Residency
South Africa — Residency: Permanent Residency
South Africa grants permanent residence under section 26 after five continuous years on a work visa with a permanent job offer, or after five years of spousal relationship.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceImmigration Act 13 of 2002 section 26 and Immigration RegulationsLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- Section 26 lets the Director-General issue permanent residence to a holder of a work visa for five continuous years who has an offer of permanent employment.
- Section 26(b) covers the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident where the relationship has lasted five years.
- Applicants first submit a representation to the Minister of Home Affairs to be declared not prohibited or undesirable.
- The Act consolidation is from 2014 and the regulations are old; check the current DHA site.
Steps
- Step 1: Eligibility Check — Determine if you meet the general requirements for permanent residency, though specifics are unclear.
- Step 2: Application Submission — Submit an application, though the exact process and necessary documents are unknown.
- Step 3: Processing and Approval — Wait for processing, though the timeframe and potential for rejection or additional requirements are uncertain.