About applying for a business permit

If you are a foreigner who wants to establish a business or invest in South Africa, you may apply for a business permit at a South African Foreign Office or at the Department of Home Affairs office.

To establish a business in South Africa, you must have a capital of at least R2.5-million.

For you to invest in an existing business, your capital contribution of that business must be 2.5 million and be part of the intended book value of the business.

Note:  If you do not have R2.5 million, the amount may be reduced only if your business falls within the sectors of national interest.

What you should do

• Go to any nearest Home Affairs office or at a South African Foreign Offices if applying abroad.
• Complete forms BI-947 and BI-29 if you have a representative.
• Submit the following: 
• passport valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended visit
• a medical report and radiological reports, if applicable
• police clearance certificates in respect of all countries you resided one year or longer
• a business plan, outlining the feasibility of your business
• proof or an undertaking that at least five South Africans or permanent residents will be permanently employed in the business
• a written partner agreements containing full details of the partners/directors and their residential status in the Republic, if the application is in respect of an investment in an existing business  
• an undertaking to register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS)
• a certification by a chartered accountant that at least R2,5 million in cash or a capital contribution of at least R2,5 million or a combination of cash and a capital contribution amounting to R2,5 million is available
• you must intend to invest or already have invested the prescribed amount or capital contribution of the book value.
  

Timeframe

It may take six months to finalise the application.

How much does it cost

R1 520

Forms to complete

• * Application for permanent residence permit , BI-947
• * Power of attorney in respect of an application/extension of (an) immigration permit(s) or temporary residence, BI-29

Note: *Special specifications and requirements regarding the processing of this form apply and it may therefore not be downloaded for use as an application or registration form. All forms are available at any regional or district office of the Department.

Who to contact