The Business Visa allows foreign nationals to establish a new business or invest in an existing business in South Africa. It is designed for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to contribute to the South African economy.
Applicants must meet minimum capital investment requirements and demonstrate that the business will be viable and contribute to the national interest. The business must create employment for South African citizens or permanent residents.
New World Immigration assists entrepreneurs and investors through the Business Visa application process, from business plan development and DTI endorsement to DHA submission and compliance.
Who is this permit for?
The Business Visa is for foreign nationals who wish to establish a new business or invest in an existing business in South Africa.
You intend to establish a new business or invest in an existing business in South Africa
You can meet the minimum capital investment requirement (currently ZAR 5 million or as prescribed)
The business will create employment for South African citizens or permanent residents
You have a viable business plan demonstrating the feasibility of the venture
The business contributes to the national interest of South Africa
You have no criminal record and meet health requirements
Common reasons for rejection
The required minimum capital contribution is not demonstrated with verifiable financial records
A certificate from a chartered accountant confirming the capital originates from outside South Africa is missing
The business plan fails to show the venture is viable or in the national interest of South Africa
The undertaking to employ the prescribed proportion of South African citizens or permanent residents is not met
Registration with SARS, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, or other statutory bodies is incomplete
The proposed business falls within a category the relevant authority restricts or considers undesirable for foreign ownership
Application process
1. Business Plan Development
We assist in developing a comprehensive business plan that meets DHA requirements and demonstrates viability.
2. Capital & Financial Documentation
We compile evidence of the capital investment and financial capacity.
3. DTI Registration & Endorsement
The business must be registered with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTI) for the issuance of a recommendation letter.
4. Employment Creation Plan
We document the planned employment creation for South African citizens and permanent residents.
5. Application Preparation
We prepare the complete application with all supporting documentation.
6. Submission to DHA
The application is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
7. Processing & Outcome
DHA processes the application. Once approved, the Business Visa is issued.
Key considerations
The minimum capital investment requirement is currently ZAR 5 million, though this may be reduced in certain circumstances.
The business must create employment for South African citizens or permanent residents, typically at least 5 positions.
A recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTI) is required.
The business must be viable and contribute to the national interest.
The visa holder may only engage in the business activity specified in the application.
The business must comply with all South African regulatory requirements.
Costs
Costs include government fees, business registration, DTI processing, and professional service fees in addition to the capital investment.
DHA Application Fee: ZAR 1,520
Company Registration (CIPC): ZAR 175 - 475
DTI Application: No fee
Business Plan Preparation: Contact for quote
Police Clearance Certificates: ZAR 150 - 500 per country
Professional Service Fees: Contact for quote
The capital investment requirement (ZAR 5 million) is separate from application costs. Government fees are subject to change.
Processing timeframes
Business Visa applications involve multiple regulatory bodies and can take longer than standard work permits.
DTI Processing: ± 15 weeks
Business Plan & Documentation: 4 - 8 weeks
DHA Processing (Visa): 8 - 12 weeks
Total: 6 - 10 months
Job offer requirements
The Business Visa is for entrepreneurs and investors, not employees. There is no job offer involved.
Instead, the applicant must demonstrate that their business will create employment for South Africans.
New World Immigration can assist with business structuring and employment creation planning.
How to apply — step by step
1. Confirm Eligibility and Business Structure
Determine that your intended business qualifies under the Business Visa category and that you can meet the minimum capital and employment requirements.
2. Obtain a DTIC Recommendation
Apply for a recommendation letter from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). This is a mandatory prerequisite and can take several months.
3. Establish Your Investment Capital
Confirm that you can demonstrate unencumbered investment capital of at least ZAR 5 million. This must be deposited into a South African escrow account or equivalent.
4. Prepare Your Business Plan
Draft a detailed, realistic business plan outlining the business concept, financial projections, employment of South African citizens or permanent residents, and contribution to the economy.
5. Compile the Full Document Pack
Gather all required documents including the DTIC letter, business plan, capital proof, business registration documents, and supporting personal documents.
6. Submit to DHA or Mission Abroad
Lodge the complete application with the Department of Home Affairs or the nearest South African embassy or consulate.
7. Attend Biometrics and Await Decision
Attend any required biometrics appointment. Once approved, collect your Business Visa.
Quick tips
The DTIC recommendation letter is mandatory and often the most time-consuming step, begin this process as early as possible.
The ZAR 5 million capital must be unencumbered, verifiable, and available in South Africa, borrowed funds do not qualify.
Your business must commit to employing a minimum number of South African citizens or permanent residents.
A vague or unrealistic business plan is one of the most common reasons for refusal, invest in professional preparation.
The Business Visa is issued initially for the period required to establish the business; extension is possible once trading commences.
Engage a qualified immigration consultant and commercial attorney early to manage both the DTIC and DHA processes.
Documents needed
Valid passport (minimum 30 days validity beyond intended visa period)
DTIC recommendation letter
Detailed business plan
Proof of unencumbered investment capital of at least ZAR 5 million (escrow account statement or equivalent)
Proof of South African business entity registration (MOI, share register, CIPC documents)
Proof of employment of South African citizens or permanent residents (or signed undertaking)
Relevant qualifications and professional experience of the applicant
Police clearance certificate(s) from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 18
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Completed application form (BI-1738)
Proof of payment of the government application fee
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment required?
The current minimum capital investment is ZAR 5 million, although this may be reduced in prescribed circumstances. Contact NWI for the latest requirements.
How many jobs must the business create?
The business must create employment for South African citizens or permanent residents. The typical expectation is at least 5 positions, though requirements may vary.
Can I buy an existing business?
Yes. You can invest in an existing business, provided the investment meets the capital requirements and the business meets the other conditions.
Can this lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After operating a business in South Africa for the qualifying period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
What is the DTI recommendation?
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition assesses whether the proposed business is in the national interest and issues a recommendation letter that is required for the DHA application. DTI processing takes approximately 15 weeks.
Get expert help
If you are an entrepreneur or investor looking to establish a business in South Africa, the Business Visa is your pathway.
Contact New World Immigration for expert guidance on capital requirements, business planning, and the application process.