A retired person visa for South Africa is a temporary visa which allows you to stay in South Africa for up to 4 years.
The retired person visa is suitable for those:
- Seeking to stay in South Africa for up to 4 years
- Who wish to stay in South Africa for some of the year
- As an interim visa while waiting for permanent residency
- Those who do not meet permanent residency criteria under the Retired permit or Financially Independent permit.
What is the financial requirement to apply for a retired person visa?
The retired person visa criteria focuses on the applicant’s ability to support themselves and anyone accompanying them. Therefore the Department of Home Affairs impose a minimum guaranteed income requirement of ZAR37,000 per month plus an additional R3,000 for each dependent family members.
What if you can’t meet the income criteria?
As the retired person visa is a temporary visa it does allow for a cash equivalent instead of the ZAR37,000 monthly income. This means a 4-year visa application would require proof of ZAR1,776,000, being 48 months x ZAR37,000.
However, in our experience, some South African missions insist on a monthly pension or annuity. It is thus important to consult with us first so that you know what’s accepted at the embassy at which you’re going to apply.
If you want to stay in South Africa for longer than the retired person visa allows and you cannot meet financial criteria you should consider a Financially Independent permit.
Can my spouse / partner accompany me?
Yes, they can, and there is no requirement for them to also demonstrate the ZAR37,000 monthly income amount.
What about dependants?
Dependant children of school age would need to obtain a study permit.
Can you work on a retired person visa?
No, you are not allowed to work in South Africa while holding a retired person visa. Despite the fact that the retired person visa has no age restrictions, the Department of Home Affairs considers it a visa for the retirement years.
If you want to work, run a business or study, you’ll have to apply for an appropriate visa.
Where do you apply for retired persons visa?
Applications must be made in your home country. You may not travel to South Africa and submit a visa application here that involves a change of status.
How long does the visa application take?
Typically between 4 – 12 weeks depending on the efficiency of the local South African mission.
Can you renew a retired person visa?
Yes, you can. Please be aware though that although referred to as a renewal it is not what you would call a renewal in the strictest sense of the word.
At least 60 days prior to the expiry if the retired persons visa (4 years) an application must be made once more for a retired visa. This application is a full application and the relevant current regulations and criteria will need to be fulfilled.
Getting help with your visa or permit application
We welcome the opportunity to consult with you as to your eligibility for a visa and answer any questions you may have with no obligation. Intergate Immigration was established in 2005, and we have submitted visa applications in over 30 countries around the world!
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.
