Section 15 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (as amended)
Business Visa
The Business Visa is intended for foreign nationals who intend to establish, invest in, or operate a business in South Africa. The applicant must demonstrate a prescribed minimum capital investment, provide a business plan, and obtain a recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). The business must create employment opportunities for South African citizens or permanent residents.
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Validity
3 years, renewable
The Business Visa has strict capital requirements and requires a recommendation from DTIC before application. Engage an accredited immigration practitioner before starting — the requirements and process are complex and frequently change.
Phase one
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet all the requirements below before gathering any documents. A missing eligibility criterion means a refused application.
Prescribed Minimum Capital Investment
You must invest a minimum prescribed capital amount in a South African business. The exact amount is prescribed by the Minister of Home Affairs in the Government Gazette. Verify the current prescribed amount with DHA or VFS Global before applying, as this has changed over time. The investment must be genuine and verifiable — it cannot be a loan or encumbered funds.
Tip: Confirm the current prescribed minimum investment amount directly with DHA or an accredited immigration practitioner before making your investment. Unencumbered capital must be demonstrated through a chartered accountant's report.
Viable Business Plan
You must present a credible, detailed business plan for the business you intend to operate or establish in South Africa. The plan must demonstrate the business's viability, projected employment creation, and economic contribution.
Tip: Your business plan should be professional and detailed — include financial projections, market analysis, and a specific plan for how many South African citizens or PRs the business will employ.
DTIC Recommendation
A formal recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) that your proposed business or investment is in the interest of South Africa. This must be obtained before submitting your visa application to DHA.
Tip: The DTIC recommendation process can take several weeks. Contact DTIC directly or through an accredited immigration practitioner to begin this process early.
Employment Creation for SA Citizens/PRs
The business must create employment opportunities for South African citizens or permanent residents. DHA and DTIC assess the number of jobs the business will create as part of the evaluation.
Tip: Your business plan should specifically commit to the number of South African jobs that will be created and include a projected hiring timeline.
No Criminal Record
You must have no unspent criminal record in South Africa or any country where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
Tip: Order all required police clearances early — they take several weeks in most jurisdictions.
Phase two
Gather Your Documents
Start with the longest lead times. Police clearances and foreign qualification evaluations typically take the longest. Begin those immediately.
Phase three
The Application Process
Follow these steps from eligibility check through to receiving your visa or permit.
Develop Your Business Plan
2–6 weeksBefore engaging with DHA, develop a thorough business plan and confirm your capital position. Engage a business consultant and immigration practitioner early.
- 1Develop a detailed business plan with financial projections and employment commitments
- 2Engage a South African chartered accountant to review your capital position
- 3Identify the sector your business will operate in and confirm DTIC interest
- 4Engage an accredited immigration practitioner familiar with Section 15 applications
Obtain DTIC Recommendation
4–8 weeksApply to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for a formal recommendation. This is a prerequisite for the DHA application.
- 1Submit your business plan and capital documents to DTIC
- 2Engage with DTIC's investment promotion team if necessary
- 3Await the DTIC recommendation letter (4–8 weeks)
Gather All Documents
4–8 weeks (parallel with DTIC)While waiting for the DTIC recommendation, gather your personal documents: medical certificate, radiology, police clearances, and the BI-1738 form.
- 1Attend DHA-approved medical examination and obtain radiology report
- 2Apply for police clearances from all required jurisdictions
- 3Obtain net worth statement from chartered accountant
- 4Complete and certify the BI-1738 application form
Book and Submit at VFS Global
1 dayOnce you have all documents including the DTIC recommendation, book and attend your VFS Global appointment.
- 1Book appointment at VFS Global (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha)
- 2Attend with all originals and copies
- 3Pay VFS service fee (~R1,520) and biometric fee (~R230)
- 4Receive application reference number
Await Decision
4–8 weeksDHA processes Business Visa applications within 4–8 weeks for complete applications. Track via VFS Global.
- 1Track your application on the VFS Global portal
- 2Respond promptly to any information requests
- 3Do not begin trading until the visa is issued
Collect Your Visa
1 dayCollect your passport with visa endorsement from VFS Global or via courier.
- 1Collect your passport from VFS Global or receive via courier
- 2Verify all details — visa type, conditions, validity dates
- 3Keep the DTIC recommendation and all business documents — they may be needed for renewals
Book your VFS Global appointment
Applications are submitted through VFS Global South Africa. Book your appointment and upload your documents online.
Visit VFS Global SASummary
Cost overview
All fees are estimates and subject to change. Verify current amounts directly with VFS Global, DHA, and relevant authorities before submitting your application.
Sources: Immigration Act 13 of 2002, section 15; Immigration Regulations (GN 413 of 2014, as amended); Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (https://www.thedtic.gov.za); VFS Global South Africa (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha). Capital requirements and fees are subject to change — verify current requirements with DTIC and DHA before applying.
Ready to check off every document?
Use the interactive checklist to track your progress.