Tips to Secure a South Africa Retirement Visa for a Stress-Free Move
Retiring and shifting to South Africa can be an exhilarating experience because South Africa offers a blend of cultural, traditional and natural beauty that are rare to find.

Retiring and shifting to South Africa can be an exhilarating experience because South Africa offers a blend of cultural, traditional and natural beauty that are rare to find. Since you are planning to make South Africa your next abode after wrapping up your professional journey then it's better to understand the details of the South Africa Retirement Visa, so that you make no errors.
South Africa Retirement Visa: Know the basics
The South Africa Retirement Visa that is also popularly known as the retired person’s visa issued to individuals who want to spend their days in leisure in South Africa. The best part? There's no age restriction, so you can even retire at 30, 40 or 50, depending on your convenience, however, you need to fulfill the financial eligibility criteria. Candidates must show that they make at least R37,000 a month from an irreversible annuity, retirement account, pension, or a mix of assets.
Retired Person's Visa: What are the Key Requirements?
To qualify for the Retired Person's Visa the applicant need to meet these requirements:
Income proof: For the Permanent Residence Permit South Africa you need to provide proof of an irrevocable annuity, pension, or retirement account guaranteeing a minimum monthly income of R37,000 for the duration of one's life. Alternatively, it is permissible to provide evidence of a net worth that generates this monthly income.
Medical and Radiological report: Make sure that you provide the blood and radiological report as these are mandatory. However, kids who are under the age of 12 and pregnant women are exempted from the radiology test.
Police Clearance: Certificate from your home country is required. You need to get a character certificate from the local police citing you not being involved in any criminal activities.
Valid passport: Your passport must have the validity of 6 months at least since the day of application.
South Africa Retirement Visa: Temporary vs Permanent Visa
Whole applying for the Retired Person's Visa, you can either apply for the Permanent Residence Permit South Africa or the temporary residence visa, let's understand the basic difference:
Temporary residency |
Permanent residency |
It is granted for four years of time duration and can be renewed indefinitely under the condition that the applicants meet the financial criteria. |
It is open for those who are able to provide evidence of recurrent monthly income of rs 37000 for all their life. The Permanent Residence Permit South Africa holders are equivalent to the natives as per the rights they hold, however, they are exempted from the voting rights. |
South Africa Visa: What is the Application process?
Understand the South Africa Retirement Visa application process in detail so that you make no errors while applying for the visa:
Complete the DHA-947 Form: Fill this form online as the hand written one will be subjected to rejection.
Get all the documents: From your age proof to Income proof as well as medical and radiological report, gather all the documents to avoid rejection.
Schedule an appointment: Book your slot at the South Africa consulate to proceed with the visa process.
Make the payment: As of now, the fee is R2,870, but it's advisable to verify the current fee before payment.
Go for Biometrics: Visit the consulate office for biometric verification as it is mandatory to ensure your identity.
Retired Person's Visa: Tips for a Successful Application Process
● Make sure that your financial documents are comprehensive with all the necessary details of your financial income and transactions.
● Check the website of the Home Affairs department for the revamped policies.
● Seek help from a professional consultant to guide you through the visa process.
Conclusion
To get the South Africa Retirement Visa, you need thorough preparation and strict adherence to the rules and regulations of SA visa policies for a smooth approval process. Also, you need to make sure that all your documents are up to the mark. Additionally, the financial thresholds must cross the benchmark of the minimum required amount (Approx. $698,898) to prove your financial stability and eligibility for retirement in South Africa.
FAQs
Can I work in South Africa after getting the South Africa Retirement Visa?
Often the Retired Person's Visa doesn't allow individuals to work. However, in some cases the department of Home affairs may allow you to work. However, you need to specify your condition for seeking employment.
Is there any age restriction to apply for the retirement Visa?
No, as long as you meet the financial criteria, you are eligible to apply for the South Africa Retirement Visa.
How long does visa processing take?
It depends on the circumstances of the applicants as well as the volume of application pouring into the embassy to deal with. However, it might take around 60 days.
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