Document Checklists by Visa Type - South Africa

Overview

This file provides per-visa-type document requirement checklists for South African immigration applications. All temporary residence visa applications are submitted through VFS Global (inside SA) or at South African missions abroad. Permanent residence applications are submitted at VFS Global offices in South Africa or initiated at SA missions.

Document requirements are prescribed by the Immigration Regulations under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. Failure to submit any required document is the single most common reason for visa refusal. Applicants should treat these checklists as minimum requirements; adjudicators may request additional documentation at their discretion.

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COMMON DOCUMENTS - ALL TEMPORARY VISA TYPES

The following documents are required for every temporary residence visa application, regardless of category.

Mandatory for All Applications

Document	Requirements
Valid passport	Minimum 2 blank pages available for visa endorsement; valid for at least 30 days beyond intended period of stay
Application form BI-1738	Completed and signed; must be the current version of the form
Police clearance certificate	From every country where the applicant has resided for 12+ months after reaching age 18, within the preceding 5 years
Medical report (Form DHA-811)	Issued by a registered medical practitioner; must not be older than 6 months at date of submission
Proof of financial means	Bank statements (typically 3 months), employer letter, sponsorship undertaking, or other evidence of ability to support oneself
Passport-sized photographs	Recent, colour, compliant with ICAO standards (white background, face clearly visible)
Application fee	Paid at VFS Global or SA mission; amount varies by visa category

No Longer Required (Since May 2024)

• Radiological report: The chest X-ray / radiological report requirement was removed by the May 2024 regulation amendments. Applicants no longer need to submit this document.

Important Notes on Common Documents

• All documents not in English must be accompanied by a sworn translation into one of South Africa's official languages (English is most commonly used)
• Copies of documents must be certified (stamped and signed by a Commissioner of Oaths or equivalent authority)
• Police clearance certificates must be recent (generally not older than 6 months, though some missions accept 12 months)
• The DHA-811 medical report form is specific to South African immigration and must be used (generic medical certificates are not accepted)

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1. VISITOR'S VISA (Section 11)

Standard Documents

• All common documents listed above
• Proof of accommodation in South Africa (hotel booking, lease agreement, or letter of invitation from host)
• Return or onward travel ticket (confirmed booking)
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit (bank statements, 3 months)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country)

Business Visitor Additional Documents

• Letter of invitation from the South African host company
• Letter from employer confirming purpose of visit and continued employment
• Proof of business activities (conference registration, meeting agenda)

Medical Visitor Additional Documents

• Letter from South African hospital or medical practitioner confirming treatment arrangements
• Medical report describing the condition and need for treatment
• Proof of ability to pay for medical treatment

Remote Worker Visa (Section 11 Sub-category)

• All common documents
• Proof of employment with a foreign employer (employment contract)
• Proof of minimum annual earnings of R1,000,000
• Proof of medical insurance valid in South Africa
• Proof of accommodation

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2. STUDY VISA (Section 13)

Required Documents

• All common documents listed above
• Acceptance letter from a recognized South African educational institution (must be on the DHA list of recognized institutions)
• Proof of payment of tuition fees, or proof of a bursary/scholarship covering fees
• Proof of medical insurance valid in South Africa for the duration of studies
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the full duration of the study programme (not just one year)
• Proof of accommodation arrangements

For Applicants Under 18

• Unabridged birth certificate
• Parental consent letter from both parents (or legal guardian), signed and notarized
• Vaccination certificate
• Letter from person in South Africa who will be responsible for the minor

Important Notes

• The educational institution must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
• Study visa allows work of up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods
• Cancellation of studies invalidates the visa; institutions are required to report dropouts to DHA

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3. GENERAL WORK VISA (Section 19(2))

Required Documents (Post-October 2024 Points-Based System)

• All common documents listed above
• Confirmed offer of employment from a South African employer (must specify position, salary, duration)
• SAQA evaluation certificate of foreign qualifications, OR proof of pending SAQA application
  • If SAQA pending: a 12-month visa may be issued (Ministerial waiver), renewable once SAQA is complete
• Proof of meeting 100-point threshold (documentation supporting claimed points)
• Employer's CIPC registration documents
• Employer's tax clearance certificate
• Employment contract (signed by both parties)

Points Evidence Documents

Points Category	Supporting Document
Qualifications (NQF 7-8: 30 pts; NQF 9-10: 50 pts)	SAQA evaluation certificate showing NQF equivalence
Salary (R650,796-R976,194: 20 pts; Above R976,194: 50 pts)	Employment contract or offer letter specifying gross annual salary
Work experience (5-10 yrs: 20 pts; 10+ yrs: 30 pts)	Reference letters from previous employers, CV, employment records
Trusted Employer (20 pts)	DHA Trusted Employer certificate held by the employer
Language proficiency (10 pts)	Language proficiency certificate or qualification in an SA official language

No Longer Required

• Department of Labour (DoL) certificate: The labour market test requiring a DoL certificate confirming no suitable South African candidate is available has been officially waived under the 2024 regulation amendments. This was previously one of the most burdensome requirements.

