About applying for a business permit

If you are a foreigner and intend to establish or invest in an existing business in South Africa in which you may be employed, you must apply for the business permit at your nearest Home Affairs offices or South African representative abroad.

You must undertake to comply with relevant registration requirements set out in law and administrated by South African Revenue Service (SARS).

To set up a business in South Africa, you must have a capital of at least R2.5-million or if you want to invest in an existing business, your capital contribution must be part of the intended book value of the business and it must not be less than R2.5 million.

Note: You may not conduct work other than related to business in respect the permit has been issued.

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office or South African representative if you are applying from abroad.
• Complete form BI-1738.
  
• Your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit.
• Bring the following:
• vaccination certificate, if required 
• proof of financial means of:
• bank statement
• cash available, or traveller’s cheques to cover living expenses during the start up of the business in South Africa
• temporary residence permit, if applicable
• cash deposit of equivalent value to a return ticket
• chartered accountant certifying that the money you start up the business originated from abroad as follows:
• at least R2.5 million or
• a capital contribution of at least R 2.5 million or
• at least  R 2 million in cash and capital contribution of at least R 500 000
• a business plan outlining the feasibility of the business
• proof that at least five South African citizens/permanent residents shall be employed
• an undertaking to register with SARS
• proof of registration with the appropriate body/board/council
• police clearance from all countries applicant resided in for 12 months or more since the age of 18 years
• medical and radiological report
• you may request the Department of Home Affairs to waiver or  reduce the capital amount, provided that your business falls in one of the following categories:  
• information and communication technology
• clothing and textile manufacturing
• chemical and bio-technology industry
• agro processing industry
• metal and mineral refinement industry
• tourism industry
• automotive and manufacturing industry
• crafts
• If your spouse and dependent children accompany you, they have to apply for visitors permit.
  

Timeframe

It might take six months to finalise your application.

How much does it cost

R1 520

Forms to complete

Application for temporary residence permit, BI-1738

Who to contact