BUSINESS VISA
Unlock business prospects in South Africa with a Business Visa, designed for foreign nationals looking to establish or invest in vital sectors. Explore the requirements, processing times, and family inclusion options.
South Africa’s Business Visa Sectors
A Business Visa allows a foreign national to establish a business in South Africa or to invest in an existing business in South Africa, provided that the sector of business falls under those considered of national importance as determined by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition. (DTIC).
Currently, the sectors favored are:
Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing
Services
Resourced-based Industries
Energy (incl. Power Generation and Renewable Energy) and Infrastructure
However, in terms of the Immigration Gazette No. 561, the below industries are listed and considered as national interest, and may qualify to apply for a reduction or waiver of the capital requirements:
Agro-processing
Business Process Outsourcing and IT Enabled Services
Capital/Transport equipment, metals and electrical machinery and apparatus
Electro Technical
Textile, Clothing and Leather
Consumer goods
Boatbuilding
Pulp, paper and furniture
Automotive and Components
Green Economy Industries (Power Generation and Renewable Energy)
Advanced Manufacturing
Tourism Infrastructure
Chemicals, plastic fabrication and pharmaceuticals
Creative and Design Industry
Oil and Gas
Mineral benefication
Infrastructure Development
Information Communications Technology (ICT)
Key Requirements
What are the requirements for a Business Visa?
The prerequisite requirements for a Business Visa are:
R5million in cash when establishing a business available, or capital contribution (e.g. equipment), when investing.
Recommendation letter from the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) confirming the feasibility of the business and contribution to the national interest of the Republic.
Comprehensive business plan
Registrations with SARS, UIF, COIDA, CIPC, and a SAQA recognised body
How long is a Business Visa issued for?
This visa may be issued for a period of three (3) years and is renewable in South Africa. One may also apply for permanent residency in this category provided they comply with the prescribed requirements.
How long does the Business Visa process take?
The Business Visa application is two-fold, as an application will first need to be made to the DTIC for a recommendation letter, which can take between 3 – 6 months, and only thereafter, if approved by DTIC, can one apply for the Business Visa to the Department of Home Affairs, which has a prescribed processing time of 8 – 10 weeks.
Undesirable Businesses for South Africa
The following industries have been considered to be undesirable and would not qualify for a Business Visa for South Africa
Businesses that import second-hand motor vehicles into South Africa with the purpose of exporting to external markets from South Africa,
Exotic entertainment industry
Security Industry
CONTACT US
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I don’t have the full R5million cash/capital?
Should the business be of national interest, one may apply to the Department of Home Affairs to reduce or waive the capital requirement.
My Business Visa is due to expire, do I need to undergo the process with DTIC again?
Yes, when one is renewing their Business Visa and/or applying for Permanent Residency, a new application to the DTIC must be made in terms of the changes since the establishment/investment into the business and employment of locals.
Can my family apply to join me on a Business Visa?
Yes, one’s family may apply for accompanying visas alongside then main business visa application.