RETIRED PERSON'S VISA

This is a permit issued to retirees intending to live in South Africa only for limited or seasonal periods during the validity of the permit.

A person who wish to retire in South Africa may apply for a retired person’s visa, provided that he or she receives at least R37,000 per month from a pension fund or an irrevocable retirement annuity or has a net worth or a combination of assets realizing a minimum monthly income of R37,000.

Important Information on Applying for South African Visas

Applicants for visas will be required to apply in person at the South African mission. No appointment necessary.

PLEASE NOTE:

IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH REGULATION 2(1) (A) OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 2014, ONLY MACHINE READABLE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (MRTDs) WILL BE ACCEPTED ON SUBMISSION OF VISA APPLICATIONS AND AT PORT OF ENTRY. THEREFORE, NO EXTENDED PASSPORTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Checklist of Documents to be Submitted:

  • A duly completed application form DHA-1738 signed by applicant
  • Machine readable valid passport with at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services. Passport must be valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa.

    PLEASE NOTE: In order to comply with Regulation 2(1) (A) of the Immigration Act of 2014, only machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) will be accepted on submission of visa applications and at Port of Entry. Therefore, no extended passports will be accepted.

  • Notarized copy of bio page of the passport
  • Two (2) passport photos with white or light background
  • Medical report on prescribed form (physical). The certificate must not be older than six (6) months at the time the applicant submits an application.
  • Radiological report on prescribed form (chest X-ray). Radiological report is not required in respect of children under the age of 12 years or a pregnant woman. The certificate must not be older than six (6) months at the time the applicant submits an application.
  • Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) or a letter of invitation from the host with proof of address (relative or friend) in South Africa
  • Proof of host’s legal status in South Africa (copy of I.D. Book/ passport if South African citizen) or copy of passport and a copy of visa or residence status in South Africa, certified by the South African Police Service.
  • Original FBI certificate (full criminal background check report) and original police clearance certificate from all countries applicant lived in since age 18 for one year or longer.
  • Flight itinerary
  • Non-refundable fee of $36.00 in money order for processing
  • $16.00 money order for overnight mailing (applicable only in Washington, DC)
  • Stamped proof of financial means in the form of a pension with a minimum value of R37,000 per month or an irrevocable retirement annuity or retirement account to the equivalent amount, or a net worth providing an income of at least R37,000 per month
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person traveled or intends traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area.
  • Attention New York Applicants: The South African Consulate General in New York will no longer accept prepaid envelope/labels from FedEx and UPS with immediate effect. Applicants are welcome to enclose only USPS self-addressed, pre-paid courier envelope for this office to facilitate return services.
  • Attention Washington, DC Applicants:  With immediate effect, the South African Embassy in Washington, DC will no longer accept a $16.00 fee to facilitate return services, but will accept a prepaid envelope with a tracking number from either FedEx or US Postal Service.
  • Processing time for long visas exceeding 90 days may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.