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Immigration & Citizenship
Whether you are moving to South Africa, marrying a South African or sorting out your own papers, immigration rules are strict and paperwork-heavy. This guide gives you the lay of the land before you apply.
Updated October 2026 · General information, not legal advice
In this guide
The key laws
- Immigration Act 13 of 2002
- Refugees Act 130 of 1998
- South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995
- Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992
What you'll need
Gather these before you take action or speak to a lawyer:
- A valid passport
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical and radiology reports
- Proof of financial means or a job offer
- Marriage or birth certificates, where relevant
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Common questions
What types of visas are there?
Common temporary visas include visitor, study, work (general and critical skills), business, retired person and relative’s or spousal visas. Each has its own requirements and conditions.
Where do I apply?
Applications made inside South Africa are lodged through VFS Global on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. Applications from abroad go through a South African embassy or consulate.
When can I apply for permanent residence?
Common routes include five years on a work visa, being the spouse or life partner of a citizen or permanent resident for at least five years, or holding a job offer that qualifies.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
You can be declared an undesirable person and banned from returning for a period, typically between one and five years depending on how long you overstayed.
Can I become a South African citizen?
Permanent residents can usually apply for naturalisation after holding permanent residence for a number of years and meeting the other requirements.
When to see a lawyer
Speak to an immigration lawyer if your application was refused, if you have overstayed or been declared undesirable, or if your situation does not fit a standard visa category.
This guide is general information about South African law and is not legal advice. Laws and amounts change; check the latest position or speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Read our disclaimer.
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