custody of a minor, if applicable.
- Proof of payment for the application fee.
- Valid, original passport of the applicant and a recent, full-face photograph with the applicant’s name on the reverse side.
- Proof of custody of a minor, if applicable.
- Late spouse’s death certificate, if applicable.
- Parents’ consent, in the case of minors.
- Proof of judicial adoption of a minor, if applicable.
- Unabridged birth certificate.
- A deed poll in the case of the applicant who has changed their name, surname or sex.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicable.
- You’ll also need a police clearance certificate from all the countries you’ve lived in for more than a year since you were 18.
- If you are already in South Africa, you’ll need a valid temporary residency permit.
- Radiological and Medical clearance report.
Things which may prohibit a person to gain a permanent residence permit in South Africa
- If you belong to an organisation that exercises social violence or racial hatred.
- If you are part of an organisation that uses terrorism or crime to fulfil its goals.
- If you have been deported before and the department hasn’t deemed you habitable according to their prescribed manner.
- If you are wanted for arrest or have convictions for crimes such as murder, torture, drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, terrorism, or genocide in South Africa or any other nation with whom South Africa has diplomatic ties on a regular basis.
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