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Temporary Residence Visa South Africa

Article Written By: Charl Vollmer

  • Written: 4th December 2024

  • This article has been fact checked.

  • With 12 years of experience, Charl Vollmer is a trusted guide for those seeking to immigrate to South Africa.

A Temporary Resident Visa in South Africa allows foreign nationals to stay there for a period longer than 90 days but not exceeding five years. This visa is suitable for various purposes, including work, study, or family reunification.

Immigration Consultant SA is a professional immigration consultancy that assists foreign nationals with South African visa applications.

Do I Need a Temporary Resident Visa?


Temporary Residence Permit South Africa

You will need a temporary resident visa if you plan to stay in South Africa for more than 90 days. 

 

This visa is typically required for the following:

  • International students enrolled in South African educational institutions 
  • Foreign workers employed by South African companies 
  • Spouses or life partners of South African citizens or permanent residents 
  • Certain categories of family members of South African citizens or permanent residents

 

Can I Travel With a Temporary Residence Permit?


Yes,
you can travel within South Africa and internationally with a valid Temporary Residence Permit. However, you cannot travel if your permit has expired and you are waiting for an extension.

Start The TRV Process Today!

  • Complete our Assessment form

  • We discuss your visa needs!

  • Get a personalized visa quote

  • Initiate the process by making payment

  • Our experts handle your visa application

South Africa Temporary Residence Visa Requirements

  • Original passport and a certified copy.
  • Valid passport (at least 30 days beyond your intended stay).
  • Medical certificate issued within the past six months.
  • Police clearance certificate issued within the past six months from countries where you resided for more than 12 months in the past five years.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable).
  • Marriage certificate or proof of a foreign spousal relationship (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident (if applicable).
  • Divorce decree (if applicable).
  • Court order granting parental responsibilities and rights (if applicable).
  • Death certificate of a spouse (if applicable).
  • Written consent from both parents or a sole custody parent (if applicable).
  • Proof of adoption (if applicable).
  • Legal separation order (if applicable).


Temporary Residence Permit South Africa Forms


There are different Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) application forms. The main forms are:


DHA-1738 Application Form


If you’re a first-time applicant for a temporary residence permit, you’ll need to fill out the DHA-1738 form.


How to Fill Out the Form:

  • Language: English
  • Pen: Black ink
  • Submission: If the South African embassy uses VFS, you’ll complete the form digitally online. Otherwise, fill it out by hand.


Information Required on the DHA-1738 Form:

  • Permit Type: Specify the type of temporary residence permit you’re applying for.
  • Personal Details: Provide your full name, date of birth, and other personal information.
  • Citizenship: State your country of citizenship.
  • Passport Details: Include your passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
  • Addresses: List your current address and your address in South Africa.
  • Stay Duration: Indicate how long you plan to stay in South Africa.
  • Financial Situation: Explain how you’ll support yourself financially during your stay.
  • Dependents: If you’re bringing family members, provide their details.
  • Previous Applications: Disclose any previous applications you’ve made for South African visas or permits.
  • Security and Health Questionnaire: Complete the required security and health questionnaire honestly and accurately.


DHA-1739 Application Form


To renew your TRV, you’ll need to complete the DHA-1739 form.
This form must be completed digitally on the VFS website. No handwritten forms are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.

Information Required on the DHA-1739 Form:

  • Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, and other relevant details.
  • Passport Details: Your passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
  • Original Visa Details: Information about the initial visa granted to you.
  • Subsequent Visa Details: Information about any subsequent visas or renewals.


DHA-1740 Application Form:


If you need to change the conditions of your existing permit or your status in South Africa,
you’ll need to complete the DHA-1740 form. This form must be completed digitally on the VFS website. No handwritten forms are accepted.

Information Required on the DHA-1740 Form:

  • Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, and other relevant details.
  • Passport Details: Your passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
  • Original Permit Details: Information about the initial permit granted to you.
  • Subsequent Permit Details: Information about any subsequent permits or renewals.
  • Reason for Change: Clearly state the reason for the desired change in conditions or status.


How To Apply For A Temporary Residence In South Africa


First-Time Temporary Residence Visa Applications for South Africa

Important Note: First-time applications for a temporary residence visa (TRV) must be submitted through the South African embassy in your country of residence. No first-time applications will be accepted in South Africa.

Exceptions: The only exceptions to this rule are:

  • Spousal visas
  • Life partner visas
  • Visas for children of South African citizens or permanent residents


Application Process:

  1. Determine Visa Type: Identify the specific type of TRV you need.
  2. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents.
  3. Complete the Form: Fill out the correct visa application form.
  4. Submit Application: Submit your application to the South African embassy.


VFS-Contracted Embassies:


If the South African embassy in your country
is contracted to VFS, the application process is slightly different:

  1. Online Application: Complete the visa application form online through VFS’s website.
  2. Fee Payment: Pay the required visa fee.
  3. Form Download: Download the completed forms.
  4. Scheduled Appointment: Attend your scheduled appointment at the VFS centre to submit your application and documents.


Temporary Residence Permit South Africa Cost

TRV Visa Type

Department of Home Affairs Cost

VFS Submission Fee

Academic Sabbatical Visa

ZAR 425.00

ZAR 1550.00

Corporate Visa

ZAR 1520.00

ZAR 1550.00

Critical Skills Visa

ZAR 1520.00

ZAR 1550.00

Exchange Visa (Student)

Contact SA Embassy

Contact SA Embassy

Exchange Visa (Work)

ZAR 1520.00

ZAR 1550.00

General Work Visa

ZAR 1520.00

ZAR 1550.00

Intra Company Transfer Work Visa

ZAR 1520.00

ZAR 1550.00

Life Partner Visa

No Processing Fee

ZAR 1550.00

Medical Visa

ZAR 425.00

ZAR 1550.00

Relative Visa

ZAR 425.00 and free for minors

ZAR 1550.00

Research Visa

ZAR 425.00

ZAR 1550.00

Retired Person’s Visa

ZAR 425.00

ZAR 1550.00

Section 11.6 Visa

No Processing Fee

ZAR 1550.00

Spousal Visa

No Processing Fee

ZAR 1550.00

Study Visa

ZAR 425.00

ZAR 1550.00

Treaty Visa

ZAR 425.00

ZAR 1550.00

Volunteer Visa

ZAR 425.00

ZAR 1550.00

Temporary Residence Visa Processing Time


The processing time for a temporary residence visa in South Africa can vary. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months.

 

Here are some factors that can affect processing time:

  • Type of visa: Some visas, like work visas, might take longer to process than others.
  • Completeness of your application: If you submit all the required documents and information, your application will likely be processed faster.
  • Busy periods: During busy times, it might take longer to process your application.

 

Temporary Residence Permit Extension South Africa


If your temporary residence visa (TRV) is about to expire, you
need to renew it at least 60 days before it ends.

  • Where to renew: Go to a VFS visa facilitation centre in South Africa.
  • How to schedule: Make an appointment online on the VFS website.
  • Fill out forms: Complete all the necessary forms online and submit them in person at your appointment.


What Is A Temporary Residence Visa South Africa Waiver


A temporary residence visa waiver is a request you make to the South African Department of Home Affairs to skip
certain requirements for your visa application. This means you’re asking them to make an exception for you.

For example, you might request a waiver for:

  • Medical reports: If you have a health condition that makes it difficult to get these reports.
  • Police clearance: If you can’t get a police clearance certificate from a certain country.
  • Financial documents: If you have trouble proving you have enough money to support yourself in South Africa.

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