Permanent Residence
Who it's for: Permanent residence on grounds such as work offer, critical skills, business, retirement, financial independence or being a relative or spouse.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 4 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: In some streams
- Work experience: 5 years
- Main fee: ZAR 1,520
- Can lead to permanent residence: Yes
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | ZAR 1,520 | — | dha.gov.zaOfficial · 4 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
4 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededIn some streamsOfficial wording
“has been the holder of a work visa for five years and has proven to the satisfaction of the Director-General that he or she has received an offer for permanent employment.”
Work experience5 yearsOfficial wording
“has been the holder of a work visa for five years and has proven to the satisfaction of the Director-General that he or she has received an offer for permanent employment.”
Main feeZAR 1,520Official wording
“Permanent residence permit (excluding applications by a foreigner contemplated in sections 26(b), 26(c) and 27(d) of the Act 25 R1520,00”
Can lead to permanent residenceYesOfficial wording
“Applications for permanent residence in South Africa are considered in terms of Section 26 (Direct Residence and Section 27 (Residence on-Other-Grounds) of the Immigration Act 2002”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Language; Age limit; Money to show; Salary threshold; Family can join; Decision time; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other other routes routes in South Africa
All visa types in South Africa
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
South Africa visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.