PR - Retired Person (Section 27e)
For retirees with a right to a pension or irrevocable annuity of at least R20,000/month or net worth of R12 million providing equivalent income.
Document Checklist
Required Documents (11)
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.
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.
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
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.
Certification by a chartered accountant (SAICA registered) confirming the applicant has the right to a pension or irrevocable retirement annuity with a minimum value of R20,000 per month, or a net worth of at least R12,000,000 providing a minimum income of R20,000 per month.
Tip: The R20,000/month threshold is for PR (lower than the R37,000 for TRV retirement visa). CA must be SAICA registered.
Original pension slips, annuity statements, or investment income statements proving the minimum monthly income or net worth.
Must be less than 3 months old
Three months of bank statements confirming income sources.
Must be less than 3 months old
Proof of accommodation: rental agreement or property title deed.
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 on prescribed BI-811 form. Not older than 6 months.
Must be less than 6 months old
Radiological report on prescribed form. Not older than 6 months.
Must be less than 6 months old
May Be Required (3)
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.
If submitting the PR application within South Africa, the applicant must hold a valid Retired Person's Visa (Section 20) at the time of application.
Marriage, divorce, or death certificate as applicable.
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
Ensure all documents are certified copies - originals plus copies
Book your VFS appointment well in advance
Keep all police clearances current - they expire after 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Take our 2-minute quiz to get a personalised plan, AI-powered document review, and step-by-step guidance.
Get Your Free Visa PlanNot sure? Try Visa Finder