OUR SERVICES
WE ARE HERE TO ASSIST
At Prestige Immigration Services we help expatriates with acquiring their Intra-company Transfer Work Visas, Critical Skills Work Visas and Permanent Residence Permits.
Being an immigrant and having to organise your move to South Africa, including attending to the immigration process, can be a daunting process. The added pressure of understanding the quickest and correct visa to apply for to obtain legitimate residence status leads to further frustrations with the process. At Prestige Immigration Services we are experts at identifying the correct visa or permit to apply for based on a candidate’s credentials and providing guidance on the entire process, thereby taking away that additional stress from your move to South Africa.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
Advising clients on intra-company transfer work visas, critical skills work visas and permanent residence permit applications in line with the South Africa’s Immigration Act of 2002 (as amended), regulations, policies, and case law.
Advising on, preparing, and filing of critical skills work visa, intra-company transfer work visa and permanent residence permit applications.
Review and appeal applications at both Director General and Ministerial levels.
Applicaitons.
Other services associated with migrating to South Africa.
We have vast experience helping expatriate business owners apply for and obtain their business visas. As the process to obtain a business visa is twofold, with first requiring a recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and then the actual visa through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), we assist with the process end-to-end for our clients.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR A BUSINESS VISA?
Any expat who wants to invest in a new or existing business in SA.
WHAT IS A BUSINESS VISA AND WHAT DOES IT ALLOW YOU TO DO?
A business visa allows expats to set up and run or be involved as shareholders in a business legally in South Africa. It also enables the business visa recipient to reside and operate their business legally for a 3-year period in South Africa. But, more crucially, it enables foreign business owners to immediately apply for Permanent Residence in South Africa.
WHY DOES THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT ISSUE BUSINESS VISAS AND WHY IS THIS RELEVANT TO YOU?
- To attract foreign investment – The South African government is actively pursuing inward investment into the country.
- Promote economy – The government has been very active to attract companies from specific sectors, where they see an opportunity for long term growth in the country.
- Boost employment.
- Open new trade markets with overseas companies.
WHAT THIS MEANS IS:
- If you are prepared to invest money into the country
- Bring inward skills and expertise
- Create employment
- You have a good chance of qualifying for a business visa.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
01
R5 million
Investment
An applicant needs to show a minimum of R5 million capital investment which must originate from outside South Africa. The investment can either be in the form of actual cash which is physically brought into the country or machinery and equipment of the same value.
02
Employment of SA citizens
and/or permanent residents
At least 60% of the total staff compliment to be employed in the operations of the business need to be South African citizens or permanent residents. These need to be employed in permanent positions.
03
DTI
Recommendation
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) needs to recommend the business in terms of its feasibility and contribution to the national interest.
04
Statutory
Compliance
The business needs to be registered with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) and SARS (South African Revenue Services).
UIF – Unemployment Insurance fund and COIDA – Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases are registrations that need to be shown for businesses that are already operational, and for first time applications, undertakings to register with these bodies may be accepted.
Waiver:
Where one does not meet the minimum investment amount of R5 million, they may apply for a waiver of the capital requirement. This is done through both the DTIC and Home Affairs Department.
The waiver may be granted for businesses that fall under the key investment sectors and provided one can show the feasibility of the business and its contribution to the national interest.
Application Process:
phase 1
DTIC Application for recommendation
An initial application needs to be submitted and approved by the DTIC which motivates why the business owner’s business is worthy of being awarded a business visa. The granting of the recommendation to enable the application for a business visa is very much based on the motivation that the business meets the qualifying criteria of the DTIC and the South African government.
In considering the recommendation of the business, the DTIC looks at:
i. Feasibility of the business
ii. Contribution to the national interest/economy – beneficiation
iii. Desirability of the business
iv. Business falls within the key sectors
- Agribusiness
- Automotive and components
- Clothing, textiles, leather and footwear
- Digital Economy and ICT
- Forestry
- Mining and Mineral processing
- Transport and industrial
- Metals
phase 2
Department of Home Affairs – Visa Application
Once the recommendation from the DTIC has been received, with or without the waiver, one proceeds to submit the actual visa application through the Department of Home Affairs or SA Mission abroad, depending on your circumstances.
