Under the Immigration Act, there are 11 distinct categories for permanent residence permits. These are divided into two groups: “direct residency,” covered under Section 26, and “residency on other grounds,” covered under Section 27.

You are eligible to apply for permanent residence if:

1. Work Visas: You have held work visas for at least the past five consecutive years and have secured a permanent job offer in South Africa. Note that work visas must be endorsed in your passport for a minimum of five years, and Intra-Company Transfer work visas are excluded from this consideration.

2. Spousal Relationship: You have been married to or in a life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least five years.

3. Child of a Citizen or Permanent Resident: You are under the age of 21 and are the child of a South African citizen or permanent resident, or you are the child of any age of a South African citizen.

4. Critical Skills: You hold a Critical Skills Work Visa as defined by the Critical Skills List published in the Government Gazette, and you have at least five years of verifiable post-qualification experience.

5. Investment: You intend to invest at least R5 million in an existing South African business or in establishing a new business. A lower investment amount may be accepted if the business falls within one of the National Interest sectors identified by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

6. Refugee Status: You have held refugee status in South Africa for at least the past five years and have obtained certification from the Refugee Standing Committee confirming that you will remain a refugee indefinitely.

7. Retirement: You receive pensions or irrevocable annuities that will support you for the rest of your life.

These criteria determine eligibility for applying for permanent residence in South Africa, based on various personal, professional, and financial grounds.

At Ostabet Africa, we provide comprehensive support for individuals seeking citizenship through naturalisation. Our services ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Our Services Include:

• Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your background to confirm you meet the qualifications for naturalization.

• Application Preparation: Our team prepares your application and required documentation, ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Interview Preparation: We offer coaching sessions to help you prepare for the naturalisation interview, including reviewing potential questions and effective communication strategies.