PERMANENT SOUTH AFRICAN RESIDENCE

In order for one to immigrate and live in South Africa, a person must obtain permanent residence. All applications for permanent residence are considered on merit by an autonomous statutory body, the Immigrants' Selection Board. Note that applications for permanent residence MUST be lodged from the applicant's current country of residence. If there is no South African Representative in the country, applications could be submitted through the closest South African Mission.

As policy is subject to change, it is strongly suggested that all prospective applicants contact this office with regard to their applications.

A person can apply for South African Permanent Residence through:

•	DIRECT RESIDENCE
•	OTHER GROUNDS

ANY PERSON WHO IS A HOLDER OF A SOUTH AFRICAN PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT, QUALIFIES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP THROUGH NATURALISATION AFTER A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

A permanent resident does not qualify for a permanent position as a civil servant in the service of the State, as South African citizenship is a pre-requisite for such posts.

Permanent residents do not have an automatic right to vote in elections; they are not entitled to South African passports.

Permanent residents could lose the right to permanent residence after being absent from South Africa for a continuous period of five (5) years.

Under certain circumstances a permanent resident may be liable to deportation.

Permanent residents are expected to be loyal and law-abiding inhabitants, respecting the rights of others, and subscribing to South Africa's Bill of Rights.

Fees: the fees payable are adjusted on an annual basis. Please contact (click here for details) the Embassy should you require more information.