The Critical Skills Visa replaced the previous “quota” and “exceptional skills” work permits. We have had vast experience assisting our clients with both the quota and exceptional skills work permits and now the critical skills visa.
Although it might seem straightforward to qualify for a critical skills visa, an incorrect assessment and lack of guidance may lead to possible negative outcomes resulting in frustrations with the entire process. Our experience at Prestige Immigration Services ensures that we identify candidates’ qualifying criteria for this visa based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
- A Critical Skills Visa is issued to applicants who fall within the critical skills list as gazetted by the Department of Home Affairs.
- The visa allows its holder to work in South Africa within the specific occupation listed and pertaining to a specific sector.
- A detailed list of “Critical Skills” has been published by the government and contains pages of professions and fields together with the way in which an applicant needs to prove that he or she falls under them.
- To qualify for a critical skills visa, the following requirements must be met:
– You need to have a job offer for a fixed term
– Your job offer/title must be in line with list of gazetted skills
– Your qualification must meet the minimum level required
– You need to register with a professional body in your area of skills.
– For other professions, the company must be a medium to large enterprise
- If a foreigner has a long-term visa in South Africa, the application for change to a critical skills visa can be done in South Africa.
- When all requirements have been met, the visa may be granted for up to 5 years depending on the duration of the employment contract.
- One may qualify for permanent residency as the holder of a critical skills visa, provided they have at least 5 years post-qualification experience.
Prestige Immigration Services will gladly advise you in detail regarding the requirements and handle all necessary procedural steps on your behalf. Contact us if you wish to find out whether you qualify for a critical skills visa.
Prestige Immigration Services has vast experience assisting expatriates with acquiring intra-company transfer work visas. Guidance on the skills transfer plans has been a core need of our clients and to ensure the best results, we have taken our corporate clients through this process seamlessly.
- A foreigner who is employed abroad by a business operating in South Africa as a branch, subsidiary or affiliate and who, because of his/her employment is required to conduct work in South Africa for a period not exceeding 48 months (4 years), may conduct work in South Africa on an Intra-company Transfer Work Visa.
- The foreigner must have been employed by the foreign company for at least six months prior to the transfer and he/she must remain employed with the foreign company for the duration of assignment in South Africa which is up to a maximum period of four years.
Study visa
Children of school going age need to obtain study visas so that they can study whilst accompanying their parents on long-term visas in SA.
The study visa is issued for the full duration of studies and a valid SA medical aid will be required.
Visitor’s visa to accompany spouse/parents
Accompanying spouses and minor children not of school going age, may be issued with visitor’s visas for the same duration as the main applicant’s long-term visa.
Spouses or Life Partners of SA citizens/Permanent Residents
As a spouse or life partner of an SA citizen permanent resident, one qualifies for a Section 11(6) visitor’s visa if they want to work, study or run a business. If they simply want to reside with their spouse of life partner, they may apply for a Relative Visa.
For life partners, proof of cohabitation and shared financial commitments for at least two years is a requirement.
One may apply for the “Financially Independent Permit” should they wish to invest in South Africa. The permit is aimed at high net worth individuals and is appropriate for applicants with a high net worth seeking permanent residency in South Africa.
The applicant must prove a net worth of R12 million from their world-wide assets (these do not necessarily have to be in South Africa). Upon receipt of the permit (permanent residence permit), the individual may undertake any activity they desire in South Africa – such as commence a business or work.
One does not need to permanently reside in South Africa, but they must ensure that they enter South Africa at least once every 3 years to maintain the permanent residence status. Apart from the mandatory service fees, a further fee of R120 000 is payable to Home Affairs when the permit is granted.
We have assisted most of our qualifying clients with their permanent residence applications with an exceptional success rate due to clear and concise guidance, assistance on the entire process and leveraging on our established long-standing relationships with the various stakeholders.
