About applying for a permanent residence permit

If you have had a work permit, including one issued under corporate permit, continuously for a period of more than five years, you may apply for permanent residence.

To qualify for this permit, you must have a permanent job offer in the country (South Africa).

A permanent residence permit allows you to apply for South African citizenship after two years.

As a permanent residence holder, you have all the rights as a South African Citizen, except for the old age grant and voting.

Note: You cannot extend your five years continuous work permit to members of your family.

What you should do

• Apply at the Home Affairs offices close to where you will be taking the job offer.
• Complete the application forms, BI-947 and BI-29, if you have a representative.
• You must submit the following: 
• proof of five years continuous work permit status
• proof of registration with professional body, board or council in the Republic, if applicable
• offer of permanent employment.
  

Note: The Department of Labour must certify that the terms and conditions of the offer of employment are not inferior to those prevailing in the relevant market segment for citizens and residents. In doing so, the Department of Labour is required to take into consideration applicable collective bargaining agreements and other applicable standards.

Timeframe

It may take six months to finalise your 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 for a temporary or permanent residence permit, 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

Department of Home Affairs