Visa applications have a fast turn-around time in South Africa, around 30 days on average. The South African immigration authority has expedited visa reviews by shifting to a simplified process by which applications are assessed on an individual basis.

There are different types of visa, but all fall under either of the two broad categories, immigrant and non-immigrant. Immigrant visas offer permanent residency, whereas non-immigrant visas only grant a temporary stay. The most common types of visa are as follows:

Work Visas: Issued to foreign nationals whose profession is in great demand. The availability of work visa depends on the shortage of labour supply in the local market. Skilled professionals who are encouraged to move to South Africa are engineers, information technology professionals, accountants and finance specialists.

Retirement Visas: For foreign elderly people who wish to move to South Africa to spend their retirement years. The South African constitution has anti-discrimination provisions in place; even foreign retirees can work in South Africa once they obtain this visa. The financial status of retirees is a major factor in the approval process and applicants must be earning at least R20, 000 per month from their annuity or pensions to qualify for a retirement visa.

Spouse and Life Partner Visa: Applicants must have sponsorship from a South African relative or permanent resident.

Business Visas: Issued to people who move to South Africa to invest. This visa only grants temporary residency and has features similar to the UK Investor Visa and the US EB-5 Visa. Business Visa applicants must have a minimum investment of R2.5 million.