What are the benefits of a Permanent Residency Permit?
Does not bind you to work for one company
Allows you to apply for bonds and loans of up to 20 years
Grants you all the rights of a citizen
(with the exception of the right to vote)
Qualifies you for South African
citizenship after 10 years
South African Permanent Residency Permit
The Director-General, when considering a Permanent Residency status application, places emphasis on applicants who are in a position to make a meaningful contribution to broadening the economic base of South Africa.
How does one qualify?
Applications for permanent residency are considered in terms of the below sections of the Immigration Act of 2002, as amended –
- Held a work permit for a minimum period of five years
- Are in possession of a permanent work offer in South Africa
- Have exceptional skills and qualifications
- Intend to establish a business in South Africa
- Qualify as Refugees in terms of Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act
- Qualify as retired persons
- Are financially independent
- Are relatives (biologically or judicially adopted) of a South African citizen/permanent residence permit holder
- Having been in a spousal relationship with a South African citizen for more than 5 years
When applying in South Africa, the applicant must have a valid temporary residence visa at all times whilst his/her permanent residency application is being processed.
Permanent residency applications take 8 – 12 months to process and in some cases even longer depending on the basis under which you apply.