South Africa retirement visa (retired person's visa)

With the temporary residence form BI-1738 you submit a passport with at least one free page, valid 30 days beyond the intended stay, two recent colour photos, a copy of any valid residence permit, the fee, proof of medical cover and a police clearance certificate from each country where you lived 12 months or longer since age 18. The medical report requirement was waived for visa applications on 8 July 2026.

DHA explains that the minimum payment to the foreigner per month is determined from time to time by the Minister and is currently R37,000. It also refers to a minimum prescribed net worth. You prove the income with pension statements or other evidence of a regular payment, and you must hold medical cover.

DHA states that applications can be made at a regional office of the Department (in practice through VFS Global, which handles DHA's temporary residence applications) or at a South African mission abroad.

The spouse and dependent children accompanying a retired person visa holder may be issued an appropriate visa. Retired persons can later apply for permanent residence on other grounds under section 27(e) of the Immigration Act.