Visa program for retirees with stable income seeking residence in South Africa.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
Live your retirement years in South Africa's diverse landscapes from coastal havens to safari country
Overview
A retirement visa for individuals with independent means to live in South Africa's diverse landscape
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals with sufficient passive income or foreign financial resources.
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
4 year visa
Months to Visa
2 months
Physical Presence Requirement
Must live in the country for at least 183 per year
Availability
In-person application
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application through VFS Global service center + Complete medical examination and police clearance
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
What is the minimum income requirement?
Can I work in South Africa?
How often must I renew the visa?
Is there a physical presence requirement?
Can my spouse join me?
benefits
Access to high-quality private healthcare system and established retirement communities
No age restrictions and indefinitely renewable visa with clear path to permanent residence
Freedom to own property and access local financial system
Low monthly income requirement
Long term program (compared to other Independent Means Visas)
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Very fast processing time
Visa-Free Travel Countries
96
Passport Validity
10 years, 5 for children
Overview
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
What is the minimum income requirement?
Can I work in South Africa?
How often must I renew the visa?
Is there a physical presence requirement?
Can my spouse join me?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+Two passport photos with white or light background
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) or a letter of invitation from the host with proof of address (relative or friend) in South Africa
Original FBI certificate (full criminal background check report) and original police clearance certificate from each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years (for the last 5 years) in respect of criminal records or the character of that applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in South Africa
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
25
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
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Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
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Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
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Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
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Program Stability
Based on years of activity
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Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
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Rankings
Safety
142
Cost of Living
78
Quality of Life
57
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Healthcare Quality
125
Internet Speed
98
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Human Freedom
73
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
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