Apply For A South African Business Visa

Guide to the South African Business Visa

South Africa offers exciting opportunities for foreign nationals aiming to start a new business or invest in an existing company. To do so, you’ll require a South African Business Visa, governed by Section 15 of the South African Immigration Act and its supporting regulations. This visa allows active participation in your business and can lead to South African Permanent Residence.

Important Note: Simply owning property in South Africa does not qualify you for a Business Visa. You must be actively involved in a legitimate business venture.

Apply for a Business Visa

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Who Needs a South African Business Visa?

The Business Visa is specifically designed for foreign individuals who:

Intend to establish a brand-new business entity in South Africa.
Plan to make a significant investment in an already-established South African company.

Requirements for a South African Business Visa

To secure your Business Visa, you must primarily meet two fundamental requirements:

Financial Investment: You must demonstrate a foreign direct investment of at least R5 million South African Rand. This capital must originate from outside South Africa and contribute to the business’s capital. (Approximate USD/EUR equivalents are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.)
Commitment to Local Job Creation: Your business must undertake to ensure that at least 60% of its total workforce will be South African citizens or permanent residents, employed in various permanent positions. Proof of compliance with this undertaking is required within one year of the visa being granted.

Waiver of the R5 Million Investment Threshold

For businesses operating in sectors deemed to be of national interest to South Africa, it’s possible to apply for a waiver to reduce the R5 million investment requirement. This provides flexibility for strategic investments. Examples of these industries include (but are not limited to):

Agro-processing: Fisheries, food processing, beverages, natural fibres, organic food, biofuels.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) & IT Enabled Services: Call centres, back-office processing, shared corporate services, legal process outsourcing.
Manufacturing: Capital/Transport Equipment, Metals, Electrical Machinery, Electro Technical, Textile/Clothing/Leather, Consumer Goods, Boatbuilding, Pulp/Paper/Furniture, Automotives & Components, Advanced Manufacturing.
Green Economy Industries: Power generation (including renewables like wind, solar, hydro), energy efficiency, waste management, circular economy.
Tourism Infrastructure: Hotels, resorts, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, leisure complexes.
Chemicals, Plastic Fabrication & Pharmaceuticals: Basic chemicals, water treatment, medical devices, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vaccines.
Creative & Design Industry: Film, multimedia, design, jewellery, fashion.
Oil and Gas: Maintenance, fabrication, specialized services, exploration, infrastructure.
Mineral Beneficiation: Downstream processing and value addition.
Infrastructure Development.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): IT, Wireless & Telecom, Electronics, Digital Media, Software Development.

View a full list of businesses qualifying for business visa investment waivers here.

Steps to Apply for a South African Business Visa

The application process for a South African Business Visa is a two-step journey:

Step 1: Secure a Letter of Recommendation from the DTIC

This initial step is critical. Your application must provide a detailed blueprint of your proposed business. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) assesses the feasibility and national interest contribution of your venture.

Documents Required for the DTIC Online Application:

Applicant’s Passport: Clear copy.
Current South African Visa: If applicable.
Comprehensive CV: Outlining your professional background.
Factual Finding Report & Representation Letter: Prepared by a licensed South African Chartered Accountant, Professional Accountant, or Business Accountant, verifying your investment (current or prospective).
- Proof of Accountant’s Professional Registration: With SAICA, SAIPA, or CIBA.
Proof of Investment Funds: Documentation demonstrating your ability to meet the financial threshold.
Undertakings for Business Registration: Signed commitments to register with:
- Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COIDA)
- South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
- Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC) (if already registered, provide proof).
- Relevant industry-specific body/board (if applicable).
- Relevant professional body/council based on SAQA-recognized qualifications (if applicable), including an undertaking to verify qualifications and register post-operation.
- An undertaking that at least 60% of your total staff will be permanently employed South African citizens or permanent residents.
Partnership Agreement: If forming a partnership.
Government Incentive Proof: If any incentives have been received from the DTIC or other government bodies.
Detailed Business Proposal: Covering personal details, business description, applicant’s expertise, market analysis, competitive advantage, management, financial projections, national interest contribution, and feasibility.
Audited Financial Statements: If investing in an existing business (for the past two years).
Motivation Letter for Waiver: If you are seeking a reduction in the R5 million investment.
The DTIC recommendation application is now primarily submitted via their new online Business Visa Recommendation System (VRS). The DTIC aims to process these applications within approximately 45 working days.

Step 2: Submit Your Business Visa Application (DHA)

Once you have a positive recommendation from the DTIC (and a waiver, if applicable), you can proceed with the main Business Visa application through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Documents for the Business Visa Application:

DHA-1738 Application Form: Duly completed and accurate.
Valid Passport: Certified copy.
Previous South African Visas: Certified copies.
Passport Photos: Two recent photos (if applying outside SA).
Police Clearance Certificates: From every country where you’ve resided for 12+ months in the last 5 years (for applicants over 18). Allow ample time for these, as some can take months.
Medical Report: Completed standard medical certificate. Note: Radiological reports are no longer required per Immigration Directive 4 of 2023.
Proof of Accommodation: Residential address in South Africa (if available).
Host’s Residential/Physical Address: If applicable.
Flight Reservations: Copy (if applying outside SA).
Marriage Certificate/Proof of Life-Partner Relationship: Or divorce decrees, if applicable.
Yellow Fever Certificate: If you have travelled through or from a yellow fever risk area.
Official DTIC Letter of Recommendation.
Accountant’s Letter: Including proof of professional body membership.
Proof of Funds/Investment: Evidence of capital.
Your Business Plan: (as submitted to DTIC).
Curriculum Vitae.
Letter of Undertaking.
Proof of Registration with Relevant Regulatory Bodies: If applicable.
Proof of Medical Aid: If available.
Approved Waiver Document: If you applied for and received a waiver.

Business visa applications can be submitted at a South African embassy or mission in your home country/country of residence, or through VFS Global in South Africa if you are eligible for in-country submission.

Fees and Processing Times

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Application Fee: R1,520 for the Business Visa submission.
Waiver Submission Fee (at VFS in-country): R1,550 (if applicable).
Total Costs: Will encompass the DTIC application, accountant’s certificates, waiver (if applicable), and the final visa application. For precise and up-to-date cost estimates, consult with our team of expert attorneys and immigration consultants.

Visa processing times typically range from 8-12 weeks for the DHA stage, after the DTIC recommendation (which takes around 45 working days) has been secured.

Visa Duration & Ongoing Compliance

A South African Business Visa is issued for a period of up to three (3) years and is renewable.

Post-Issuance Compliance: Within one year of your visa being granted, you must provide the Director-General of Home Affairs with a letter from the Department of Labour confirming that at least 60% of your company’s employees are South African citizens or permanent residents.

The invested funds must be tied to the business and cannot be withdrawn until 5 years after obtaining Permanent Residence or if you formally cancel your Business Visa.

Renewing Your South African Business Visa

To renew or extend your Business Visa, you will essentially need to re-initiate the entire application process:

Obtain a new DTIC Recommendation.
Re-apply for a Capital Waiver (if applicable).
Submit a new Business Visa Extension application.

With the Business Visa application process transitioning fully to the online system as of April 1, 2025, adhering to digital submission procedures is more important than ever for a smooth application.

Additional Considerations

Businesses in the following sectors are regarded as undesirable candidates for Business visas and will therefore not be considered under this category of Visa:

Businesses that import second-hand motor vehicles into the Republic of South Africa or the purpose of exporting to other markets outside the Republic of South Africa
The exotic entertainment industry
Security Industry