Frequently asked questions.

Here, we answer common questions about Temporary Residence Visas, Permanent Residence, Citizenship, Waivers, Appeals, and Document Services we offer.

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Temporary Residence Solutions

  • A Temporary Residence Visa allows foreign nationals to live in South Africa for a specific period for purposes such as work, study, or business. These visas are not permanent and must be renewed upon expiry.

  • Mainstream Temporary Residence Visas include various categories such as Work Visas (Critical Skills, General Work, Intra-Company Transfer), Study Visas, Business Visas, Spousal Visas, Relative Visas, and Visitor’s Visas. Each category has specific requirements and conditions.

  • Determining the right visa depends on your purpose of stay and your individual circumstances. Contact us to schedule a consultation and let our experts help you identify the best visa option for your situation.

  • Processing times vary depending on the visa category and the complexity of the application. On average, it may take several weeks (8-12 weeks) to a few months. The Department of Home Affairs has already resolved over 50% backlogs of applications. We recommend applying well in advance of your intended travel date.

  • Yes, most Temporary Residence Visas can be renewed if you continue to meet the visa requirements. It’s important to apply for renewal before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying. Please be aware the renewing your visa is not the same as changing the status/type or conditions of a visa. Contact us for more information.

Permanent Residence & Citizenship Pathways

  • Permanent Residence allows a foreign national to live and work in South Africa indefinitely. It provides similar rights to those of South African citizens, except for voting rights and holding a South African passport.

  • Eligibility for Permanent Residence typically includes individuals who have held a Temporary Residence Visa for five years or more, those with a South African spouse or life partner, or individuals with critical skills or conducting business, amongst other activities. Individuals of high net-worth are eligible for permanent residence on the basis of "financial independence" in terms of Section 27(f) of the Immigration Act without having had continuous residence. To assess your eligibility, contact us for a detailed consultation.

  • Permanent residents enjoy the freedom to live and work anywhere in South Africa, access to education and healthcare, economic benefits (banking, tax, conducting work/business/NPO, etc.) and the ability to sponsor family members for residency.

  • The processing time for Permanent Residence can range from several months to a few years, depending on the application’s complexity and the Department of Home Affairs' backlog. However, under normal circumstance it take 8-12 months for applications based on business, critical skills and general work, and up to 24 months for all other categories.

  • Yes, Permanent Residence can be revoked if the holder fails to comply with the conditions under which it was granted, such as not residing in South Africa for more than three years without authorisation or breaking the law.

  • There are three main pathways to South African citizenship: by birth, by descent, and by naturalization. Naturalization is the most common route for foreign nationals who have held Permanent Residence for at least five years. For personalized advice on qualifying for citizenship, contact us.

  • While Permanent Residence allows you to obtain a local smart ID card, and to live and work in South Africa indefinitely. Citizenship grants you full rights, including voting and obtaining a South African passport.

  • After holding Permanent Residence for five years, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization. The naturalization process itself can take several months (minimum 6 months) to complete.

  • South Africa allows dual citizenship under specific conditions. However, it’s important to check the regulations of your country of origin, as not all countries permit dual or multi nationality.

  • Yes, citizenship can be revoked if obtained fraudulently or when there are adverse findings against you as determined by the Minister of Home Affairs

Waivers & Appeals Remedies

  • A waiver is an official approval that exempts an applicant from complying with specific regulatory requirements typically needed for a visa or permit application. For example, if you cannot meet a particular requirement but have a compelling reason, you may request a waiver. Once granted, a waiver is typically valid for one year from date of issue.

  • A waiver is applicable when you are unable to fulfill certain visa requirements, such as work experience, qualifications, or specific documents. It’s advisable to seek expert advice before applying for a waiver. Contact us to discuss your eligibility and the best approach.

  • Processing times for waivers vary, but it generally takes several weeks to a few months. Early submission is recommended to avoid delays in your visa application.

  • Approval depends on the strength of your application and the reasons provided. Our experts can help you build a compelling case to improve your chances of success.

  • If your waiver application is denied, you may have the option to have it reviewed. We can guide you through the appeal process and help you present a strong case.

  • An immigration appeal is a formal request to review and overturn a negative decision made by the Department of Home Affairs regarding a visa or permit application. Appeals are typically submitted when an application is refused or when a foreign national is declared either undesirable (limited ban from re-entering the country) or prohibited (indefinite ban from re-entering the country).

  • You can submit an appeal if your visa or permit application or re-entry is denied, and you believe the decision was made in error or that your circumstances justify reconsideration. Timeframes for lodging appeals are strict, so it’s important to act quickly to avoid unnecessary administrative delays. Contact us to get started on your appeal.

  • The appeal process involves submitting a formal written request, along with any additional supporting documentation, to the relevant authorities. Our team can assist you in drafting and submitting a strong appeal.

  • The appeal process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the Department of Home Affairs' workload. We work to ensure that your appeal is thorough and well-prepared to minimize delays. You will appreciate that each matter is adjudicated based on its own merits.

  • If your appeal is denied, there may still be legal avenues available, such as judicial review. We can advise you on the best course of action based on the specifics of your case as well as brief our most credible legal partners to help resolve your matter. However, this would be used as a last resort.

Document Services

  • Ostabet Africa can assist in procuring a wide range of vital records, including:

    • Birth Certificates

    • Marriage Certificates

    • Divorce Decrees

    • Police Clearance Certificates

    • Academic Transcripts

    • Sworn Affidavits

    We work closely with relevant authorities to obtain these documents efficiently and securely.

  • Yes, we provide professional translation services through locally certified sworn translators. Our translation services cover all types of vital records, ensuring that your documents are accurately translated and accepted by the relevant authorities.

  • Document legalisation is the process of certifying a document so that it is recognized and accepted in another country. This often involves an Apostille in terms of the Hague Convention or, for countries that are not signatories, authentication through a diplomatic representative mission or a local jurisdictional high court. Legalisation is necessary to ensure that your documents are valid and enforceable in the foreign country where they will be used.

  • An Apostille is a certification provided under the Hague Convention for authenticating documents to be used in foreign countries. It verifies the authenticity of the document, making it valid in all member countries of the Hague Convention. An Apostille is required if you need to use your document in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention.

  • If the country where you need to use your document is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, the document must undergo authentication rather than Apostille. This process involves the document being authenticated through a diplomatic representative mission (embassy or consulate) of the destination country or through the local jurisdictional high court.

  • The processing time varies depending on the type of document, the specific service required, and the relevant authorities involved. Generally, document procurement and translation can take a few days to a few weeks. Legalisation times vary, with Apostille services typically being quicker than full authentication processes for non-Hague countries. We will provide you with an estimated timeline based on your specific needs.

  • Yes, we can assist with urgent requests. However, please note that expedited services may incur additional fees, and the timeline will depend on the complexity of the request and the responsiveness of the involved authorities. Contact us directly to discuss your urgent requirements.

  • Certain documents may require additional verification or cannot be legalized if they do not meet the necessary legal standards. Our team will guide you on the specific requirements for your documents and advise if any additional steps are needed.

  • To begin the process, simply contact us through our website or by phone to discuss your specific needs. We will guide you through the next steps, including the submission of necessary information, documents, and any associated fees.

  • If you require assistance with a document not listed, please reach out to us directly. We provide customised services and may be able to assist with your specific request, even if it falls outside the standard list of documents.

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