Generally, a South African permanent residence permit allows its holder maximum flexibility with regards to entry and exit as well as regarding any activities followed in South Africa.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
01
A foreigner who intends to come and reside in South Africa on an indefinite permanent basis, has an option to apply for a permanent residence permit. To do so, they need a long-term temporary residence visa.
02
A South African Permanent residence permit allows the immigrant to stay and reside in South Africa and undertake a specified activity according to which category the permanent residency permit is issued under.
03
Once granted, permanent residency entitles the individual to obtain a South African identity document.
04
Permanent residence holders who are absent from South Africa for a continuous period of three years or longer may lose their right to permanent residency. A period of absence may be interrupted by an admission and sojourn in South Africa.
Read more about the Categories of permanent residence permits below.
What is the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)?
The MPRP is a fast-track Permanent Residency in Malta, one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. The program allows qualifying family members to join under one application and retain their status for life.
As a result, the applicant and family members can stay indefinitely in Malta while enjoying lifetime access to the 26 Schengen countries.
The program is unique among Golden Visas since it provides Permanent Residency from the start, thus avoiding tedious renewals. The program also has no minimum physical stay requirements in Malta.
Under specific circumstances, the program can lead to citizenship rights within 5 – 6 years.
There are two investment options to choose from, depending on whether you prefer to invest or rent a Malta property. No matter which option you decide to go for, the benefits remain the same – and for life.
The program has been made affordable. By way of example, under the rental option, a family of four would cost less than EUR40,000* per person over five years.
What is the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)?
- A Malta permanent residence permit to beneficiary and dependants.
- Lifetime visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
- The right to reside, settle and stay indefinitely in Malta.
- The ability to apply for Long Term Residence status.
- The possibility of naturalisation as a Maltese citizen after a certain residence period as defined under Malta’s citizenship laws.
- The possibility for the principal applicant and his/her spouse/partner to add children born or adopted after the approval date subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility for children of the principal applicant or their spouse/partner who marry to add their spouse/partner and any direct dependants subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility of applying for a work permit under a separate process.
- The possibility of a special tax status when coupled with the Global Residence Program.
Why Malta?
- A Malta permanent residence permit to beneficiary and dependants.
- Lifetime visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
- The right to reside, settle and stay indefinitely in Malta.
- The ability to apply for Long Term Residence status.
- The possibility of naturalisation as a Maltese citizen after a certain residence period as defined under Malta’s citizenship laws.
- The possibility for the principal applicant and his/her spouse/partner to add children born or adopted after the approval date subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility for children of the principal applicant or their spouse/partner who marry to add their spouse/partner and any direct dependants subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility of applying for a work permit under a separate process.
- The possibility of a special tax status when coupled with the Global Residence Program.
Programme Requirements
01
Be 18 years of age, or older.
02
Have a certificate of good health from a reputable health system.
03
Have a capital of €500,000 (of which €150,000 must be financial assets).
04
Have a stable and regular source of income.
05
Have a clean criminal record.
06
Not be considered a potential national security risk.
07
Not have a reputational risk.
08
Not subject to criminal proceedings.
Being an immigrant and having to organise your move to South Africa, including attending to the immigration process, can be a daunting process. The added pressure of understanding the quickest and correct visa to apply for to obtain legitimate residence status leads to further frustrations with the process. At Prestige Immigration Services we are experts at identifying the correct visa or permit to apply for based on a candidate’s credentials and providing guidance on the entire process, thereby taking away that additional stress from your move to South Africa.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
Advising clients on intra-company transfer work visas, critical skills work visas and permanent residence permit applications in line with the South Africa’s Immigration Act of 2002 (as amended), regulations, policies, and case law.
Advising on, preparing, and filing of critical skills work visa, intra-company transfer work visa and permanent residence permit applications.
Review and appeal applications at both Director General and Ministerial levels.
Applicaitons.
Other services associated with migrating to South Africa.
