South Africa - Permanent Residency - Retired Person Visa (Permanent Residency)

Applying for a South African Retired Person's permit allows those wishing to immigrate to South Africa to settle in the country on a temporary or permanent basis, provided that the financial criteria are satisfied.
This South African visa category is designed for those intending to retire in the country. It is based upon applicants providing evidence of a lifelong pension or income.
This South African immigration service is a popular option for seasonal visitors, i.e. those visiting the country for a period of six months or more. An important point to observe is that successful applicants are under no obligation to apply for permanent residence.
The temporary grant may be renewed indefinitely so long as the requirements continue to be met. However, permanent residency does bestow additional benefits upon its holder.
South African Visa Immigrations Services
South African visas and immigration services for those wishing to migrate to South Africa are varied, catering for many different types of immigrant.
A broad spectrum of immigration visas are offered depending upon the length of time a candidate will be visiting the country for and the purpose of their visit.
Where candidates intend to relocate to South Africa for a short period, as a tourist or to visit family and friends a South African visitor visa, often referred to as a visit visa or travel visa will be required.
However, for those wishing to live and work in South Africa either for a specific period or on a permanent basis, a range of temporary residence and permanent residence permits are available.
Visa Benefits
In South Africa, immigration through the retired person's route can be either a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit as outlined in the eligibility criteria summarised below.
The temporary route is granted for the comparatively lengthy duration of four years and is renewable indefinitely for four-year periods.
The permanent variant affords permanent residents the same rights and privileges as those with South African citizenship, with a few key exceptions, most notably the right to vote.
In both cases, South African Retired Persons Permits are based upon financial criteria and unlike a South African Work Permit, no prior job offer needs to be in place before an application can be made.Although unlike temporary South African visit visas, retired people are permitted to work if they wish.
It is worth noting also that despite the term "retired person", no age limit is imposed upon this class of visa for South Africa. Retired person's visas may be awarded to people of all ages, proving that the eligibility requirements below are met.
Visa Eligibility
When applying for a South African retired person's permit as a temporary immigration service, that is, to receive a temporary resident permit for South Africa, successful applicants may reside in the country for four years.
This four year period can be renewed any number of times and in addition, applicants may select whether to live and work in South Africa continually or seasonally.
In South Africa, visa applications for this migration service must be able to provide evidence of the following:
• A pension, retirement account or irrevocable annuity which has a value of at least R20,000 per month. This requirement applies to each person making an application.
• Alternatively, candidates may obtain a South African visa of this kind by demonstrating a "net worth" through a combination of assets which equates to a minimum of R20,000 per month. Once again, this criterion applies to each person making an application.
As discussed, these South Africa visas for immigration may also be applied for as a permanent route to immigrating to South Africa. The key difference here is that a permanent grant must be applied for from within the country and would be made after arrival on the temporary version.
An alternative route exists in the financially independent visa for which candidates would need to be able to demonstrate a net asset value totalling not less that R7.5 million.
In addition, it would also be necessary to demonstrate proof of payment of R75,000 as a non-refundable sum to the Director General of Home Affairs.
Dependents
Spouse immigration and dependent immigration are not provided through temporary South African Retired person's visas. This route to South Africa is based upon the financial security of each applicant and unlike work permit visas or business visas, the dependent family members of retired applicants do not automatically qualify for visit visa status to accompany the principle applicant.
However, in cases where an applicant successfully obtains permanent residence as a retired person, their spouse and/or dependent children, i.e. those aged under 21 will also qualify for permanent residency.