Residence & citizenship
South African Permanent Residence Permit
Permanent residence in South Africa, available through direct-residence routes (section 26) and residence on other grounds (section 27).
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Financial thresholds (e.g. the retirement/financial-independence income and net-worth figures) and any annual quotas under section 27 change over time; confirm current values against DHA sources before relying on specific figures.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official South Africa government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Permanent Residence Permit
- Route type
- Permanent residence
- Legal basis
- Sections 26 and 27, Immigration Act 13 of 2002
- Direct residence (s26)
- Includes holders of a work visa for a minimum qualifying period, and spouses/dependants of citizens or permanent residents
- Other grounds (s27)
- Permanent employment, critical skills, business, retirement, financial independence
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals who have held a work visa in South Africa for the minimum qualifying period (section 26)
- Spouses and dependent children of South African citizens or permanent residents (section 26)
- Applicants qualifying on other grounds — permanent job offer, critical skills, business/investment, retirement, or financial independence (section 27)
Requirements
- A valid passport and the completed application form (BI-947, online)
- Evidence supporting the specific category (e.g. work-visa history, proof of relationship, job offer, critical-skills proof, business investment, or retirement/financial-independence proof)
- Police clearance certificates from each country of residence and a medical/radiological report
- Category-specific certifications, such as a chartered accountant's certificate for business or retirement categories
What you can do
- Live in South Africa on a permanent basis
- Work, study, or run a business without a separate temporary visa (subject to any conditions on the permit)
How to apply
- Identify the correct section 26 or section 27 category for your circumstances
- Assemble the category-specific documentary evidence
- Submit the application and supporting documents through VFS Global (in-country) or a South African mission abroad
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.