Republic of South Africa · residence general · Leads to settlement
Retired Persons' Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 9 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Visa for foreigners who wish to retire in South Africa, based on proof of a minimum monthly income or net worth.
- 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 income and net-worth thresholds are set by the Minister - confirm current figures on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Issued for an extended period subject to continued financial qualification.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Retired Persons' 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/retired-persons-visa#answer
What is the Retired Persons' Visa in Republic of South Africa?
Retired Persons' Visa is an unsponsored South Africa route. Indicative government fees are The DHA sets the application fee; the prescribed income and net-worth thresholds are set by the Minister - 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 an extended period subject to continued financial qualification. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The Retired Persons' Visa is for foreigners who intend to retire in South Africa. Eligibility rests on proof of financial means - either a minimum monthly income from a pension, annuity or similar source, or a minimum net worth - at the level set from time to time by the Minister. The route does not require the applicant to be of a particular age, and it can support a longer-term stay leading to permanent residence under the retired-person category.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Proof of a minimum monthly income from a pension, retirement account, annuity or similar source, or a minimum net worth, at the level set by the Minister.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Intention to retire in the Republic.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Proof of medical cover.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Meet health and character requirements.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Common blockers
- !Income or net worth below the prescribed threshold.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- !Financial means not adequately documented.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- !No valid medical cover.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Proof of pension, annuity, retirement-account income or net worth meeting the prescribed level.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Proof of medical cover.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Valid passport with at least 30 days validity beyond the intended stay.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Police clearance and medical reports.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the current minimum income or net-worth threshold set by the Minister.
Build the evidence pack
Gather proof of pension, annuity or net worth and arrange medical cover.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the application through VFS Global on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
After approval
After approval, reside under the visa conditions and consider permanent residence under the retired-person category.
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 Retired Persons' Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Retired Persons' Visa.
Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum age for the Retired Persons' Visa?+
The route is defined by financial means rather than a fixed minimum age - it is for foreigners who intend to retire in South Africa and can prove the prescribed income or net worth. Confirm the current requirements on the official DHA page.
How much income do I need for the Retired Persons' Visa?+
Eligibility is based on a minimum monthly income or a minimum net worth set from time to time by the Minister. Because these figures are adjusted periodically, verify the current thresholds 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