Sections 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (as amended)
Permanent Residence Permit
Permanent Residence (PR) allows you to live, work, and study in South Africa indefinitely without further visa applications. There are multiple bases on which you can apply, including through employment (critical skills or general work), through marriage or partnership with a South African citizen or PR holder, through long-term residence, or through financial independence. Processing times are long — typically 12–24 months — due to DHA backlogs. Once granted, permanent residence does not expire but can be withdrawn for serious violations.
Processing time
12–24 months
Validity
Permanent — no expiry date
Permanent residence applications have long processing times (12–24 months). Maintain your current valid visa or permit throughout the process — do not allow it to lapse while waiting. Contact DHA directly if your current visa expires before a decision is made.
Phase one
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet all the requirements below before gathering any documents. A missing eligibility criterion means a refused application.
A Qualifying Basis for Permanent Residence
You must qualify under one of the categories set out in the Immigration Act. The most common bases are: (1) Critical Skills — after holding a Critical Skills Work Visa; (2) Employment — after working for a SA employer for 5 years on a general work visa; (3) Marriage or partnership — after 5 years of marriage or partnership to a SA citizen (2 years as a dependent spouse); (4) Long-term residence — after 5 consecutive years of lawful temporary residence; (5) Financial independence — demonstrated net worth above the prescribed minimum; (6) Close relatives of SA citizens. Each category has specific additional requirements.
Tip: Identify your strongest qualifying basis before applying. If you qualify under more than one, apply under the basis with the most complete documentation and most straightforward eligibility.
Continuous Lawful Residence
For most categories, you must have been lawfully resident in South Africa for the qualifying period without your visa lapsing or being violated. DHA will check your immigration history and any prior overstays, deportations, or violations will be considered.
Tip: Maintain your current visa status throughout the PR application process — which can take 1–2 years. Renew your current visa before it expires and keep all renewal receipts.
No Unspent Criminal Record
You must have a clean criminal record in South Africa and in every other country where you have resided for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Police clearances are required from each relevant jurisdiction.
Tip: PR applications involve a more thorough background check than temporary visa applications. Order clearances from all countries where you have lived, even briefly.
SA Tax Compliance (SARS Clearance)
You must have a South African income tax number and be tax compliant with SARS (South African Revenue Service). A tax clearance certificate or tax compliance status (TCS) confirmation is required.
Tip: Register with SARS as a taxpayer (if not already) well before applying. Obtain your TCS confirmation — this is available online through the SARS eFiling portal.
Medical Fitness
A medical certificate (Form BI-811) from a DHA-approved medical practitioner, along with a radiology report, is required.
Tip: Book your DHA-approved medical as soon as you start gathering documents — the certificate is valid for 6 months and must not expire before your submission.
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.
Identify Your Qualifying Basis
1–2 daysPermanent residence has multiple qualifying categories. Confirm which category you qualify under before gathering any documents — the required documents differ significantly between categories.
- 1Review sections 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act to identify your qualifying basis
- 2Check how long you have been on your current visa and whether you meet the qualifying period
- 3Confirm your SA tax compliance status with SARS
- 4Consider engaging an accredited immigration practitioner — PR applications are complex
Ensure Tax Compliance
1–4 weeksRegister as a SARS taxpayer and resolve any outstanding tax issues before starting the PR process.
- 1Register for a SARS tax number if not yet registered (https://efiling.sars.gov.za)
- 2Submit any outstanding tax returns
- 3Resolve any tax debts or issues
- 4Obtain your Tax Compliance Status (TCS) confirmation from eFiling
Gather All Documents
8–12 weeksThis is the most complex document-gathering exercise in the SA immigration system. Start all long-lead documents simultaneously. Allow 8–12 weeks for all documents to arrive.
- 1Apply for SAPS police clearance (4–8 weeks)
- 2Apply for foreign police clearances from all required jurisdictions simultaneously
- 3Book and attend DHA-approved medical examination and radiology
- 4Collect proof of your qualifying basis (employment records, marriage certificate, etc.)
- 5Obtain SARS TCS confirmation
- 6Complete the BI-947 application form
- 7Compile all certified copies
Submit at VFS Global
1 dayPR applications are submitted through VFS Global application centres. Ensure your entire package is complete and correctly organised before attending your appointment.
- 1Book your appointment at VFS Global (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha)
- 2Attend with the complete application package — every document, original and copy
- 3Pay the VFS service fee (~R1,520) and biometric fee (~R230) — confirm current amounts with VFS
- 4Receive your application reference number
- 5Keep your submission receipt — you will need it to follow up and if your current visa expires during processing
Await the Decision (12–24 months)
12–24 monthsDHA's current processing times for permanent residence are 12–24 months due to backlogs. Maintain your current visa status throughout this period. If your visa expires while the PR is pending, you must notify DHA and maintain proof of your pending application.
- 1Track your application through the DHA online portal or by contacting DHA directly
- 2Renew your current temporary visa before it expires while the PR is pending — keep all receipts
- 3Respond promptly to any information requests from DHA
- 4Follow up with DHA after 12 months if you have not received a decision
- 5Keep all original documents — they may be requested again during the process
Collect Your PR Permit
1 dayOn approval, you will be issued a Permanent Residence permit. This is a separate document issued by DHA (not an endorsement in your passport). Your PR permit has no expiry date.
- 1Collect your Permanent Residence permit from VFS Global or via courier
- 2Verify all details on the permit — your full name, nationality, and permit number
- 3Keep your PR permit safe — losing it requires a replacement application and fee
- 4Apply for a SAPO ID document or passport amendment if required
- 5Note: PR can still be withdrawn for serious violations of the Immigration Act
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, sections 26 and 27; Immigration Regulations (GN 413 of 2014, as amended); VFS Global South Africa (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha); Department of Home Affairs (https://www.dha.gov.za). Processing times and fees are indicative — confirm current requirements with DHA or VFS Global before applying.
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