South Africa Retirement

Retiring in South Africa is an increasingly popular option for those who wish to live in South African permanently or on a seasonal basis. The South African retirement is visa is issued either as a temporary residence permit or as a grant of permanent South African residency to those who can demonstrate a lifelong income or pension fund, which satisfies the self-sufficiency requirements of this visa category. Despite the name of this South African visa service, the retirement visa does not imposed age limits and a person of any age may apply, so long as the requirements are fulfilled.

You can set your South African retirement visa application in motion now by visiting the online assessment area. At Global Visas, our team of specialist immigration lawyers are committed to ensuring that you obtain the right South African visa service for your needs. Complete one of our assessment forms today and a specialist immigration consultant will contact you.

South African Retirement Visa – Temporary or Permanent Residency?

In South Africa, visa applications in several different categories of immigration service may be issued for permanent or temporary residency. In the case of the retirement visa, the choice of applying for a temporary or permanent visa lies with the candidate. Applying for permanent residency brings many of the same rights and privileges as those enjoyed by South African citizens. Permanent residents do not have the right to vote nor do they hold a South African passport, however, they may live and work in South Africa as they see fit without restriction.

Applicants are under no obligation to apply for permanent residency; a temporary retirement visa is issued for four years and can be renewed by the same duration indefinitely. Living and working in South Africa may still be permitted for temporary retirement visa holder where special permission is obtained and where it can be shown that this will not be to the detriment of any existing South African citizen or permanent resident. However, it is assumed that in most cases, given the nature of the retirement visa, based as it is upon those who have a guaranteed source of income, most candidates will not need to work in South Africa.

It should be noted that permanent residency can only be applied for whilst the candidate is already in South Africa. As a result, a candidate may enter South Africa on a temporary residence permit and either begin proceedings to acquire permanent residency, or simply renew their temporary permit every four years if they continue to meet the requirements.

Applying for a South African Retirement Visa

The retirement visa is based upon a guaranteed income and as such, the key requirements of relocating to South Africa under this route are financial. Applicants do not need to provide evidence of qualifications or business experience and unlike a South African work permit, no job offer is required. All applicants must be able to show that they satisfy one of the following:

• The applicant has a guaranteed income, based upon a pension, a retirement fund, or any other income, which amounts to no less than 20,000 Rand per month. Although the applicant’s spouse may accompany them to South Africa, this figure must be met by each candidate individually
• The candidate has a net worth, which amounts to at least 20,000 Rand per month. This figure may be reached through a combination of assets and once again, each individual applicant must satisfy the requirement.

South African Retirement Visas – Family Immigration

As a visa service based primarily on a candidate’s self sufficiency, the retirement visa does not provide for the spouse of an applicant where a temporary permit is applied. Each candidate wishing to immigrate to South Africa in this way must meet the requirements in their own capacity. However, if the main applicant secures permanent residency, this will also extend to their spouse and/or dependents.

Visit the Global Visas online assessment area today to take the first step towards retiring in South Africa. Just take a moment to complete one of our quick and easy assessment forms and a qualified South African immigration lawyer will contact you to discuss your needs.