South Africa Business Visa

1. Residence permit36 months
2. Renew36 months at a time
3. Permanent residencypossible
4. Citizenshipafter 5 years

• Permanent residency
• Citizenship 5 years
• Dual citizenship allowed
• Language required for citizenship One official language

Country

South Africa

Program

South Africa Business Visa

Local name

Business visa

Type

Entrepreneur

Status

Active

Initial duration

36 months

Renewable

Yes (36 mo)

Temporary residence for a foreigner who will establish a business in South Africa, invest in one, or who has already done so, and who may work in that business. The gazetted capital is ZAR 5 million in cash from outside South Africa, or that cash together with new machinery or equipment. At least 60% of the staff must be citizens or permanent residents. The visa is issued for up to three years at a time.

Tax regime

Worldwide

Regime name

SA progressive tax (18-45%)

Foreign income taxed

Yes

Capital gains taxed

Yes

Method

embassy, in country

Apply from abroad

Yes

A recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is required, on the feasibility of the business and its contribution to the national interest. The visa itself is lodged at a mission, or at the Department for an extension or a change of status. The capital must be in the book value of the business. Proof of the investment is due within 24 months and then every two years. Proof that 60% of the staff are citizens or permanent residents is due within 12 months. The holder may not do other work. No visa is issued for importing second-hand motor vehicles into South Africa in order to export them, for the exotic entertainment industry, or for the security industry. The Director-General may reduce or waive the capital for a business prescribed to be in the national interest, or when the trade department asks. Immediate family members receive a visa for the same period. Permanent residence under section 27(c) uses the same capital test and can be requested without first holding this visa. It lapses if the investment is not still in place two years after the permit, and again three years after that. The statutory fee is ZAR 1,520. USD figures use ZAR 16.53 per USD on 9 October 2026. Naturalisation needs permanent residence, five years of ordinary residence, and communication in one official language, with no more than 90 days abroad in any of those years. A tax resident is taxed on worldwide income.

• Digital Nomad Visadigital nomad visa

1. Oct 10, 2026

   Added

   created. ZAR 5 million from outside South Africa, 60% local staff, up to three years, renewable, permanent residence under section 27(c) with no waiting period (https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/37837gon560.pdf).