South African entrepreneur visa

Business Visa

Establish and operate your own business in South Africa. The business visa supports entrepreneurs and investors who want temporary residence while building a venture — with a pathway to permanent residence when requirements are met.

Check your eligibility View requirements

What is a South African business visa?

A business visa is for foreign nationals who wish to establish, invest in, or actively manage a business in South Africa. It allows you to live in the country while operating your venture and can lead to permanent residence when you meet the longer-term criteria for that category.

Plan ahead Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) certification typically takes 1 to 3 months. DHA or embassy processing often adds a further 3 to 4 months, depending on application volumes.

Benefits

Run your own business

Establish or invest in a South African entity and manage day-to-day operations under a dedicated visa category.

Enter & re-enter freely

Travel in and out of South Africa according to your visa conditions while your business is active.

Path to permanent residence

Progress toward permanent residence when you satisfy the relevant business and residence requirements over time.

Family accompaniment

Eligible family members may accompany you, subject to separate application requirements and DHA rules.

How do you qualify?

Capital investment: Proof of at least ZAR 5 million in cash available for investment in South Africa, confirmed by a certificate from a SAICA, SAIPA, or SAIBA registered accountant.
DTIC certification: Certification from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) supporting your business visa application.
Business plan & profile: A comprehensive business plan and business profile aligned with DHA and DTIC expectations.
Local employment: Undertaking to employ at least 60% South African citizens or permanent residents of your total staff complement.
Registrations: Register the business with applicable authorities — including SARS, UIF, Compensation Fund, CIPC, and relevant professional bodies where required.

Reduced or waived capital requirements

The Minister of Home Affairs may reduce or waive the ZAR 5 million investment for businesses in designated sectors, including:

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Clothing and textile manufacturing
Chemicals and biotechnology
Agro-processing
Metals and minerals refinement
Automotive manufacturing
Tourism
Crafts

Confirm whether your sector qualifies for a waiver or reduction before you rely on a lower capital figure in your application.

Application process

1. Business planning

Develop a detailed business plan and profile. Engage a qualified accountant early to assess capital proof requirements.

2. Accountant certificate

Obtain a certificate from a SAICA, SAIPA, or SAIBA registered professional confirming available investment capital.

3. DTIC certification

Apply for DTIC certification — typically 1 to 3 months — before submitting your visa application.

4. Submit to DHA or embassy

Lodge your business visa application with the Department of Home Affairs or the relevant South African foreign mission.

5. Await decision

DHA or embassy processing commonly takes 3 to 4 months, depending on pending application volumes.

6. Operate & comply

Once approved, register and run the business in line with your undertakings — local hiring, tax, and sector regulations.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need ZAR 5 million to invest?

The standard requirement is proof of ZAR 5 million in cash for investment. Certain sectors may qualify for a reduced or waived capital requirement — verify your sector with current DHA and DTIC guidance before applying.

Who can issue the investment capital certificate?

A chartered accountant (SAICA), professional accountant (SAIPA), or business accountant (SAIBA) registered in South Africa must confirm that you have the required capital available for investment.

What is DTIC certification?

DTIC (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition) certification supports your business visa application by confirming that your proposed business aligns with South African economic objectives. It is a prerequisite before DHA submission in most cases.

Can I bring my family on a business visa?

Family members may be able to accompany you under appropriate dependent or accompanying visa categories. Each family member typically requires a separate application meeting DHA requirements.

How is a business visa different from a General Work Visa?

A General Work Visa is for employment with a South African employer who could not find a local candidate. A Business Visa is for entrepreneurs establishing or investing in their own South African business, with capital, DTIC, and local employment undertakings.

Can I apply for permanent residence on a business visa?

A business visa can form part of a longer-term pathway to permanent residence when you meet the specific category requirements, including business performance, investment, and residence history. Rules vary by PR stream — confirm eligibility before you plan your timeline.

Ready when you are

Plan your Business Visa application with Permigrate.

Track your business plan, accountant certificate, DTIC certification, and DHA documents — with a live readiness score before you submit.

Check your eligibility