General information about temporary residence permits

The objectives of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002), which was implemented on 7 April 2003, include:

• Facilitating and simplifying the issuance of permits
• Regulating the influx of foreigners by facilitating foreign investment and attracting skilled and qualified foreigners to South Africa
• Promoting tourism to South Africa.

The Act and Regulations are comprehensive in so far as the requirements to obtain a residence permit are concerned.   

Where to apply for a residence permit
Any foreigner who wants to enter South Africa must apply for the appropriate residence permit at:

• the South African diplomatic representative in his/her country of normal residence, or
• at a South African diplomatic representative in an adjoining or nearby foreign country if there is no South African diplomatic representation in the applicant's country of normal residence  

Applications for residence permits are processed and finalised at the foreign offices of the Department of Home Affairs. Arrangements to travel to South Africa must only be made once the temporary residence permit has been issued.
The Immigration Act makes provision for a foreigner to apply to the Director-General in the prescribed manner and on the prescribed form (DHA 1740) to change his or her status or the conditions attached to his or her temporary residence permit, or both such status and conditions, as the case may be, while in the Republic.
Applications for Permanent Residence may be lodged at South African diplomatic representatives abroad or at Regional Offices of the Department inside the country provided that such an applicant is in possession of a valid Temporary Residence Permit.
All applicants must:

• Have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days after the intended stay  
• Ensure the temporary residence permit is valid at all times