Permanent Residence Permit
A permanent residence permit will be granted to a foreigner who is able to meet the requirements as set out in either Section 26 or 27 of the
Permanent Residence Permits grant foreign applicants the right to remain indefinitely in South Africa whilst enjoying the same rights, privileges and obligations as South African citizens save for the right to a South Africa Passport and the right to vote in our elections.
Regardless of what category of Permanent Residence Permit is acquired, it grants the rights to pursue any activity in South Africa regardless of the category of permanent residence applied for and therefore he or she be permitted to work, run business, go to schools or simply sojourn as he or she pleases subject, of course, to any specific conditions that may be attached to such permanent residence.
Permanent Residence Permits are determined in accordance with section 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act, read with the prevailing 2014 Immigration Regulations.
Permanent Residence Permits can be applied for in South Africa whilst on a valid visa and the holder of an existing status in South Africa. If not, he or she can apply at the nearest South African Mission abroad.
Note: The issue of being able to apply in South Africa whilst on a Visitor’s Visa in South Africa is contentious and opposed by the Department of Home Affairs. However, we would disagree with this approach as the law set out in Regulation 23(2)(k) of the 2014 Immigration Regulations allows a foreign applicant to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit as long as he or she is on a “valid visa for temporary sojourn at the time of application”. This is indicative of the right to apply even on a Visitor’s Visa.
Note: Permanent Residence Permit adjudication can take many years to be finalized, whether approved or rejected. Legally, the Department of Home Affairs ought to take 8 months to finalize all Permanent Residence Permits but seldom does. See our Legal Services where we offer services to expedite pending Permanent Residence Permit applications.
Call Us Now on +27 21 418 3810 or fill the form below to start your application
South African permanent residence requirements
An application for permanent residence must be submitted in person and if done within South Africa, through VFS Global. The application
will need to include an apostilled copy of an applicant’s unabridged birth certificate, original police clearances and medical and radiology reports.
Once an application for permanent residency is approved, an applicant is obliged to apply for a South African identity book, which will give an identity number. Many find this document extremely helpful to have, especially if looking for financing from the banks to purchase a house or vehicle.
Here at LISSA we are happy to discuss what options an applicant has available to them, it may be that there is more than one category applicable. We will assist to compile a complete set of documents for submission and assist with submitting the permanent residency application to VFS Global.
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Fill out the form to start your journey to a successful Permanent Residence application!
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