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| Fri, 22/8/2008 | ||
If you wish to visit South Africa on a temporary or even a more permanent basis, you have come to the right place, as Breytenbachs will be able to assist you with a variety of SA immigration services. We have qualified South African lawyers in our UK office and work closely with the best immigration consultants in South Africa to offer you the best of both worlds at affordable prices!
We do our utmost to make the process as fast and straightforward as possible so that you can enjoy the sunny South African skies!
We can assist with:
Please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you need further information. Our solicitors will be happy to help!
Different types of visas are available to people who wish to visit South Africa for temporary purposes. The following is a brief discussion of each visa. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information.
Visitor's Visa
This visa can be applied for if you wish to visit South Africa for travel purposes or purposes other than work. This visa cannot exceed three months and can be formally applied for, before entry into South Africa.
In general documentation that will be required includes; a valid return ticket/cash deposit, proof of funds, documentation that stipulates the detail of your intended visit etc. We will provide you with a complete list of documentation you will need in order to apply.
Academic Sabbatical Visa
You can apply for this visa if you wish to take a sabbatical study course in SA. In general you will need a letter from an academic institution abroad to confirm your studies in SA, as well as a letter from an academic institution in SA to confirm your studies.
Charitable or Volunteer visa
This visa can be applied for if you wish to do charity or volunteer work in South Africa. The visa will be granted for a maximum of three years. In general you will need to provide a letter from a SA institution to confirm the period of service, details of services to be provided and confirmation that you will not receive any income
Research visa
A research visa will be granted for a maximum of three years. Applicants must apart from other general requirements be able to provide a letter from academic institution that describes the period and nature of the research and proof of funds available for expenses during the whole period of research in SA.
Breytenbachs will be able to assist you with an extension of your visa, except in cases where the visa has already been granted for the maximum period that are allowed; such as the volunteer or research visa that can only be granted for a maximum period of three years. However, we will be able to assess your case on its individual merits and be able to advise you on the best alternatives available.
It is important to keep in mind that an application must be submitted thirty days before expiry of your current visa. An extension of your visa can entail a lot of administrative work, in the case of for example the extension of a general visitors' visa you will need an auditor's letter to confirm that you have R15 000 per month per family member available to pay for living expenses.
Breytenbachs will e able to provide you with a complete list of documents required and assist you to make the process as straightforward as possible and finalise the process as fast as possible in order for you to make the most of your extended stay in South Africa!
There are numerous permits to be considered by potential longer term 'visitors' to South Africa. However, choosing the most suitable category is extremely important and increases the chances of a successful application. The South African Department of Home Affairs amends their rules and regulations from time to time. Our solicitors and qualified SA lawyers will however keep you up to date with all the latest news.
The following is a very brief discussion of options available. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information, we will be happy to help!
Diplomatic Permit
This permit is available to persons with diplomatic status. Family members can apply for work permits.
Study Permit
This permit is available to those who wish to study in South Africa. An applicant will be able to take up part time employment not exceeding 20 hours per week during term time and may take up full time employment within the holiday period of studies, if enrolled for higher education. If an applicant needs to undertake practical training, which will form part of his studies, permission should be obtained from the SA Department of Home Affairs. Apart from various other general requirements, an applicant will have to provide a letter from the relevant academic institution to confirm the course to be taken, period of studies and that fees have been paid. Medical provision for minor children must also be confirmed.
Treaty Permit
A treaty permit can be obtained if the applicant is a citizen of a country with which SA has a treaty program. The applicant will inter alia be required to provide a letter from the country with whom SA has international agreement to confirm the details of the treaty program, confirmation that applicant will form part of this program, description of applicant's activities whilst in SA, expected period of residence in SA, confirmation whether applicant will be expected to be employed or not.
Business Permit
A person can apply for a business permit if he/she can invest a minimum amount of R2 500 000, but can apply through the SA Department of Trade and Industry to qualify for a lesser investment amount, provided that the proposed company falls within specific sectors of the South African economy. Employment creation and tax compliance is of utmost importance. Categories available split into applicants who wish to establish a new company in SA and those who wish to invest in an established company in SA.
Work Permit
Various general requirements apply under this category. Please contact us for more information. Applications for this permit split into the following categories: Quota Work Permit, General Work Permit, Exceptional Skills Work Permit, Intra Company Transfer and Corporate Worker Permits.
Retired Persons Permit
Under this category an applicant can qualify if he/she has R20 000 per month pension income or a net worth of R12 000. Should the applicant wish to be employed proof must be furnished that no SA citizen is capable to fill the position. Seasonal residence in SA will be allowed
Corporate Permit
This permit is given to the employer. Apart from other general requirements to qualify for this permit, the employer must inter alia undertake to pay 2% of the employee's salary to the SA department of Home Affairs.
Exchange Permit
Exchange permits can be arranged for studies, cultural, economical & social issues, as well as for work purposes.
Breytenbachs will be able to assist you with your application for permanent residence. The period after which a person might qualify for permanent residence in SA varies from category to category. Breytenbachs will be able to assess your circumstances and advise you accordingly. The following categories can lead to permanent SA residence:
Work Permit, Spouse of a SA Citizen or Resident, Child of a SA Citizen or Resident - younger or older than 21, Continuous employment status in South Africa for a minimum of 5 years or more, Extraordinary Skills, Applications to establish a business in SA or invest in an existing business, Retired Person Permit and a Proof of First Step of Kinship to a SA Citizen or Resident.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. We will be happy to help!
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| Breytenbachs South Africa |
| To contact Breytenbachs SA to apply for a working holiday visa, please phone (+27) 12 460 9959 |
| Ask the Expert |
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apply for the new scheme. Is this true?' Read all the answers on the latest questions asked by our clients. |
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| What our clients have to say |
| I CANNOT thank you enough for all the trouble and hard work you all put into my case - it really means a lot to me and is GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thank you very much! I know it is your job and you get paid to do it, but you have just given me my future and a great deal of happiness! Kim Joubert Do you want to know whether you qualify for a UK work permit or visa? Click here! |
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