Important Notes

• A job offer is mandatory; no points are awarded without a valid employment offer
• The salary in the offer directly determines the employment points
• If SAQA evaluation and professional registration are both pending, a 12-month visa is issued with the expectation that both will be completed within that period

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4. CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISA (Section 19(4))

Required Documents

• All common documents listed above
• Proof that the occupation is on the Critical Skills List (the CSL occupation = automatic 100 points)
• SAQA evaluation certificate of foreign qualifications (minimum NQF Level 6 equivalent), OR proof of pending SAQA application
  • If SAQA pending: 12-month visa issued under Ministerial waiver
• Professional body registration certificate, OR proof of pending application to the relevant professional body
  • If registration pending: proof of application accepted; must complete registration within 12 months
• Confirmation letter from a SAQA-recognized professional body confirming skills and post-qualification experience
• Employment contract or proof of offer (salary, position, employer details)

Professional Body Registration by Sector

Sector	Professional Body
Engineering	Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Medical/Health	Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Accounting	South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Legal	Legal Practice Council (LPC)
Architecture	South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP)
IT	Institute of Information Technology Professionals SA (IITPSA)
Nursing	South African Nursing Council (SANC)
Pharmacy	South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)

Key Advantage

• Occupation on the Critical Skills List automatically confers 100 points, meeting the threshold without needing to score in any other category
• No employer-specific restriction: the visa allows employment with any employer in the relevant field
• Direct pathway to permanent residency under Section 27(b) (extraordinary skills)

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5. INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER WORK VISA (Section 19(3))

Required Documents

• All common documents listed above
• Proof of at least 6 months employment with the foreign entity prior to the transfer (employment records, payslips, contract)
• Skills transfer plan: Detailed plan outlining how the transferee will transfer knowledge and skills to South African citizens or permanent residents during the assignment
• Employer undertaking: Written undertaking by the South African entity to reimburse DHA for costs of deportation if necessary
• Proof of relationship between entities: Documentary evidence establishing the corporate link between the South African entity and the foreign entity (parent-subsidiary, branch, affiliate). This may include:
  • CIPC registration of the SA entity
  • Group structure organogram
  • Shareholding certificates
  • Board resolutions
• Employment contract for the South African assignment
• Letter from the foreign entity confirming the transfer, the transferee's position, and the duration

Key Notes

• Exempt from the 100-point requirement (points-based system does not apply)
• No labour market test required
• Maximum duration of 4 years; not renewable beyond 4 years
• Qualifying positions: executives, managers, or specialists only

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6. BUSINESS VISA (Section 15)

Required Documents

• All common documents listed above
• Proof of R5,000,000 minimum investment in foreign direct investment (bank statements, proof of transfer, investment certificates)
  • May be reduced or waived for businesses in priority sectors as determined by DTIC
• DTIC recommendation letter: Obtained from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition via the online Visa Recommendation System (VRS)
  • Online system live since 10 March 2025
  • No emailed applications accepted from 1 April 2025
  • Processing time approximately 45 working days
• Comprehensive business plan including:
  • Nature and scope of the business
  • Financial projections (3-5 years)
  • Job creation plan (must employ at least 60% South African citizens or permanent residents)
  • Skills transfer component
  • Market analysis
• CIPC registration: Proof that the business is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
• SARS tax clearance certificate: Tax compliance status from the South African Revenue Service
• Proof of business premises (lease agreement or proof of ownership)
• Proof of qualifications and experience relevant to the business

60% Employment Requirement

• The business must employ at least 60% South African citizens or permanent residents
• This must be demonstrated in the business plan and maintained throughout the visa validity
• DHA may audit compliance

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7. RELATIVE'S VISA / SPOUSAL VISA (Section 18 / Section 11(6))

Section 18 - Relative's Visa (General)

• All common documents listed above
• Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate (unabridged), birth certificate (unabridged), or other official documentation proving the family relationship
  • Documents from foreign countries must be apostilled (or authenticated by the relevant SA mission if from a non-Hague Convention country)
• Financial requirement: South African sponsor must demonstrate minimum income of R8,500 per month per person being sponsored
• Undertaking by the South African relative: Written and signed commitment to financially support the applicant
• Medical insurance valid in South Africa
• Proof of accommodation

