When travelling to South Africa, whether for a short period of time or emigrating there completely, the first thing you will need to enter the country is a visa. There are different types of visas available, depending on the purpose and length of your stay in the country.

If you want to work in South Africa, you will need a work permit, which doubles as your visa. You cannot apply for a work permit yourself, but your potential employer does it for you. This is due to unemployment issues in South Africa. All foreign employees undergo a process to determine that they possess skills that give them an advantage over the locals. Business permits are given to individuals who plan to invest or establish a business in the country, and are valid for 24 months, which can be extended. Individuals who have a spouse who is a South African citizen can apply for a Spousal visa, whilst individuals who have a South African boyfriend/girlfriend can apply for a Life Partner Permit.

Same sex relationships are included in the scope of Life Partner and Spousal permits, and the process remains the same. Relative permits are granted to people who have South African relatives up to the second degree. Holders of Relative permits may not seek work nor invest in a business in South Africa. Study permits are recommended for individuals who want to study at a South African accredited school or university. Study permits are valid for the whole duration of the holder’s education, and expire when he/she graduates.

Choosing the visa that is most applicable to you eliminates hassles and delays in the whole process. It is important to process your visa properly in order to enjoy a worry-free life in South Africa.