Visa Application
Once you have decided on South Africa as your destination of choice, your next big decision will be contemplating which visa to apply for. Retirees have two (2) visa options for South Africa, namely the Financially Independent Visa and the Retired Person’s Visa. Both options allow you to remain in the country on either a temporary or permanent basis, depending on which visa application route you choose.
The more popular Retired Person’s Visa allows you to remain in the country for four (4) years. This is, of course, if your intention is not to remain in South Africa permanently. If it is your intention to stay in SA on a permanent basis, this visa route also allows you to apply for Permanent Residency immediately.
Most notably, in contrast to the Financially Independent Visa, the Retired Person’s Visa does not necessitate a substantial upfront investment. However, you should be able to prove you have the fiscal means to support yourself during your stay. The income requirement is set at R37,000 per month and can be proven through a number of options. However, is it advised that you purchase an annuity through a reputable provider in South Africa to ensure compliance with the Department of Home Affairs.
Easily the most important part of any relocation process is the visa application. While documentation and key requirements are provided by most government websites, having an in-depth understanding of the nuances of each document is invaluable.