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Permits


WORK PERMITS



Who qualifies for this Permit?
In terms of the Immigration Act as amended, all foreigners who wish to work in South Africa must be in possession of a valid permit issued in terms of section 19 of the Act.
In terms of this Act there are different types of work permits with their own unique requirements and conditions. It is recommended that clients review the application form for Temporary Residence to determine which work permit might suit them.
A work permit is the acceptable norm where one company makes an employment offer to a private individual. However, clients are not restricted to this permit, provided they can meet the requirements of the work permit that is chosen.

What are the fees?
The prescribed non-refundable fee is 278 lv.

What are the requirements?
The requirements depend on the type of work permit. For example, if clients wish to apply for a General work permit, then they will be expected to meet all requirements listed under Part A and Part F of form BI-1738.
How long does an application take to process?
The processing period for work permits is up to 20 days subject to submission of a complete application.

Downloadable forms
•    BI-1738
•    Medical Report
•    Radiological


STUDY PERMITS



Who qualifies for this Permit?
All foreigners who wish to study for longer than 3 months in South Africa and who comply with all necessary requirements.

What are the fees?
The prescribed non-refundable fee is 84 lv.

What are the requirements?
The requirements listed under Part A and Part B of form BI-1738 must be submitted.
How long does an application take to process?
The processing period is 10 days subject to submission of a complete application.

Downloadable forms
•    BI-1738
•    Medical Report
•    Radiological Report

 


RELATIVE’S PERMITS



Who qualifies for this Permit?
Parents, minor dependent children, siblings and spouses of South African citizens/residents who have the intention to reside with their relative in South Africa may apply for a relative’s permit.

What are the fees?
The prescribed non-refundable fee is 84 lv.

What are the requirements?
The requirements listed under Part A and Part O of form BI-1738 must be submitted.

How long does an application take to process?
The processing period is 10 days subject to submission of a complete application.

Downloadable forms
•    BI-1738
•    Medical Report
•    Radiological report

 


SPOUSE PERMITS



Who qualifies for this Permit?
A so called “spouse visa” or “accompanying visa” is intended for spouses and dependent children of clients who have or who intend to submit an application for:
Study permits, Treaty permits, Business Permits, Medical treatment permits, Work permits and Exchange permits.
It is not intended for spouses/dependent children of South African Citizens or residents. For more information on which permit is appropriate, click on Relatives permit.

What are the fees?
The prescribed fee is 84 lv. The visa fee is subject to change in April every year.

What are the requirements?
•    Form Bi 84 to be fully completed in black ink.
•    Two passport size photographs.
•    A valid passport in respect of each applicant. The passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended stay and must contain two blank pages for endorsements.
•    A statement confirming the purpose and duration of the visit.
•    Include a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled or intend to travel from or through a yellow fever endemic area; provided that the certificate shall not be required where the applicant has travelled or intends to travel in direct transit through such area or where an application is made in the Republic.
•    If a minor child subject to guardianship or custody is accompanying the applicant or joining the applicant in South Africa, then proof of guardianship and custody is required.
•    In the case of an unaccompanied minor, consent from the guardian(s) is required.
•    Proof of sufficient financial means.
•    In the case of sojourn not exceeding 12 months, submission of proof of a valid return air ticket.
•    A person who is unable to comply with the requirement to submit proof of a valid return ticket may be required to make a deposit; provided that such deposit shall be refunded to the depositor after the final departure of the applicant or after a permit contemplated in section 25 of the Act has been issued to the applicant; provided further that the payment of the deposit may be effected by means of a bank guaranteed cheque or credit card at places where such facility exists.
•    A marriage certificate in the case of a married applicant.

•    A police clearance certificate. “Police Clearance Certificate” means a certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer since having attained the age of 18 years, in respect of criminal records or the character of the applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission. In Bulgaria the relevant document is the so-called “conviction status certificate” issued by the respective regional court.
•    Medical Report in respect of each applicant. A “Medical Report” means a report by a medical practitioner with regard to an applicant’s general state of health, detailing any medical condition he or she suffers from, which report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
•    Radiological report in respect of each applicant (not required in respect of children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women). A “Radiological Report” means a report by a radiologist certifying that the applicant has been examined and that no signs of active pulmonary tuberculosis could be detected which report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
•    Unabridged birth certificate.

How long does an application take to process?
The processing period for work permits is 10 days subject to submission of a complete application.

Downloadable forms
•    BI-84
•    Medical Report
•    Radiological report

 


BUSINESS PERMITS



Who qualifies for this Permit?
All foreigners who wish to establish their own business or to invest in an existing business venture must apply for a business permit.

What are the fees?
The prescribed non-refundable fee is 278 lv.

What are the requirements?
The requirements listed under Part A and Part C of form BI-1738 must be submitted.

How long does an application take to process?
The processing period is 30 days subject to submission of a complete application.

Downloadable forms
•    BI-1738
•    Medical Report
•    Radiological Report

 


QUOTA WORK PERMITS



 

Who qualifies for this Permit?
For a comprehensive explanation regarding Scarce Skills and Quota work permits, please follow the link below.
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/skills.asp

What are the fees?
The prescribed non-refundable fee is 278 lv.

What are the requirements?
The requirements listed under Part A and Part E of form BI-1738 must be submitted.

How long does an application take to process?
The processing period is 30 days subject to submission of a complete application.

Downloadable forms
•   BI-1738
•    Medical Report
•    Radiological Report

 


ADMINISTRATIVE FINES



What is an administrative fine?
Any foreigner who leaves South Africa after the expiry of his or her permit shall be liable to an administrative fine of a prescribed amount not exceeding R3000 (Three Thousand Rands).
An official shall therefore impose the fine as prescribed.
Failure to pay the prescribed fine will mean that a foreigner will not be admitted to South Africa, or be issued with a Permit if already admitted, a permit shall not be issued or renewed nor a subsequent permit issued.
Failure to disclose the existence of an administrative fine/notice to the Embassy shall render any granted visa/permit null and void and prevent admission into the Republic.
The obligation of all foreigners is clearly defined in terms of Section 43 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, which reads:
“Obligation of foreigners
Section 43 of the Act: A foreigner shall:
•    Abide by the terms and conditions of his or her status, including any terms and conditions attached to the relevant permit by the Department upon its issuance, extension or renewal;
•    and depart upon expiry of his or her status.”

Requirements for payment of fines
A foreigner who has already been issued with a fine may pay the fine through the South African Embassy in Sofia.
We only accept cash.
The following additional information/documentation must be submitted:
•    Original passport.
•    Copy of administrative fine/notice.

How long does the process take?
Payment of fines is finalized on the spot.