Expert South African Visa Hub
Navigating South African immigration can be complex, but with the right guidance, your move doesn't have to be. As your dedicated immigration partner, Moving South Immigration is here to simplify the process.
We are happy to assist with all immigration, South Africa visa and permanent residency queries.
Contact us today to start your journey!
Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV)
Fast-Track Your Move to South Africa: Attracting Global Talent for Immigration South Africa
The Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV) is the most efficient pathway for skilled foreign professionals. It is specifically designed to attract global talent in occupations deemed critical to the country’s economic growth. We can help you determine if your occupation qualifies for South African immigration.
Key Requirements & Eligibility
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Critical Skills Match: Your profession must be listed on the official Critical Skills List.
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SAQA Evaluation: We assist in validating your foreign qualifications via the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
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Mandatory Job Offer: You must secure a valid offer of employment from a South African employer before submitting your visa application.
The Path to Permanent Residency (PR)
The new Points-Based System (PBS) is now the formal mechanism for assessment. Your profile must reach 100 points:
The CSWV offers a potential fast-track to permanent residency (PR):
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Initial Visa Duration: Up to five years.
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PR Application: If you have at least five years of relevant experience (local or abroad), you may apply for Permanent Residence at the same time as your initial CSWV application - this should be at lest five years POST QUALIFICATION WORK EXPERIENCE and it should be once you have obtained your initial CSWV application. You cannot lodge both at the same time.
General Work Visa (GWV)
The Standard Pathway for Employment in South African Immigration
The GWV is for skilled professionals whose occupation is not on the Critical Skills List. It is fully assessed via the Points-Based System (PBS) and requires an official job offer. We ensure your employment contract and PBS submission are compliant with South African immigration requirements.
Key Requirements
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Mandatory Job Offer: Must have a confirmed employment offer.
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Points-Based System: Applicant must score a minimum of 100 points based on a comprehensive assessment of qualifications, experience, salary, and language skills.
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SAQA Evaluation: Foreign qualifications must be assessed by SAQA.
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Duration: Issued for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.
PBS Salary Thresholds (Example Points)
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Earning R976,194 or more gross per annum can earn up to 50 points.
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Earning between R650,796 and R976,194 gross per annum can earn up to 20 points.
Retired Person's Visa
Residency Based on Retirement
This visa is ideal for individuals of any age who wish to reside in South Africa based on a secured, passive income, and do not intend to be actively employed. Let us verify your income streams to ensure compliance with South African immigration policy.
Core Financial Requirement
The applicant must provide proof of a guaranteed, lifelong passive income of at least R37,000 per month (or equivalent assets) derived from a foreign source (e.g., pensions, irrevocable annuities, rental income, or investments).
Key Benefits & Duration
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Flexibility: The visa is usually issued for up to four years and is renewable.
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No Age Limit: Despite the name, there is no minimum age requirement.
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Path to PR: Holders can apply for Permanent Residency if the income stream is secured for the rest of their life.
Business Visa
For Foreign Investors and Entrepreneurs
The Business Visa is for foreign nationals intending to establish a new business or invest in an existing one in South Africa, contributing to job creation and economic growth. Our team provides comprehensive support for the DTIC recommendation process for immigration to South Africa.
Mandatory Requirements
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Minimum Investment: Proof of a foreign direct investment of at least R5 million (ZAR) into the business.
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Local Employment: An undertaking that at least 60% of the total staff will be South African citizens or permanent residents.
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DTI Recommendation: Must obtain a positive recommendation letter from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the business's feasibility.
Waiver Possibility
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The R5 million capital requirement may be reduced or waived if the business falls within a designated list of industries deemed to be in the national interest (e.g., specific sectors of ICT, manufacturing, tourism, etc.).
Study Visa
For Students Attending Recognised Institutions
This visa allows foreign nationals to study at a registered educational institution in South Africa. We help secure your visa for the full duration of your course or program.
Key Requirements
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Acceptance Letter: Official letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution.
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Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
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Duration: Issued for the duration of the studies.
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Conditional Work: Tertiary Students may be authorized to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time during vacations.
