Business Visa (New Business)

All visa applications have to be lodged in person at the mission in Canberra by prior appointment only.

In terms Section 15(1) of the South Africa Immigration Act No.13 of 2002, a person who intends to establish a business or invest in a business is required to obtain a Business Visa.

Please note: Provisional Airline bookings may be made for the proposed departure date, however, the Mission advises that payments should NOT be made in the event of an unsuccessful application. The processing time is twenty one (21) working days from receipt of application if application is complete.

In order to obtain the required permit, the following documentation is required from the applicant:

1. Duly completed application form signed by the applicant - Form DHA-1738. Application must be completed and signed in black ink only.
2. Two photographs.
3. A valid machine readable Passport / Travel Document valid for no less than (30) days after the expiry of the intended visit with three (3) completely blank pages. Machine readable passports which have been manually extended are not accepted for visas and for travel purposes.
4. A vaccination certificate if applicant travelled through the yellow fever belt of Africa and South America
5. Medical Certificate
6. Police clearance certificate from the police authorities in each country where the applicant, after having attained the age of 18 years, has resided for 12 months or longer during the 5 years immediately preceding the date of application.
7. An application for a business visa by a foreigner who intends to establish a business or invest in a business that is not yet established in the Republic, shall be accompanied by:
1. A certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that:
   • the amount in cash originating from outside the Republic to be invested in a business to be established or in an existing business in the republic is R5,000,000,00.
2. An undertaking by the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff complement to be employed in the operations of the business shall be South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions: Provided that proof of compliance with this undertaking shall be submitted within 12 months of issuance of the visa;
3. An undertaking to register with the:
   • South African Revenue Service;
   • Unemployment Insurance Fund;
   • Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases;
   • Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required; and
   • relevant professional body, board or council recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, where applicable, provided that upon registration, all certificates shall be submitted to the Director General;
4. A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding:
   • the feasibility of the business; and
   • the contribution to the national interest of the Republic.

The applicant must, within 12 months of the visa being issued, submit to the Director General a letter of confirmation from the Department of Labour that 60% of the staff complement employed in the operations of the business are South African citizens or permanent residents who are employed permanently in various positions.

8. Non refundable fee of AUD 131.00 payment has to be made by way of a postal money order or bank cheque payable to the South African High Commission. Personal cheques or credit cards are NOT accepted. Incorrect payment will not be accepted.

Submission of applications:

According to the new Regulations an application for any visa referred to in section 11 up to and including sections 20 and 22 of the Act must submit his or her application in person to the:

South African High Commission
State Circle
Yarralumla
ACT
2600
Phone: (02) 6272 7300
Web Address: www.sahc.org.au

Return Postage:

Please bring a self-addressed registered or express post envelope along with the application.

Processing time is twenty one (21) working days from receipt of application if application is complete.

For further information, please contact this Mission between 08:30 am and 12:00 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Monday to Friday.

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