Republic of South Africa · investor · Leads to settlement
Business Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 12 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Visa for foreigners investing a prescribed amount of capital to establish or invest in a business in South Africa that advances the national interest.
- Processing time
- Processing times are published by the DHA and VFS Global and vary by case.
- Government fees
- The DHA sets the application fee; the prescribed capital contribution and any waivers are determined by the Minister in the Gazette - confirm current figures on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Issued for the period of the business activity, subject to conditions.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Business Visa for Republic of South Africa is an unsponsored South Africa immigration route. Sources: official Republic of South Africa government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/south-africa/business-visa#answer
What is the Business Visa in Republic of South Africa?
Business Visa is an unsponsored South Africa route. Indicative government fees are The DHA sets the application fee; the prescribed capital contribution and any waivers are determined by the Minister in the Gazette - confirm current figures on the official page; indicative processing time is Processing times are published by the DHA and VFS Global and vary by case; typical duration is Issued for the period of the business activity, subject to conditions. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The Business Visa is for foreigners intending to invest in and run a business in South Africa. A prescribed financial capital contribution applies, confirmed by a chartered accountant, with the amount set by the Minister in the Gazette. Applications are assessed for the feasibility of the venture, compliance with labour laws, and the benefit to the economy - including a requirement that a proportion of staff be South African citizens or permanent residents.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A prescribed financial capital contribution as determined by the Minister in the Gazette, certified by a chartered accountant.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓A viable business that advances the national interest and complies with South African labour laws.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Employment of a prescribed proportion of South African citizens or permanent residents.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Registration of the business with the relevant statutory bodies.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Meet health and character requirements.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Common blockers
- !Insufficient or unverified capital contribution.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- !Business not assessed as advancing the national interest.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- !Failure to meet the South African staffing proportion.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Chartered accountant certificate confirming the cash and capital contribution available for investment.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Business plan and proof of business registration.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Undertaking to employ the prescribed proportion of South African staff.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Valid passport, police clearance and medical reports.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the prescribed capital contribution and any sector-specific requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.
Build the evidence pack
Prepare the business plan, chartered accountant certificate and staffing undertaking.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the application through VFS Global on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
After approval
After approval, register and operate the business in line with the visa conditions, including the South African staffing requirement.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Business Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Business Visa.
Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) · verified
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Intra-company Transfer Work Visa
Work visa for employees transferred by a multinational group from a foreign branch to a related South African branch, subsidiary or affiliate, issued for up to four years and not renewable.
General Work Visa
Employer-tied work visa for foreigners with a confirmed South African job offer whose occupation is not on the Critical Skills List.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest for a South African Business Visa?+
A prescribed financial capital contribution applies, with the amount set by the Minister in the Gazette and confirmed by a chartered accountant. The Minister may also waive or reduce it for certain sectors. Confirm the current prescribed amount on the official DHA page before applying.
Do I have to employ South Africans on a Business Visa?+
Yes. The Business Visa requires that a prescribed proportion of the staff complement be South African citizens or permanent residents. The exact proportion and ongoing reporting requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Can a South African Business Visa lead to permanent residence?+
Yes. The Business Visa is an investor route that leads to settlement, so it can support a longer-term stay toward permanent residence. Permanent residence is a separate application with its own requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Does my Business Visa investment have to be verified by an accountant?+
Yes. The prescribed financial capital contribution must be certified by a chartered accountant, who confirms the cash and capital available for investment. Confirm the current prescribed amount on the official DHA page before applying.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in South AfricaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Department of Home Affairs (South Africa)
Last checked: 1 June 2026