We have vast experience helping expatriate business owners apply for and obtain their business visas. As the process to obtain a business visa is twofold, with first requiring a recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and then the actual visa through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), we assist with the process end-to-end for our clients.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR A BUSINESS VISA?
Any expat who wants to invest in a new or existing business in SA.
WHAT IS A BUSINESS VISA AND WHAT DOES IT ALLOW YOU TO DO?
A business visa allows expats to set up and run or be involved as shareholders in a business legally in South Africa. It also enables the business visa recipient to reside and operate their business legally for a 3-year period in South Africa. But, more crucially, it enables foreign business owners to immediately apply for Permanent Residence in South Africa.
WHY DOES THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT ISSUE BUSINESS VISAS AND WHY IS THIS RELEVANT TO YOU?
- To attract foreign investment – The South African government is actively pursuing inward investment into the country.
- Promote economy – The government has been very active to attract companies from specific sectors, where they see an opportunity for long term growth in the country.
- Boost employment.
- Open new trade markets with overseas companies.
WHAT THIS MEANS IS:
- If you are prepared to invest money into the country
- Bring inward skills and expertise
- Create employment
- You have a good chance of qualifying for a business visa.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
01
R5 million
Investment
An applicant needs to show a minimum of R5 million capital investment which must originate from outside South Africa. The investment can either be in the form of actual cash which is physically brought into the country or machinery and equipment of the same value.
02
Employment of SA citizens
and/or permanent residents
At least 60% of the total staff compliment to be employed in the operations of the business need to be South African citizens or permanent residents. These need to be employed in permanent positions.
03
DTI
Recommendation
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) needs to recommend the business in terms of its feasibility and contribution to the national interest.
04
Statutory
Compliance
The business needs to be registered with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) and SARS (South African Revenue Services).
UIF – Unemployment Insurance fund and COIDA – Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases are registrations that need to be shown for businesses that are already operational, and for first time applications, undertakings to register with these bodies may be accepted.
Waiver:
Where one does not meet the minimum investment amount of R5 million, they may apply for a waiver of the capital requirement. This is done through both the DTIC and Home Affairs Department.
The waiver may be granted for businesses that fall under the key investment sectors and provided one can show the feasibility of the business and its contribution to the national interest.
Application Process:
phase 1
DTIC Application for recommendation
An initial application needs to be submitted and approved by the DTIC which motivates why the business owner’s business is worthy of being awarded a business visa. The granting of the recommendation to enable the application for a business visa is very much based on the motivation that the business meets the qualifying criteria of the DTIC and the South African government.
In considering the recommendation of the business, the DTIC looks at:
i. Feasibility of the business
ii. Contribution to the national interest/economy – beneficiation
iii. Desirability of the business
iv. Business falls within the key sectors
- Agribusiness
- Automotive and components
- Clothing, textiles, leather and footwear
- Digital Economy and ICT
- Forestry
- Mining and Mineral processing
- Transport and industrial
- Metals
phase 2
Department of Home Affairs – Visa Application
Once the recommendation from the DTIC has been received, with or without the waiver, one proceeds to submit the actual visa application through the Department of Home Affairs or SA Mission abroad, depending on your circumstances.
The Critical Skills Visa replaced the previous “quota” and “exceptional skills” work permits. We have had vast experience assisting our clients with both the quota and exceptional skills work permits and now the critical skills visa.
Although it might seem straightforward to qualify for a critical skills visa, an incorrect assessment and lack of guidance may lead to possible negative outcomes resulting in frustrations with the entire process. Our experience at Prestige Immigration Services ensures that we identify candidates’ qualifying criteria for this visa based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
- A Critical Skills Visa is issued to applicants who fall within the critical skills list as gazetted by the Department of Home Affairs.
- The visa allows its holder to work in South Africa within the specific occupation listed and pertaining to a specific sector.
- A detailed list of “Critical Skills” has been published by the government and contains pages of professions and fields together with the way in which an applicant needs to prove that he or she falls under them.
- To qualify for a critical skills visa, the following requirements must be met:
– You need to have a job offer for a fixed term
– Your job offer/title must be in line with list of gazetted skills
– Your qualification must meet the minimum level required
– You need to register with a professional body in your area of skills.
