South Africa

A qualifying foreign commercial heavy-duty vehicle driver may enter or work under the current special exemption and section 11 visitor-work rules.

A foreign worker may work for a corporate applicant that holds an approved Corporate Visa and a worker authorisation certificate.

A foreign worker outside the Critical Skills occupation route may qualify through the current 100-point system and a mandatory job offer.

An established employee of a foreign company may transfer to its South African branch, subsidiary or affiliate.

A foreigner with a permanent employment offer may obtain permanent residence after the prescribed recruitment and occupational checks.

A visitor may receive a discretionary endorsement to perform a defined short-term work activity.

A foreigner establishing or investing in a qualifying South African business may obtain permanent residence.

A foreigner may establish, invest in, or operate an eligible South African business and work in that business.

The current start-up concept is implemented within the Business Visa, with an individual waiver application where minimum capital is unavailable.

A foreigner in an occupation on the current Critical Skills List may obtain the 100 occupation points needed for a Critical Skills Work Visa.

A foreigner with critical skills or qualifications may obtain permanent residence under section 27(b).

A foreigner accepted by a South African learning institution may reside for the approved course of study.

A foreign child of a South African citizen may receive direct permanent residence.

A foreign child under 21 of a South African citizen or permanent resident may receive direct permanent residence.

A foreign relative within the first step of kinship to a South African citizen or permanent resident may obtain permanent residence.

A foreign spouse in a good-faith relationship with a citizen or permanent resident for five years may obtain direct permanent residence.

An immediate-family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident may receive a Relative's Visa.

A spouse or dependent child may accompany or join the holder of a qualifying South African temporary visa.

A foreign spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident may receive a visitor visa while the good-faith relationship exists.

A financially independent foreigner may obtain permanent residence after proving the prescribed net worth and paying the prescribed amount on approval.

A foreigner intending to retire permanently in South Africa may qualify through prescribed lifelong income or income-producing assets.

A foreigner intending to retire in South Africa may reside on qualifying lifelong pension, annuity, retirement-account income or income-producing assets.

— No eligibility summary published for this route yet

A five-year Work Visa holder with a permanent employment offer may apply for direct permanent residence.

— No eligibility summary published for this route yet

A foreigner may participate in an approved exchange programme organised by an organ of state or learning institution with a foreign counterpart.

A person under 25 may accept a qualifying work offer in South Africa for no more than one year.

A long visitor visa may support an academic sabbatical, voluntary or charitable activity, research or another prescribed activity.

A visitor visa supports temporary tourism, family visits, business visits, conferences, sports events and other lawful visit purposes.

Listed passport holders may report at a South African port of entry without first obtaining a port-of-entry visa, subject to the schedule.

A person who fled their country for fear of persecution may receive temporary documentation while the asylum claim is decided.

A person claiming asylum at a port of entry may receive a short visa to reach the nearest Refugee Reception Office.

— No eligibility summary published for this route yet

A recognised refugee may apply for permanent residence after the prescribed refugee-status period and certification.

An approved asylum applicant receives a section 24 Refugee Permit recognising refugee status.

— No eligibility summary published for this route yet

A foreigner may receive a temporary-residence visa for medical treatment lasting longer than three months.

A short visitor visa may support medical treatment lasting less than three months.

A foreign officer or crew member of a public, private or chartered conveyance may receive a crew visa.

A transit visa supports prescribed transit through South Africa when the traveller is not covered by an airport or status exemption.