Section 11(6) - Spousal Visa (Spouse of SA Citizen or PR Holder)

• All common documents listed above
• Unabridged marriage certificate, apostilled (or authenticated)
• Financial requirement: Minimum R3,000 per month demonstrated by the South African spouse
• Proof of genuine relationship (photographs, communication records, joint financial documents, affidavits from family/friends)
• Spouse's South African ID document or permanent residence permit
• Proof of residential address (where the couple will reside together)

Life Partners (Notarial Agreement)

• Where the couple is not married but in a life partnership, a notarial agreement confirming the life partnership must be submitted
• The notarial agreement must be executed by a notary public
• Additional evidence of the genuine nature of the relationship is required

Important Notes

• DHA may investigate the authenticity of the marriage or relationship
• Sham marriages are a criminal offence under South African law
• Both civil marriages and customary marriages are recognized
• The unabridged marriage certificate (showing both parties' details, parents' details, date and place of marriage) is essential; an abridged certificate is not accepted

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8. RETIRED PERSON'S VISA (Section 20)

Required Documents

• All common documents listed above
• Proof of minimum R37,000 per month income from:
  • Pension fund, OR
  • Irrevocable retirement annuity, OR
  • Combination of assets generating equivalent monthly income
• Proof of private medical insurance valid in South Africa, covering hospitalization and emergencies, for the full duration of the intended stay
• Proof of accommodation in South Africa

Important Notes

• The R37,000 is per person; a spouse must demonstrate separate qualifying income or combined income meeting both thresholds
• The visa does not confer work rights; retired person's visa holders may not work in South Africa
• Pathway to permanent residency under Section 27(e) or Section 27(f)

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9. PERMANENT RESIDENCY - DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS BY SECTION

Common PR Documents (All Sections)

• Completed Form BI-947
• Valid passport (2+ blank pages, valid 30+ days beyond intended stay)
• Police clearance certificates (same requirements as temporary visas)
• Medical report DHA-811 (not older than 6 months)
• Proof of financial means (specific to category)
• SAQA evaluation (if qualification-dependent)
• Certified copies of all supporting documents
• Application fee (currently R1,520)

Section 26(a) - Five Years on Work Visa

• Proof of holding work visas for the preceding 5 consecutive years (copies of all previous work visas)
• Permanent job offer from a South African employer (not fixed-term)
• Employment in the same field as the work visa(s) held
• Proof of continuous lawful residence in SA during the 5 years
• SAQA evaluation of qualifications
• SARS tax clearance certificate
• Employer confirmation letter

Section 26(b) - Five Years Marriage to SA Citizen/PR

• Proof of marriage to a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least 5 years
• Unabridged marriage certificate (apostilled)
• Spouse's SA ID document or PR permit
• Proof of genuine cohabitation and relationship (joint financial accounts, shared address, photographs, affidavits)
• Proof that the applicant has been living with the spouse in SA

Section 27(b) - Extraordinary Skills

• Evidence of extraordinary skills or qualifications
• Recommendation from a recognized body in the relevant field
• Evidence of exceptional achievement (publications, awards, patents, international recognition)
• Proof of benefit to South Africa

Section 27(c) - Business Investment

• Proof of R5,000,000 investment (or waived amount for priority sectors)
• DTIC recommendation letter
• Business plan
• CIPC registration
• SARS tax clearance
• Proof of 60% SA employment in the business
• Audited financial statements

Section 27(e) - Retired Persons

• Proof of R37,000 per month pension or annuity income
• Proof of private medical insurance valid in SA
• Proof of accommodation

Section 27(f) - Financially Independent

• Proof of R12,000,000 net worth (audited financial statements, bank valuations, property valuations)
• Payment of prescribed fee of R120,000 to DHA
• Proof of financial security and sustainability

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SAQA EVALUATION PROCESS AND DOCUMENTS

What is SAQA?

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluates foreign qualifications to determine their equivalence on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). A SAQA evaluation certificate is required for most work visa and permanent residency applications.

Documents Required for SAQA Evaluation

• Completed SAQA application form (online at www.saqa.org.za)
• Certified copy of the foreign qualification (degree certificate, diploma)
• Certified copy of the academic transcript (full record of subjects and results)
• Certified copy of passport (identification page)
• Proof of payment of the SAQA evaluation fee
• Sworn translation of all documents not in English (into English or another SA official language)
• Any additional documentation requested by SAQA (course descriptions, syllabi)

Processing Times

• Standard evaluation: 3-6 months (can take longer)
• No expedited service available
• Ministerial waiver allows a 12-month visa to be issued while SAQA evaluation is pending

NQF Level Outcomes

NQF Level	SA Equivalent	Points (Work Visa)
NQF 10	Doctoral Degree (PhD)	50
NQF 9	Master's Degree	50
NQF 8	Honours / Postgrad Diploma	30
NQF 7	Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma	30
NQF 6	Diploma / Advanced Certificate	0 (minimum for Critical Skills)

Common SAQA Issues

• Qualifications from certain countries take longer to evaluate (additional verification required)
• Some qualifications may not have a direct NQF equivalent
• Incomplete transcripts are the most common cause of SAQA delays
• SAQA may contact the issuing institution directly for verification

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PROFESSIONAL BODY REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS

When is Professional Registration Required?