– For other professions, the company must be a medium to large enterprise
- If a foreigner has a long-term visa in South Africa, the application for change to a critical skills visa can be done in South Africa.
- When all requirements have been met, the visa may be granted for up to 5 years depending on the duration of the employment contract.
- One may qualify for permanent residency as the holder of a critical skills visa, provided they have at least 5 years post-qualification experience.
Prestige Immigration Services will gladly advise you in detail regarding the requirements and handle all necessary procedural steps on your behalf. Contact us if you wish to find out whether you qualify for a critical skills visa.
Prestige Immigration Services has vast experience assisting expatriates with acquiring intra-company transfer work visas. Guidance on the skills transfer plans has been a core need of our clients and to ensure the best results, we have taken our corporate clients through this process seamlessly.
- A foreigner who is employed abroad by a business operating in South Africa as a branch, subsidiary or affiliate and who, because of his/her employment is required to conduct work in South Africa for a period not exceeding 48 months (4 years), may conduct work in South Africa on an Intra-company Transfer Work Visa.
- The foreigner must have been employed by the foreign company for at least six months prior to the transfer and he/she must remain employed with the foreign company for the duration of assignment in South Africa which is up to a maximum period of four years.
Study visa
Children of school going age need to obtain study visas so that they can study whilst accompanying their parents on long-term visas in SA.
The study visa is issued for the full duration of studies and a valid SA medical aid will be required.
Visitor’s visa to accompany spouse/parents
Accompanying spouses and minor children not of school going age, may be issued with visitor’s visas for the same duration as the main applicant’s long-term visa.
Spouses or Life Partners of SA citizens/Permanent Residents
As a spouse or life partner of an SA citizen permanent resident, one qualifies for a Section 11(6) visitor’s visa if they want to work, study or run a business. If they simply want to reside with their spouse of life partner, they may apply for a Relative Visa.
For life partners, proof of cohabitation and shared financial commitments for at least two years is a requirement.
One may apply for the “Financially Independent Permit” should they wish to invest in South Africa. The permit is aimed at high net worth individuals and is appropriate for applicants with a high net worth seeking permanent residency in South Africa.
The applicant must prove a net worth of R12 million from their world-wide assets (these do not necessarily have to be in South Africa). Upon receipt of the permit (permanent residence permit), the individual may undertake any activity they desire in South Africa – such as commence a business or work.
One does not need to permanently reside in South Africa, but they must ensure that they enter South Africa at least once every 3 years to maintain the permanent residence status. Apart from the mandatory service fees, a further fee of R120 000 is payable to Home Affairs when the permit is granted.
We have assisted most of our qualifying clients with their permanent residence applications with an exceptional success rate due to clear and concise guidance, assistance on the entire process and leveraging on our established long-standing relationships with the various stakeholders.
Generally, a South African permanent residence permit allows its holder maximum flexibility with regards to entry and exit as well as regarding any activities followed in South Africa.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
01
A foreigner who intends to come and reside in South Africa on an indefinite permanent basis, has an option to apply for a permanent residence permit. To do so, they need a long-term temporary residence visa.
02
A South African Permanent residence permit allows the immigrant to stay and reside in South Africa and undertake a specified activity according to which category the permanent residency permit is issued under.
03
Once granted, permanent residency entitles the individual to obtain a South African identity document.
04
Permanent residence holders who are absent from South Africa for a continuous period of three years or longer may lose their right to permanent residency. A period of absence may be interrupted by an admission and sojourn in South Africa.
Read more about the Categories of permanent residence permits below.
What is the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)?
The MPRP is a fast-track Permanent Residency in Malta, one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. The program allows qualifying family members to join under one application and retain their status for life.
As a result, the applicant and family members can stay indefinitely in Malta while enjoying lifetime access to the 26 Schengen countries.
The program is unique among Golden Visas since it provides Permanent Residency from the start, thus avoiding tedious renewals. The program also has no minimum physical stay requirements in Malta.
