Important – the following documents must be officially certified by a solicitor. This should be in the form of an official stamp, original signature and clearly stating that the named person has verified the document:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Marriage Certificate
3. Identity Document
4. Passport
5. Divorce decree
6. Medical and Radiological report (if you wish to retain the original).

For those applying for a critical skills visa only –

• SAQA Evaluation Certificate (if you wish to retain the original)
• Professional body certificate (if you wish to retain the original)

Please note that the Embassy of South Africa is only able to certify official South African documents.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Visa application form (DHA-1738 Form 8), duly completed, signed and dated.
• 2 Passport sized photographs; Seeguidelines on Passport & ID Photograph Specifications
• Valid passport or travel document valid for 30 days after the end of the visit to South Africa. Passport must have at least three (3) blank pages for endorsement purposes, and issued not more than 10 years ago on the date of submission of your visa application.
• Copy of main/bio page of current passport.
• Original and copy of current UK Visa or UK Residence Permit (if Residence Permit is plastic card type, please copy both sides), valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date of the trip to the South Africa
• A medical report.
• A radiological report.
• Police clearance certificates (Original document) in respect of applicants 18 years and older, in respect of all countries where person resided one year or longer since having attained the age of 18.
• For minors, certified copy of birth certificate, certified copies of both biological parents’ Passports (main page) and an affidavit signed by both biological parents and certified by a Commissioner of Oathswill be required. Additional documentswill be required in case either of the natural parents is unable to sign.
• Marriage certificate or in the case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition thereof issued by the authorities of the country concerned, if available.
• The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable, as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.Please see affidavit in respect of heterosexual and homosexual relationships
• Divorce decree, where applicable.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if travelling to or from any other country affected by yellow fever in a space of 14 days before arriving or after leaving RSA. This will be based on WHO’s periodical list of yellow fever countries).

SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS

An application for a business visa by a foreigner who intends to establish a business or invest in a business that is not yet established in the Republic, must also be accompanied by:

• A certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that-
  • At least an amount in cash to be invested in the Republic as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available; or
  • At least an amount in cash and a capital contribution as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available;
• An undertaking by the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff complement to be employed in the operations of the business shall be South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions: Provided that proof of compliance with this undertaking shall be submitted within 12 months of issuance of the visa;
• An undertaking to register with the:
  • South African Revenue Service;
  • Unemployment Insurance Fund;
  • Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases;
  • Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required; and
  • Relevant professional body, board or council recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1) (i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, where applicable. provided that upon registration, all certificates shall be submitted to the Director-General;
• A police clearance certificate (Original document); and
• A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding:
  • The feasibility of the business; and
  • The contribution to the national interest of the Republic.
• An application for a business visa by a foreigner who has established a business or invested in an existing business in the Republic, shall be accompanied by-
  • A certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that-
  • At least an amount in cash to be invested or to be invested in the Republic as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available or already invested; or
  • At least an amount in cash and a capital contribution as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available or already invested;
• Proof that at least 60% of the total staff complement employed in the operations of the business are South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions;
• Proof of registration with the-
  • South African Revenue Service;
  • Unemployment Insurance Fund;
  • Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases;
  • Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required; and
  • Relevant professional body, board or council recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(0 of the National Qualifications Framework Act, where applicable;
• A foreigner who invests or has invested in an existing business shall, in addition to complying with sub regulation (2), submit-
  • Financial statements in respect of the preceding financial year; and
  • Proof of investment.

The applicant must, within 12 months of the visa being issued, submit to the Director-General a letter of confirmation from the Department of Labour that 60% of the staff complement employed in the operations of the business are South African citizens or permanent residents who are employed permanently in various positions.

Visa fees : £220