Permanent Residence Permits

The following documentation must be submitted with a permanent resident application Form DHA – 947 and the specified requirements relevant to the category of application
Aligned to the Immigration Act, the following categories of Permanent Residence Permits can be applied for:

Section 26(a) – Foreigner with five years continuous work permit status
(This category applies to a foreigner who has been a holder of a work permit, including one issued under a corporate permit, in terms of this act for the period of five years and has proven to the satisfaction of the Director-General that he or she has received an offer for employment)

Section 26(b) – Spouse of a South African Citizen or permanent resident for a continuous period of five years
(This category applies to a person who has been the spouse of a South African Citizen or permanent resident for a period of five years, provided that a good spousal relationship exists and on condition that the permit shall lapse if, within two years after the date of issue of the permanent residence permit, the relationship no longer exists, except in the case of death.)

Section 26(c) – Child of a South African Citizen or permanent resident under 21 years of age
(This section applies to the child of a South African Citizen or permanent resident under the age of 18 years. A permanent residence permit under this section is issued on condition that it shall lapse, unless an application for its confirmation is submitted within two years after the date on which the child turns 21 years of age.)

Section 26(d) - Child of a South African Citizen
(This section applies to the child of a citizen and no age restriction applies since the child of a South African citizen by birth or descent qualifies for South African citizenship on the bases of his/her parent’s citizenship status. This category is applicable to South African citizens by naturalization.)

Section 27(a) – Worker
(A permanent residence permit may be issued to a foreigner of good and sound character that has received an offer for permanent employment)

Section 27(b) – Person possessing extra-ordinary skills or qualifications
(A foreigner who has demonstrated to the Director-General’s satisfaction that he or she possesses extraordinary skills/qualifications, and to those members of such foreigner’s immediate family determined by the Director-General under the circumstances or as may be prescribed)

Section 27(c) – Person who wish to establish or invest in an existing business
(This category is applicable to a foreigner who intends to establish a business in the RSA; or who already holds a temporary residence permit to conduct a business in the RSA; or who intends to invest in an existing business in the RSA)

Section 27(d) – A refugee as referred to in Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act
(This category is applicable to Refugees as referred to in Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No 130 of 1998), subject to any prescribed requirement).

Section 27 (e) – A retired person
(This category is applicable to a foreigner that intends to retire in the Republic, provided that such foreigner proves to the satisfaction of the Director-General that he or she has:-

• The right to a pension, or an irrevocable annuity, or a retirement account which will give such a foreigner a minimum prescribed amount for the rest of his/her life
  OR
• That the person concerned has a minimum prescribed net worth.)
  

Section 27 (f) – Financially independent
(This category is applicable to a foreigner who has proven to the satisfaction of the Director-General she or he has a prescribed minimum net worth; and has paid a prescribed amount to the Director-General)

Section 27 (g) – A relative of a South African Citizen or permanent resident within the first step of kinship
(This category applies to a foreigner is a relative of a citizen or a permanent resident within the first step of kinship)