Proof of Permanent Residence (POP) and the purpose thereof

What is Proof of Permanent Residence or Proof of PR (POP) and the importance of it? This is a question we get asked often.

Proof of PR applications are for the purpose of verifying a Permanent Residence holders' status in the Republic of South Africa.

Lost Original Permanent Residence Certificate:

This is an application which can be submitted if an individual lost his or her original Permanent Residence Certificate. As per condition of Home Affairs and stipulated on the PR Certificate, such a certificate only gets issued once and must be safeguarded at all times. The Department does not reissue a new certificate again. Upon the successful finalization of a POP application, a confirmation letter from the Department of Home Affairs will be issued, confirming the validity of the individual's residence status in South Africa.

Citizenship applications:

If an individual intends on applying for South African Citizenship via Naturalization, he or she must first apply for Proof of PR via the VFS office and obtain this confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs as part of the requirements.

Permanent Residence status / ID book for a long time:

Often individuals, who are in possession of a permanent residence status or Non-SA Citizen ID book for many years, are requested by immigration officials at airports to do a Proof of PR application in order to check if their status is still valid. We often pin this request to the fact that someone might have stayed out of South Africa for three (3) continuous years.

A Proof of PR application must be submitted, in person, at the VFS office. Typical documents to submit are the following -

• Copy of current and previous passport (with PR endorsement, if applicable)

• Copy of Permanent Residence Permit issued by Home Affairs

• Copy of SA ID book, if applicable

• Proof that relevant compliance with conditions were met (whichever conditions were stipulated on the PR Certificate

• Completed online VFS application form

• Proof of payment made

• Any other relevant supporting documents that you wish to submit

Should you have any other questions regarding the process of Proof of Permanent Residence (POP), feel free to reach out to us via our Contact Form on www.movingsouthimmigration.com. Alternatively, please contact us on sue@movingsouthimmigration.com or +2773 5357 534.

We look forward to hearing from you.