SA
Visas/permanent residence/PR - Financially Independent (Section 27f)
Section 27(f)

PR - Financially Independent (Section 27f)

For financially independent persons with a proven minimum net worth of R12 million. Requires R120,000 DHA fee.

Government FeeR120,000
VFS FeeR1,550
Processing Time~180 days
Max DurationPermanent
RenewableYes
Leads to PRCheck eligibility

Document Checklist

Required Documents (11)

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.

Chartered Accountant's Certification of Net Worth (R12 million)

Certification by a chartered accountant (SAICA registered) confirming the applicant has a prescribed minimum net worth of R12,000,000 (twelve million Rand).

Tip: The CA must provide a detailed breakdown of assets and liabilities proving the R12M net worth.

Bank Statements and Asset DocumentationCertified

Comprehensive financial documentation supporting the net worth claim: bank statements, investment portfolio statements, property valuations, share certificates, and other asset documentation.

Must be less than 3 months old

Prescribed Fee Payment (R120,000)

Proof of payment of the prescribed fee of R120,000 to the Department of Home Affairs. This is payable in addition to the standard application fee.

Tip: This is a once-off fee specific to Section 27(f). Confirm with DHA/VFS when payment is due.

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

Proof of Accommodation in South Africa

Proof of accommodation: rental agreement, property title deed, or other proof of intended residence.

May Be Required (2)

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.

Marriage Certificate (if applicable)Certified

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

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