General program requirements

Applicants must prove they have a net worth of at least ZAR 12 million (about US$640,000 in June 2023), and pay a processing fee of ZAR 120,000 (about US$6,400).

Additionally, applicants must not

Be a “prohibited or undesirable person”;
Have a criminal record;
Have been refused entry into South Africa;
Have entered or stayed illegally in South Africa;

Applicants can include a spouse (or common law spouse), children up to the age of 21, as well as older but mentally/physically handicapped children in their applications. 

Applicants must take up residency in South Africa within one year of approval or lose their PR. They must also visit South Africa at least once every 3 years.

Program benefits

• No investment required;
  Path to citizenship;
  Permits dual/multiple citizenship;
  Lower cost of living;
  Warm climate.

Requirements to qualify for citizenship

Those approved for the South Africa Financial Independent Permit receive immediate permanent residency in the country. PR in South Africa is valid indefinitely and needs not be renewed.

Adults who have resided in South Africa for a time sufficient to “confirm they understand the official languages, customs, and traditions of the country and the reponsibilities of citizenship.”

In practice, applicants must have been permanent residents in the country for five years and, moreover, that they have resided in the country for a cumulative four years out of the last eight years. 

The Minister of Home Affairs may, at his or her discretion, naturalize individuals who have “exceptional circumstances” without meeting the above requirements.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

South Africa Department of Home Affairs

Legislation upon which this program is based:

Section 27 (f) of the Immigration Act of 2022.