SA
Visas/permanent residence/PR - Business Investment (Section 27c)
Section 27(c)

PR - Business Investment (Section 27c)

For investors with minimum R5 million capital invested in a South African business employing at least 60% South African citizens or permanent residents.

Government FeeR1,520
VFS FeeR1,550
Processing Time~180 days
Max DurationPermanent
RenewableYes
Leads to PRCheck eligibility

Document Checklist

Required Documents (14)

Valid Passport

Original, machine-readable passport valid for no less than 30 calendar days after the expiry of the intended visit, with at least two (2) unused/blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Tip: Check expiry date carefully. Many rejections happen due to insufficient passport validity or no blank pages.

Certified Copy of Passport Bio-Data PageCertified

Clear, certified/notarized photocopy of the bio-data page of your passport.

Tip: Some VFS centres accept notarized copies. Ensure the copy is clear and legible.

Passport-Sized Photographs2 copies

Two (2) recent colour passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm) on a white or light background. Applicant's name must be written on the back of each photograph.

Tip: Photos must be recent (within 6 months). White background, no glasses, neutral expression. Write your full name on the back.

Must be less than 6 months old

Completed Application Form

Duly completed and signed application form. BI-84 (Form 11) for visitor/short-term visas, or DHA-1738 (Form 8) for temporary residence visas, or DHA-947 (Form 18) for permanent residence. Forms are completed online through the VFS Global portal (visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha). You must create a VFS account, fill the form digitally, pay the VFS service fee (R1,550), then download and print the completed form for your in-person submission appointment.

Tip: Complete the form online at ehome.dha.gov.za where available. Double-check every field before signing.

Business Plan

A business plan outlining the feasibility of the business, both in the short and long term.

Undertaking of 60% SA Employment

An undertaking by the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff complement employed in the business operations shall be South African citizens or permanent residents, employed permanently in various positions.

Proof of Investment Capital (Minimum R5 million)Certified

Proof of availability of funds for transfer from abroad, or proof that funds have already been invested in the South African business. Minimum R5,000,000.

Must be less than 3 months old

Curriculum Vitae

CV setting out the applicant's expertise and experience in the type of business envisaged.

Chartered Accountant's Certification of Business Feasibility

Certification of the feasibility/viability of the business by a chartered accountant registered with SAICA.

CIPC Company Registration

Company registration with CIPC, or proof of intended registration.

DTIC Recommendation Letter

Letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Police Clearance Certificate

Police clearance from each country of residence (12+ months) plus SAPS. Not older than 6 months.

Must be less than 6 months old

Medical Report (BI-811)

Medical report on prescribed BI-811 form. Not older than 6 months.

Must be less than 6 months old

Radiological Report (Chest X-ray)

Radiological report on prescribed form. Not older than 6 months.

Must be less than 6 months old

May Be Required (3)

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required if the applicant has travelled from, or intends travelling from or transiting through, a yellow fever endemic area. Must be the original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

Tip: Check the WHO list of yellow fever endemic countries. The certificate is valid for life after a 10-day activation period.

Professional Body Registration (if applicable)

Proof of planned registration with the appropriate statutory body, if required by the nature of the business.

SARS Tax Compliance Status

SARS tax compliance status PIN or certificate (if previously registered for tax in SA).

Required Forms

DHA-947

Department of Home Affairs application form

To apply, you must create an account on the VFS Global online portal, complete the application form digitally, and pay the VFS service fee (R1,550) before you can download your form and schedule your in-person submission appointment. Our platform helps you prepare your answers before you go to VFS.

Expert Tips

1

Ensure all documents are certified copies - originals plus copies

2

Book your VFS appointment well in advance

3

Keep all police clearances current - they expire after 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions