Written: 4th December 2024
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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.
Immigration Consultant SA is a professional immigration consultancy that assists foreign nationals with South African visa applications.

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:
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.
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There are different Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) application forms. The main forms are:
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:
Information Required on the DHA-1738 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:
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:
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:
Application Process:
VFS-Contracted Embassies:
If the South African embassy in your country is contracted to VFS, the application process is slightly different:
TRV Visa Type | Department of Home Affairs Cost | VFS Submission Fee |
Academic Sabbatical Visa | ZAR 425.00 | ZAR 1550.00 |
ZAR 1520.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
ZAR 1520.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
Exchange Visa (Student) | Contact SA Embassy | Contact SA Embassy |
Exchange Visa (Work) | ZAR 1520.00 | ZAR 1550.00 |
ZAR 1520.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
ZAR 1520.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
No Processing Fee | ZAR 1550.00 | |
ZAR 425.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
ZAR 425.00 and free for minors | ZAR 1550.00 | |
ZAR 425.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
ZAR 425.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
No Processing Fee | ZAR 1550.00 | |
No Processing Fee | ZAR 1550.00 | |
ZAR 425.00 | ZAR 1550.00 | |
Treaty Visa | ZAR 425.00 | ZAR 1550.00 |
Volunteer Visa | ZAR 425.00 | ZAR 1550.00 |
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:
If your temporary residence visa (TRV) is about to expire, you need to renew it at least 60 days before it ends.
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:
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