Residency

South Africa — Residency: Retirement Visa

The South African retired person visa is for retirees living in the country only for limited or seasonal periods during the permit validity.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceSouth African missions — retired person visaLast reviewed: 2026-10-23

Key facts

  • The Retired Person Visa is issued to retirees intending to live in South Africa only for limited or seasonal periods during the validity of the permit.
  • It is a temporary residence category, separate from permanent residence.
  • The financial threshold was not found in the pages reviewed; check the DHA retired person visa checklist.
  • Remote workers can use the Remote Work visa instead.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Gather required documents — Applicants must gather a range of documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial resources, and documentation of their intention to retire in South Africa. The specific documents required may vary, and applicants should consult the official government website for the most up-to-date information.
  2. Step 2: Submit application — Applications for a retirement visa must be submitted to the South African government, either in person or through a representative. The application process may involve biometric data collection and fingerprinting, and applicants may be required to provide additional documentation or attend an interview.

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