Under specific circumstances, the program can lead to citizenship rights within 5 – 6 years.
There are two investment options to choose from, depending on whether you prefer to invest or rent a Malta property. No matter which option you decide to go for, the benefits remain the same – and for life.
The program has been made affordable. By way of example, under the rental option, a family of four would cost less than EUR40,000* per person over five years.
What is the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)?
- A Malta permanent residence permit to beneficiary and dependants.
- Lifetime visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
- The right to reside, settle and stay indefinitely in Malta.
- The ability to apply for Long Term Residence status.
- The possibility of naturalisation as a Maltese citizen after a certain residence period as defined under Malta’s citizenship laws.
- The possibility for the principal applicant and his/her spouse/partner to add children born or adopted after the approval date subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility for children of the principal applicant or their spouse/partner who marry to add their spouse/partner and any direct dependants subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility of applying for a work permit under a separate process.
- The possibility of a special tax status when coupled with the Global Residence Program.
Why Malta?
- A Malta permanent residence permit to beneficiary and dependants.
- Lifetime visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
- The right to reside, settle and stay indefinitely in Malta.
- The ability to apply for Long Term Residence status.
- The possibility of naturalisation as a Maltese citizen after a certain residence period as defined under Malta’s citizenship laws.
- The possibility for the principal applicant and his/her spouse/partner to add children born or adopted after the approval date subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility for children of the principal applicant or their spouse/partner who marry to add their spouse/partner and any direct dependants subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
- The possibility of applying for a work permit under a separate process.
- The possibility of a special tax status when coupled with the Global Residence Program.
Programme Requirements
01
Be 18 years of age, or older.
02
Have a certificate of good health from a reputable health system.
03
Have a capital of €500,000 (of which €150,000 must be financial assets).
04
Have a stable and regular source of income.
05
Have a clean criminal record.
06
Not be considered a potential national security risk.
07
Not have a reputational risk.
08
Not subject to criminal proceedings.
Categories of permanent residence permits
The South African Immigration Act provides specific permanent residence permit categories that an applicant can fall under. Permanent residence permits under Section 26 of the Act are referred to as “direct residency”, and those under section 27 of the Act are referred to as “residency under other grounds”.
A foreigner qualifies for permanent residence if he/she has been in possession of work visas for at least the past five consecutive years, with a permanent job offer secured in South Africa. A minimum of five years’ work visas must have been endorsed in the foreigner’s passport. Intra-Company Transfer work visas are excluded and are not considered for this purpose.
One is eligible to apply for permanent residence if they have been married or in a permanent spousal relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least five years.
A child of a South African citizen or permanent resident, and who is under the age of 21, qualifies for permanent residency in South Africa.
A child of a South African citizen or permanent resident, and who is over the age of 21, qualifies for permanent residency in South Africa.
You are eligible to apply for permanent residence if you hold a critical skills work visa, as per Critical Skills List published in the Government Gazette, AND you have accrued at least five years of post-qualification experience (not necessarily related to the critical skills).
You may qualify for a permanent residence permit based on your intended investment in an existing South African business or if you intend to establish and invest in South African business. This investment should be no less than R5 million, or a lesser amount as agreed by the Department of Home Affairs should the business enterprise fall within one of the prescribed National Interest sectors of the South African economy.
You may qualify for a permanent residence permit on the basis that you have held refugee status in South Africa for at least the past five years. For this purpose, you will require obtaining a certification from the Refugee Standing Committee confirming that you will remain a refugee indefinitely.
You may qualify for a permanent residence permit based on your receipt of pensions or irrevocable annuities for the rest of your life.
You are eligible to apply for permanent residence on the basis that you can demonstrate your net worth to be equivalent to no less than R12 million AND undertake to pay to the DHA a non-refundable once off fee of R120,000.00 upon the approval of your application.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Drafting of Commercial Contracts
Authentication of Documents
Facilitation with translation of foreign documents
Assistance with obtaining police clearance certificates from various countries