Professional body registration is required for regulated professions in South Africa. This applies primarily to Critical Skills Work Visa applicants in fields such as engineering, medicine, accounting, architecture, law, and nursing.

General Documents Required

• Completed application form of the relevant professional body
• SAQA evaluation certificate (or proof of pending evaluation)
• Certified copies of qualifications (degrees, diplomas)
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Proof of post-qualification work experience (reference letters, employment records)
• Proof of payment of registration fee
• Professional indemnity insurance (for some professions)
• Proof of continuing professional development (CPD) where applicable

Processing Times

• Varies by professional body: typically 3-6 months
• Some bodies require examinations or board interviews
• Can apply for visa with proof of pending registration (must complete within 12 months)

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SWORN TRANSLATION REQUIREMENTS

When are Sworn Translations Required?

All documents submitted in support of a South African visa or permit application that are not in one of the 11 official languages of South Africa must be accompanied by a sworn translation.

Requirements

• The translation must be into an official language of South Africa (English is most commonly used and recommended)
• The translation must be done by a sworn translator registered with the High Court of South Africa, OR by a sworn translator in the country of origin whose status can be verified
• The sworn translator must provide a certificate confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation
• The original document and the sworn translation must be submitted together
• The translation must be certified (stamped and signed by the translator with their registration number)

11 Official Languages of South Africa

English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi, Xitsonga, siSwati, Tshivenda, isiNdebele

Common Documents Requiring Translation

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Police clearance certificates
• Academic qualifications and transcripts
• Employment reference letters
• Court orders (divorce, custody, adoption)

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CERTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS

Certification (Certified Copies)

• All copies of documents must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (in South Africa) or equivalent authority in the country of origin
• Certification confirms the copy is a true copy of the original
• Must include the commissioner's stamp, signature, and date
• Certified copies should generally not be older than 6 months

Apostille (Authentication)

• Documents issued in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention must be apostilled by the relevant authority in the issuing country
• Documents from non-Hague Convention countries must be authenticated by the relevant South African mission (embassy or consulate) in that country
• Common documents requiring apostille: marriage certificates, birth certificates, police clearance certificates, court orders

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DOCUMENT CHECKLIST SUMMARY TABLE

Visa Type	Key Unique Documents
Visitor's (Section 11)	Return ticket, accommodation proof, invitation letter (business)
Study (Section 13)	Acceptance letter, tuition proof, medical insurance
General Work (Section 19(2))	Job offer, SAQA evaluation, points evidence, employer docs
Critical Skills (Section 19(4))	CSL proof, SAQA evaluation, professional body registration
Intra-Company Transfer (Section 19(3))	6-month employment proof, skills transfer plan, entity relationship proof
Business (Section 15)	R5M investment proof, DTIC recommendation, business plan, CIPC, SARS
Relative's/Spousal (Section 18/11(6))	Relationship proof, apostilled certificates, financial means
Retired Person's (Section 20)	R37K/month income proof, medical insurance
PR Section 26(a)	5 years work visas, permanent job offer, SARS clearance
PR Section 26(b)	5 years marriage, relationship proof
PR Section 27(b)	Extraordinary skills evidence, recommendation
PR Section 27(c)	R5M investment, DTIC, business plan
PR Section 27(e)	R37K/month pension, medical insurance
PR Section 27(f)	R12M net worth, R120K fee

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KEY SOURCES

• Immigration Act 13 of 2002: https://www.saflii.org/za/legis/consol_act/ia2002138/
• Immigration Regulations 2014 (updated 2024): https://lawlibrary.org.za/akn/za/act/gn/2014/r413/eng@2024-10-09
• SAQA Foreign Qualifications Evaluation: https://www.saqa.org.za/foreign-qualifications
• VFS Global South Africa: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha/
• DHA Forms and Downloads: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-permits
• SA Embassy (USA) Visa Requirements: https://www.saembassy.org/types-of-visas-and-requirements/
• CDH Immigration Law Alerts: https://www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com/en/sectors/immigration.html