Consular MainA Business Permit may initially be issued to a foreigner, who intends to establish or invest in a business in the RSA. On condition that a complete application for a business permit has been submitted, the processing time is approx. 15 working days; the holder of a valid business permit may lodge an application for a permanent residence permit at any office of the Department of Home Affairs in the Republic of South Africa.
For general information regarding an application for a permanent residence permit, for which the processing time is approx. 18 months, please click here.
The employment of at least 5 South African citizens or permanent residents, as well as the prescribed financial requirement i.e. R2 500 000,- value invested, or to be invested, as part of the book value of the business, amongst other requirements, are the same for both the business permit and permanent residence permit.
In both an application for a permanent residence or business permit, the Department of Home Affairs may in the national interest waive or reduce capitalisation requirements of R2 500 000, - on recommendation or request from the Department of Trade & Industry (Contact person: Ms M. Diale; Tel.: +27 12 394 1124; Fax: +27 12 394 2256; Email: dialem@thedti.gov.za or mariannec@thedti.gov.za).
Should you wish to apply for either a business permit or permanent residence permit at our office, please contact our office in writing.
Please note that the Consular Section may only assist a foreigner with regard to the application of a residence permit to run his or her own business in the RSA.
For enquiries relating to the business itself i.e. establishing or registration of a business, incentive programmes, etc., please contact our Trade Section: satrade@telia.com.
General information in this regard is also available of the Department of Trade & Industry's website:
http://www.thedti.gov.za/default.jsp.