This page deals with making an application for a business visa in South Africa. A business visa is required by a person who is seeking to buy into or set up a business in South Africa in which they will be actively involved (work).
Please read on for information how you make application for a business visa in South Africa or should you prefer you can contact one of our team to discuss your situation. For further information on business visa you can also view our quick links on the left hand side of this page.
Getting assistance with making a business visa application
- You can e-mail your business visa enquiry here
- Request a call back from one of our client management team here
- Use the above numbers to ring us get an instant call back below
Who should apply for a Business Visa?
Applications for business visa, as alluded to above, are for individuals who wish to either invest into an existing South African business that they will work in, or set up a new business that will work in.
Business visa versus investor visa
A business visa should not be confused with an investor visa. A business visa allows you to work in the business and the visa is issued for this purpose. An investor visa (which is not offered in South African immigration) allows immigration through investment of a certain amount of capital and does not require the immigrant to work.
When applying for a business visa what are the residency options?
Making an application for a business visa in South Africa allows you to apply for temporary residency. Once you are in receipt of temporary residency you can then apply for permanent residency.
How long can I apply for on my business visa application?
As with all temporary visa’s, the decision as to the validity period of a business visa lies with the Department of Home Affairs. In the case of a business visa it will not be issued for more than 3 years.
When can you apply for permanent residency?
Permanent residency can be applied of at any stage but it is most normal to make an application after receiving your business visa for temporary residency.
Where should my business visa application be made?
First time applications that involve a change of your via status, for example from tourist to resident, must be made from outside of South Africa. It is only where there is no residency status change that you can apply in South Africa, for example renewing an existing temporary visa.
What is the main criteria when making an application for a business visa in South Africa?
- A completed application form either Form BI-1738 or Form BI-947
- A thorough business plan
- An appropriate company structure
- Applicable registrations or undertakings
- Investment amount for business visa
- Employment of South African citizens or Permanent residency holders
How we can help with applying for your South African business visa?
Intergate Immigration have been at the forefront of immigration to South Africa since our inception in 2006. Our team of experts provide prospective business immigrants in South Africa with the markets most comprehensive service that covers all aspects of a making a business visa application.
Your initial consultation with us is free of charge, it carries no obligation and you can be assured of dealing with a team comprising of immigration, tax, currency and business set up experts.
Getting help with your visa or permit application
We welcome the opportunity to consult with you as to your eligibility for a visa /permit and answer any questions you may have with no obligation.
You can take our free one minute assessment here or request a call back for more information. Or simply call us at +27 (0)21 424 2460.
Alternatively you can fill out the below online enquiry form to contact us.
