Typically, you would first apply for a Temporary Residence (TR) Visa via the South African Mission in your current country of residence, followed by a Permanent Residence (PR) Permit application in South Africa.

1. Temporary Residence for Retired Persons

You are eligible for a Retired Person’s visa if you meet the following requirements:

• You receive a monthly passive income of the prescribed amount (R37 000) or you own assets generating this amount per month.
• You can prove this monthly income by submitting documents (in your own name) such as a state or private pension statement, a lease agreements stating rental income received, a bank statements proving receipt of rental income, title deed(s) of property you own, interest or dividends received on investments etc. (salaries are not accepted for retirement)
• In some instances, you can also prove the income requirement of R37 000 by means of a capital lump sum which makes provision for the R37 000 monthly requirement. The lump sum can be calculated as follows:

R37 000 x 48 months (4 years) = R1 776 000

NB: Some embassies do not accept the capital lump sum as meeting the financial requirement and specifically require proof of monthly income.

Should you wish to apply for a Retired Person’s visa, you should take note of the following technical information:

• The visa is valid for up to 4 years and you may apply for an extension on the visa should you want to stay in South Africa for longer. Please make sure, your passport is valid for at least the duration of this visa, otherwise you will not receive the full duration.
• These applications have no restriction on age and thus, if you meet the income requirement, you are eligible for the retired persons visa.
• If you have a spouse or any children who you wish you join you to South Africa, they will be eligible for an accompanying spouse/partner or accompanying dependant visa that will be based off your retired persons visa. These visas are valid for up to 3 years, but you may also apply for an extension should your spouse or children want to stay in South Africa with you for a longer period.
• You and your accompanying spouse/partner and children are NOT allowed to work, study or become self-employed as you have a retired persons visa.

Application processing times at the Department of Home Affairs

Temporary visa applications are submitted in one’s home country before departure to South Africa. Application processing times can vary from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, dependant on the relevant South African Embassy/Consulate.

All applications have to be submitted in person. Once application has been submitted, South African Embassies retain your passport until your application has been processed. Thus, travel will be restricted.

2. Permanent Residence for Retired Persons

You are eligible for permanent residence based on retirement if you meet the following requirements:

• You receive a life-long guaranteed income of R37 000 per month.
• You can prove this monthly income by submitting documents (in your own name) such as a state or private pension statement, lease agreements stating rental income received, bank statements proving receipt of rental income, title deed(s) of property owned etc. Property is not limited to life as it is usually bequeathed to the next generation upon death, thus, proof of property ownership will fulfill the “life-long guaranteed income” requirement. Dividends or investment portfolios may also be considered.

Should you wish to apply for Permanent Residency based on retirement, you should take note of the following technical information:

• Once Permanent Residence is granted, you will never have to apply for an extension on your retired persons visa as your Permanent Residence permit will replace your temporary visa.
• You will receive the right to reside in South Africa on a permanent basis.
• You will receive all the same rights enjoyed by South African citizens except the right to vote and the right to obtain a South African Passport.
• You will be able to maintain your existing citizenship.
• Your PR may be withdrawn if you are absent from South Africa for more than 3 years.
• Once your permanent residence permit has been granted, your parents, spouse/life partner (for at least 5 years) as well as your children can apply for permanent residency based off your permanent residence.
• Processing times for PR can take currently up to 3 years.

Should you be interested in engaging our services, please feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation.