Retirement Visa South Africa

South African Retirement Visa Requirements

• DHA 1738 form: Complete the form accurately and sign it.
• Passport: Submit a valid passport and a certified copy.
• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure.
• Submission Deadline: Submit the application at least 60 days before your visa expires, or within seven working days if your visa is valid for less than 30 days.
• Medical Report: Provide a recent medical report signed by a doctor.
• Police Clearance: Submit a recent police clearance certificate for countries where you resided for over 12 months in the past five years.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: If required, provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Marriage/Divorce/Death Certificates: Provide relevant documents as needed.
• Financial Proof:
  • Pension or Annuity: Proof of a monthly pension or annuity income of at least R37,000.
  • Net Worth: Proof of a minimum net worth of R37,000 per month.
• Payment: Proof of payment for the required visa fee.

Additional Considerations:

• Visa Validity: A retirement visa is typically valid for up to four years.
• Fraudulent Applications: Providing false information or fraudulent documents can lead to visa revocation and potential legal action.
• Sponsor Presence: If your application is based on a relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident, they must be present during the submission.
• Applicant Responsibility: The applicant is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all submitted documents.

South Africa Retirement Visa Application Form

The DHA 1738 form is the official document required for applying for a South African retirement visa.

Form Completion:

• Language: Complete the form in English.
• Handwritten: If applying at a South African embassy, fill out the form by hand in black ink.
• Required Information: Provide details about the visa category, your personal information, citizenship, passport details, addresses, planned stay in South Africa, financial resources, accompanying family or dependents, and security and health information.

How To Apply For A Retirement Visa In South Africa

Initial Application:

You cannot apply for a retirement visa directly within South Africa. First-time applicants must submit their applications at a South African embassy in their country of residence.

Applying for a Retirement Visa:

Through VFS:

1. Online Application: Complete the online application form and pay the required fees.
2. Appointment Scheduling: Schedule an appointment at a VFS centre.
3. Document Submission: On your appointment date, submit your application and complete biometric scans.
4. Application Tracking: Track your application’s progress online.

Through a South African Embassy:

1. Form Completion: Complete the DHA-1738 form by hand in black ink.
2. Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documents.
3. Submission: Submit your application and documents to the South African embassy.
4. Processing Time: The embassy will provide an estimated processing time.

How Long Does A Retirement Visa Last In South Africa?

A retirement visa in South Africa is typically valid for up to four years. After this period, you may be eligible to renew your visa, subject to meeting the ongoing requirements.

The duration of a retirement visa is determined by various factors, including your financial situation. The South African authorities will assess your financial resources to determine the appropriate visa validity period.

Can You Work On A Retirement Visa In South Africa?

Employment Restrictions:

A retirement visa does not permit work in South Africa. If you wish to work, you’ll need to apply for a separate work visa. It’s generally not advisable to request permission to work on a retirement visa, as it may lead to complications and potential visa cancellations.

Retirement Visa South Africa For Your Spouse & Children

Spouses and Children of Retirement Visa Holders

Spouses and dependent children of South African retirement visa holders can apply for dependent visas to join their family members in South Africa.

Spousal Visas:

• Financial Support: The main visa holder must demonstrate the ability to financially support their spouse, typically requiring a minimum monthly income of R8,500.
• Visa Duration: Dependent spouse visas are usually valid for three years.

Dependent Children Visas:

• Financial Support: The main visa holder must demonstrate additional financial support of R8,500 per month for each dependent child.

Retirement Permanent Residence Permit South Africa

To qualify for immediate permanent residency, retirement visa holders must demonstrate a lifelong, guaranteed income from a pension or retirement annuity. Relying solely on income from assets like property rentals or investments will not meet the requirements for immediate permanent residency.

South Africa Retirement Visa Tax

South African Taxation for Expats

South Africa operates on a residency-based tax system. This means that residents, including those with citizenship or residence permits, are taxed on their worldwide income. Additionally, individuals who have spent more than 91 days in South Africa in each of the past five tax years, totalling at least 915 days, are also considered tax residents.

Income Tax:

• Progressive Tax Rates: South Africa has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 18% to 41% depending on your annual income.
• Capital Gains Tax: Capital gains tax rates are relatively low, with a 40% tax rate on net gains exceeding R40,000.
• Pension Income: There’s no tax on overseas pensions. However, South African pensions are subject to tax on annual earnings above R114,800 and lump-sum payments exceeding R500,000.

Tax Treaties:

South Africa has tax treaties with several countries, including the UK, the US, Australia, Japan, Thailand, and Sweden. These treaties help prevent double taxation for individuals moving between these countries.

South Africa Retirement Visa Age

While there’s no specific age restriction for a South African retirement visa as per the Immigration Act, some South African embassies may have their own age-related guidelines.

South African Retirement Visa Renewal

Visa Validity and Renewal:

• Initial Validity: The retirement visa is typically issued for a specific period.
• Extension: You may be eligible to extend your visa if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
• Renewal Process: Visa renewals are typically handled through VFS in South Africa. You’ll need to schedule an appointment online, complete the necessary forms, and submit your application at a VFS centre.