Immigration and Visa Application Services

Business Visa

What is a Business Visa?

If you are intending to start a business in South Africa as a foreigner, you are generally required to obtain a Business Visa. This visa type is issued for up to three years at a time and may be renewed from within South Africa.

Among many other requirements, Business Visa Applications must include a Certification in support of the application from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This Certification plays a fundamental role in the decision-making process of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and must be obtained before you can submit a Business Visa Application to the DHA.

Applicants are also required to provide proof of the availability of an amount of no less than R5 million that will serve as foreign direct investment into the prospective business or an existing South African business enterprise.

The capital amount of R5 million may be waived or reduced, subject to governmental approval, if the prospective or existing business falls into a category of prescribed industries. Please contact us for the full list of such industries.

Why a Business Visa?

Business Visas allow for multiple entries into South Africa which means you can travel in and out of South Africa as frequently as needed.
As a holder of a Business Visa you may also qualify to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit on the basis of your investment into a prospective or existing business enterprise in South Africa.
The DHA has committed to processing Business Visa applications within four weeks.

What are the main documents needed?

A Certification from the DTI speaking to the feasibility of the business and its contribution to the national interest of South Africa.
A written undertaking that 60% of the staff employed by the business will be either South African citizens or permanent residents.
A written undertaking that the business will register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the Compensation Fund for Occupational Injury and Diseases and, where statutorily prescribed, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

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Applicants are also required to submit a comprehensive business plan with their Business Visa applications which, inter alia, makes these applications quite convoluted and exhausting. HalloSA’s team of experts have extensive experience in assisting clients to navigate this vital component in a complex application process.

Did you know?

Business Visas are issued for a maximum period of 3 years.

BUSINESS VISA

Business Visa

What is a Business Visa?

Why a Business Visa?

What are the main documents needed?

halloSA's hot tip