Those in this type of relationship need to apply for either a spousal visa or life partner visa (depending upon their marital status) and get an endorsement to this visa rather than a stand-alone company visa.
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What residency can you obtain with Immigration to South Africa on a business visa?
You’d first apply for temporary residency (a business visa) which, if granted, is normally for a period of no more than three years. Once temporary residency was received you may make an application for permanent residency (a company permit).
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Can my family also immigrate if I am allowed this visa?
As with all visas in South Africa each applicant is given a visa in their very own right. Your spouse or partner and any children of a non school age would need to apply for accompanying visa and children in education would need the study visa.
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What is the fundamental standards for a business visa?
The Department of Home Affairs will require, among other things:
— A comprehensive business plan ;
–An appropriative business structure;
— Undertaking concerning the employment of South Africans;
— An investment amount of not less than 5 million rand originating from funds abroad;
— A completed application form either Form BI-1738 or Form BI-947;
— Written endeavors in respect of Revenue tax requirements;
— Medical and great standing report.
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Can I run more than one business?
Immigration to South Africa, on a small business visa, is special to a certain business and doesn’t entitle you to work within any other entity other than the one defined within the application and following visa. You can, however, freely make investments into other companies but not work in them.
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I have seen reports you can get exemptions from investing the R5 million rands; is this accurate?
The immigration act does allow for this. You can view more here on business groups that may qualify for a waiver.
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How lots of people must I commit to applying?
It’s a requirement that 60% of your staff are South African citizens, or permanent residency holders.
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In what format must the business plan be?
There’s absolutely no specified format but business plans are central to Immigration to South Africa on a small business visa and as such must be all-inclusive. It must also be recalled the business plan also has to be composed in accordance with specific things the Department of Home Affairs will look out for in judging your application so it will vary from a standard one.
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Do you know the medical and great standing reports?
The medical reports take the form of: 1. a physicians report and 2. a radiological report which includes a chest x-ray. Good standing refers to a police clearance certificate. A police clearance certificate is needed from every country the applicant has resided in for a span of 12 months or more since the age of 18.
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Where should I make an application?
Legislation forbids any visa application that would result in a change of status. As an example, entering South Africa on a tourist visa and then applying whilst on this tourist visa for Immigration to South Africa on a small business visa, wouldn’t be allowed. Where a change of status doesn’t apply then the application may be made in South Africa.
Getting help and more information in Immigration to South Africa on a business visa
you can contact us for a free and non obligatory consultation either by ringing us.
Our Immigration to South Africa on a business visa service includes all aspects of the application from guidance on firm structures, business plans, chartered accountancy certificate as well as the visa itself.
Business visa South Africa Documents Checklist
Checklist of Documents to be submitted for issuance of Business visa of South Africa
It is a permit issued to foreigners who intend to establish or put money into a business in South Africa in which they may be used.
Checklist of Documents to be submitted:
— A duly completed application form (BI-1738) signed by the applicant
— Passport valid for no less than 30 after the expiry of intended visits
— Two (2) passport photographs
— Medical report (physical)
— Radiological report (chest X-ray) or skin TB test
— FBI certificate (complete criminal history checks report) and police clearance certificate from many countries’ applicant lived in since age 18 for one year or more.
— Flight itinerary
— Non-refundable fee of $255.00 money order for processing
— $1,500.00 money order for repatriation deposit
— Proof of U.S. legal status (copy of green card) if not U.S. citizen
— Proof of financial/capital contribution equivalent to R2. 5million
— Chartered Accountant certifying the investment, and that it’s accessible and originated from abroad
— A business plan outlining the feasibility of the business
— Proof that at least five citizens/permanent residents shall be employed
— An undertaking to register with SARS
— Proof of registration with the correct body/board/council
— Processing time is 2 – 3 week
Attention: South African Consulate General in New York Applicants ONLY:
— $16.00 money order for overnight mailing.
Overview
Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by creating a business or by investing in an existing business in the nation must try to qualify for a business permit. As an applicant, you may have to invest a prescribed financial capital contribution.
The capital requirements above may be reduced or waived in respect of the following types of industries/companies –
–Information and Communication Technology
— Clothing and cloth manufacturing
— Chemicals and bio-technology
— Agro-processing
— Metals and minerals’ refinement
— Automotive production
— Tourism
— Crafts
— Application Fees
Class DHA Application Fee VFS Service Fee
Business Visa 1520 1350
Photocopy (Optional Service) 1 (per copy)
Premium Lounge (Optional Service) 500
SMS (Optional Service) 20
Internet Kiosk (Optional Service) Available in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban 100
— All fees are inclusive of VAT and to be paid in South African Rand. Above listed fees are non refundable once the application is received by VFS Global and Department of Home Affairs.
Records Required
In respect of a business visa by a foreigner who intends to set a small business or invest in a small business that is not established in the Republic
— Duly completed online form. Handwritten forms will never be taken by Department of Home Affairs.
— Applicants are requested to get first records for verification while submitting photocopies for any visa / permit kind
— Original passport
— Copies of passport and preceding visas
— Original Bank payment / Electronic Fund Transfer receipt for every applicant
— Original and Copy of Bank Receipt per applicant in case of Repatriation / Bank Guarantee paid in Department of Home Affairs Account
— Appointment Letter
— Passport valid for no less than 30 calendar days after the expiry of the intended visit.
— A medical report.
— A radiological report.
— Unabridged birth certificate.
— Police clearance certificates in respect of applicants 18 years and older, in respect of all countries where person resided one year or more since having attained the age of 18.
— A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.
— A certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to the effect that:
o at least an amount in cash to be invested in the Republic;
o proof that at least 60% of the total staff compliment utilized in the operations of the company are or shall be citizens or permanent residents employed forever in various positions.
— An undertaking to file with the-
o South African Revenue Service;
o Unemployment Insurance Fund;
o Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases;
o Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CPIC); and
o Relevant accredited professional body, board or council recognised by SAQA in relation to section 13(2)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No 67 of 2008), if relevant.
— A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding-
o The feasibility of the business; and
o The contribution to the national interest of the Republic
In respect of a business visa by a foreigner who intends to set a small business or invest in a business that’s already established in the Republic
— Duly completed online form. Handwritten forms will never be taken by Department of Home Affairs.
— Applicants are requested to get original records for verification while submitting photocopies for any visa / permit category
— Original passport
— Copies of passport and previous visas
— Original Bank payment / Electronic Fund Transfer receipt for each applicant
— Original and Copy of Bank Receipt per applicant in case of Repatriation / Bank Guarantee paid in Department of Home Affairs Account
— Appointment Letter
— Passport valid for no less than 30 calendar days after the expiry of the planned visit.
— A medical report.
— A radiological report.
— Unabridged birth certificate.
— Police clearance certificates in respect of applicants 18 years and older, in respect of all states where individual lived one year or more since having attained the age of 18.
