WHO NEEDS A SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS VISA?

A South African business visa affords a foreign national the right to reside and establish or invest in an existing or new business in South Africa. This affords entrepreneurs the opportunity to entering stay in South Africa and to run their business.

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED TO INVEST IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR A BUSINESS VISA?

A foreign national must invest the prescribed amount of R5 million into an existing busines, alternatively provide plans to establish a new business, along with the requisite evidence of capital contributions of R5 million. However, the Department of Home Affairs may reduce or waiver the capital contribution should the business be of national interest or when requested by the Department of Trade and Industry to do so.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR A BUSINESS VISA

• Appropriate company structure –  Business Visa holders are required to have an appropriate legal structure in place. 
• Investment into the business  – Minimum investment of ZAR 5 million, which can be wavered for certain businesses. 
• Creation of jobs – The system is designed to encourage the creation of jobs, therefore, the business visa holder must employ 60% of its workforce from South African labour.
• Contribution to South Africa and good standing – The applicant will be required to make various registrations, these include compliance with regards to tax and workers obligations.
• The success of the business – A thorough business plan is required to demonstrate that the business has every chance of success.
• Desirable or undesirable – A business visa application will not be successful if the proposed is off an undesirable nature.

What period is a business visa valid for?

A business visa can be issued for 3-5 years. motivation of the application generally influences the duration for which the visa is issued.