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Table Mountain in Cape Town under a band of cloud, with yellow wildflowers in the foreground
Africa · Country guide

South Africa

Africa's most industrialised economy, with major universities and a published critical-skills route for qualified workers.

Capital
Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Languages
12 official languages, including English, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Afrikaans
Currency
South African rand (ZAR)
Pathways covered
5

Sample content — pending verification. This page shows the structure of a Visa & Beyond guide. General descriptions are for orientation only; specific rules, fees, costs and deadlines have deliberately not been filled in. Always use the official links on this page for current requirements.

Last reviewed . Immigration rules change often. This is general educational information, not legal or immigration advice, and Visa & Beyond is not affiliated with any government. Confirm everything on the official website before you apply. Disclaimer

Overview

Visas and permits for South Africa are managed by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and applications made outside the country go through South African missions or their appointed application centres.

This guide outlines the main types of visa. It does not list fees, processing times or the current critical skills list, because these are updated by the government. Always confirm on the DHA website.

African mobility: regional agreements can make movement easier for some nationalities. Our guide to opportunities within Africa explains what ECOWAS, the EAC and the African Union free-movement protocol do and do not cover.

Visa pathways

The main routes people research for South Africa. Names are given for orientation; read eligibility, fees and processing information on the official page.

Visit & tourism

Visitor visa

For tourism, family visits and some business activities. Many nationalities are exempt for short stays; check the Department of Home Affairs list for yours.

Official page
Study

Study visa

For students accepted by a registered South African institution.

Work

General work visa

For people with a job offer, usually where the employer shows that no suitable local candidate was found.

Work

Critical skills work visa

For people whose skills appear on the official critical skills list published by the government.

Permanent residence

Permanent residence

Several categories exist, including routes linked to long-term work, family ties and business.

Work opportunities

South Africa publishes an official critical skills list, which is the first thing to check if you work in engineering, IT, health or other specialist fields. Registration with a South African professional body is often required, so start that process early.

Work abroad guides

Study opportunities

Universities South Africa (USAf), the association of the country's public universities, is a good starting point for comparing institutions. The Department of Higher Education and Training lists registered public and private providers.

Study abroad guides

Estimated living costs

Living costs vary widely by city, household size and lifestyle. We have not yet published verified figures for this guide. When we do, each estimate will show its source and date. Use this list to plan the categories you will need to budget for.

Rent (shared or one-bedroom)Figure pending verification
Utilities & internetFigure pending verification
GroceriesFigure pending verification
Local transportFigure pending verification
Health insurance / healthcareFigure pending verification
Mobile phone planFigure pending verification
Initial set-up costs (deposit, furniture)Figure pending verification

Important requirements

Commonly requested across many visa types. The official document list for your specific visa always takes priority.

  • A valid passport. Many countries require it to remain valid for a minimum period beyond your stay; check the exact rule for your visa.
  • A completed application submitted through the official government portal or an authorised visa application centre.
  • Evidence of the purpose of your stay, such as an offer letter, letter of admission, invitation or itinerary.
  • Proof that you can support yourself financially, usually through bank statements, sponsorship letters or scholarship letters.
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), medical examinations or police certificates may be requested for some visa types.
  • Payment of the official government fee. Fees are published on the official website and can change.

Official government resources

Official sources for South Africa

Life in South Africa

Cost of living, safety, transport and job markets differ a lot between cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Newcomers often mention opening a bank account, finding secure housing and arranging medical cover as early priorities.

Life abroad guides

Keep reading

Guides about South Africa

Other destinations