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Applicable Legislation
Applications for permanent residence status in the RSA are
considered in terms of section 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act, 2002
(Act No 13 of 2002), read with Regulation 33 of the Immigration Regulations.
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Tariff: R1 520.00 or
US$ 169 or
EU 152
Processing time:
± 30 days
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Where to apply for permanent residence
If a prospective immigrant is still abroad, at the South African
diplomatic or consular representative in or nearest to his/her
country of origin or country of normal residence.
If the prospective immigrant is already residing in the RSA on
a valid temporary residence permit, at the nearest Regional Office
of the Department of Home Affairs in the province in which he/she
intends to reside permanently or intends to take up employment.
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Who may apply for permanent residence
There are different categories under which one may
apply for permanent residence status. These
categories are described under related information
in the folder named "Frequently asked questions". Prospective
permanent residents of the RSA includes retirees; persons who
wish to establish business in the RSA or who wants to invest in
existing businesses; persons who wish to work in the RSA; etc.
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What to submit
- A full set of fingerprints
- Marriage certificate / Proof of spousal relationship, if applicable
- Divorce decree / proof of legal separation, if applicable
- Proof of custody / maintenance, if applicable
- Death certificate iro late spouse, if applicable
- Consent of parents iro minors, if applicable
- Proof of judicial adoption, if applicable
- Police clearance certificates iro all countries in which
you resided for a period of one year or longer, since your 18th birthday
- Valid temporary residence permit, if already in SA.
The above-mentioned documents are the general documents
applicable to all permanent residence applications. Additional
documents are applicable to the different immigration categories
and these are listed in the permanent residence application form, BI-947
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Application for
permanent residence
(BI-947)
Related information
Frequently asked questions |
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Acceptability of documents
All documents submitted in support of a permanent residence application must
be the originals or copies authenticated by the issuing authority or a certifying
authority or entity of the country of origin.
If applicable, all supporting documents must be translated into one of South
Africa's official languages and such translations must be certified as correct
by a sworn translator.
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Employment in the RSA
It is important to take note that the Department of Home Affairs does not assist
foreigners to secure employment or to obtain offers of employment in the RSA.
At the time of submitting the application for permanent residence status, foreigners
who wish to take up employment in the RSA should already have secured employment
and be in possession of employment contracts
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Duration and purpose of stay
An application for permanent residence should only be submitted if it is your intention
to reside in the RSA on a permanent basis, i.e. not for a specified period.
Once permanent residence status has been obtained, you have all the rights,
responsibilities and obligations of a South African citizen, except for the right to
vote in South African elections and the right to make use of a South African passport.
The afore-mentioned rights will only be acquired when South African citizenship is
obtained in terms of the provisions of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No 88 of 1995).
As already mentioned, permanent residence status is granted for the purpose of permanent
settlement in the RSA. Therefore, if you obtained such status and leave the RSA for a period
of three years or longer, the Department of Home Affairs may withdraw your status, unless
you inform the Department timeously and provide an acceptable reason for your stay outside
the RSA.
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click to view the Immigration Policy Document | |