Relative's Visa
Family Reunification for Immediate Relatives
The Relative's Visa is designed for the immediate family members (spouses, children, or direct blood relations) of a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR). It is a key step towards long-term family residency in South Africa.
Relative's visa is just for spouses, children, parents and siblings within the first and second step of kinship of the SA citizen or PR holder.
Eligibility and Support
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Sponsorship: The South African Citizen or PR must sponsor the applicant.
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Proof of Relationship: Unabridged birth or marriage certificates are essential, along with other documents proving the relationship.
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Financial Support: The South African sponsor must demonstrate sufficient financial means (at least R8,500 per month) to support the relative without relying on public funds.
Work Endorsement
Relative's Visa does not automatically allow the holder to work, study, or run a business. A separate, specific endorsement for spouses of SA citizens or PR holders must be applied for and granted by Home Affairs to pursue any of these activities.
Exchange Visa
For Youth Exchange Programs
This visa is specifically for young foreign nationals, usually under the age of 25, who are entering South Africa as part of a formal cultural, educational, or job exchange program organised by a recognized institution.
Key Conditions
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Age Limit: Generally restricted to individuals under 25 years of age.
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Program Requirement: Must be part of a formal, bilateral exchange program approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
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Non-Renewable: The Exchange Visa is strictly non-renewable and cannot be extended in-country. The holder must leave South Africa upon expiry.
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Work: The visa permits the holder to work in the specific context of the exchange program.
Short-Term Visitor's Visa (Tourist/Business)
Entry for Tourism, Meetings, and Short Trips
This is the most common visa category for tourism, visiting family/friends, and short business trips (e.g., conferences, contract signings, meetings). We advise on the necessity of a visa based on your country of passport for immigration to South Africa.
Key Details
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Standard Duration: Typically valid for a period not exceeding 90 days.
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Extension: Can usually be extended once for a further 90 days if applied for within South Africa (60 days prior to expiry).
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Prohibited Activity: Cannot be used to conduct formal employment or change to a long-term visa status in-country.
Long-Term Visitor's Visa (Extended)
For Extended Stays (3 months to 3 years)
The long-term Visitor Visa covers specific activities exceeding 90 days but not requiring a full work permit. If you need to accompany a long-term visa holder, this is often the route we recommend as your immigration partner.
Key Use Cases
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Academic research or sabbatical (up to 3 years).
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Voluntary or charitable activities (up to 3 years).
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Spouse/life partner of a South African citizen or PR holder who is waiting for a formal spousal visa (up to 3 years).
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Medical treatment (if duration exceeds 3 months).
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Maximum Duration: Up to three years, depending on the purpose.
S11(2) Short-Term Work Authorisation
Authorisation for Urgent or Short-Term Work
This permit is a subcategory of the Visitor's Visa, specifically allowing the holder to conduct urgent or short-term work for a limited period. We facilitate the necessary pre-authorization for critical short-term projects as your South African immigration partner.
Key Features
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Duration: Valid for a period not exceeding 90 days per calendar year.
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Usage: Typically used for highly specialised tasks, machine maintenance, emergency repairs, or short-term training missions.
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Process: Must be applied for and authorized before travelling to South Africa.
S11(6) Spouse/Partner Authorisation
Work Endorsement for Spouses/Partners
This is a vital work authorization endorsement that allows the spouse or partner of a South African citizen or PR holder to work in the country while their main application (like a Spousal or Relative's Visa) is processed. We ensure this endorsement is correctly included in your application.
Key Requirements
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Relationship: Must be married to or in a proven life-partner relationship (of at least two years) with a South African citizen or Permanent Resident.
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Work Endorsement: The visa must contain an authorization stamp allowing the holder to accept employment.
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Duration: Typically issued for the same duration as the main spousal/relative's visa, up to a maximum of three years before renewal.
What we do
Our services encompass various aspects of visa immigration in South Africa, including assistance with business, tourist, and critical skills visas. In addition, we provide support for Forex transactions, South African document procurement and legalization/authentication, immigration audits, D-I-Y service packages, quality assurance on visa packs, and compliance services.
