South Africa is well known for the quality of its private healthcare and at relatively inexpensive rates. The fresh air and mild climate also contributes to ease of recovery after medical treatment. Traditionally, a medical treatment visa is for treatment exceeding a period of 3 months (but no more than 6 months) and must be supported by proof that all treatment costs can and will be paid as well as a letter from the relevant medical practitioner or institution setting out the nature of the ailment, the reason/necessity for treatment and the period and schedule of treatment required. Contact us for more information if you are interested in a medical treatment visa. If you do not meet the requirements to apply for a medical treatment visa or if you are not sure which type of visa to apply for in your particular circumstances, contact us for a consultation. The Immigration Act and Regulations make provision for almost every conceivable situation and our consultants and technical staff are experienced in dealing with every situation.

In recent years, the South African Government became aware of the need that foreigners are sometimes required to do short stints of specialised work or business activities in South Africa that do not qualify for or justify applying for full work visas. In these cases a visitor’s visa with authorisation to work or conduct business may be applied for or (in certain cases) requested at a port of entry. The work or business activities must be thoroughly disclosed as well as any businesses (and the address of their premises) with which the applicant will be involved. It is also important to note that the disclosed activities may only be for a period of three months. This is the maximum period for which the visa can be issued, with a possible extension of a further three months (by application and for good reason). Applicants must at all times be in possession of a valid airline ticket confirming their proposed departure date in line with the visa. While often this type of  visa is erroneously used as a stepping stone to a work visa, Global Migration SA advises clients to plan ahead and consult us to see what will work the best for them to ensure that deadlines can be met, projects can be completed and business transactions can be concluded without incurring penalties with the Department of Home Affairs. Contact us for more information if you are interested in a visitor’s visa with authorisation to work or conduct business. If your situation does not meet the requirements to apply for a visitor’s visa with authorisation to work or conduct business or if you are not sure which type of visa to apply for in your particular circumstances, contact us for a consultation. The Immigration Act and Regulations make provision for almost every conceivable situation and our consultants and technical staff are experienced in dealing with every situation. For further assistance please complete the enquiry-form below.

For foreigners who are married or have been in a life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least 2 years, a special dispensation exists where they are allowed to apply for authorisation to work, conduct business and/or study in South Africa without complying with the very complex requirements of a Work Visa, Business Visa or Study Visa. Requirements can in certain circumstances be further relaxed on the basis of a Constitutional Court ruling. If you find yourself (or your spouse) in this unique position, contact us today for more information and a consultation. For further assistance please complete the enquiry-form below.

Study visa can be issued to anyone attending a bonafide educational institution – this may be a public or private school, a tertiary institution or a registered private college. South Africa is a popular choice for English language training due to the neutral accent, and a study visa can also be applied for if you or your child is attending such a language school. Study visas may be issued for up to three years at a time (renewable) and proof of medical cover, consent of parents and/or guardians for minors and proof of funds to support the applicant for the duration of his or her stay in South Africa must be provided. Contact us for more information if you are interested in applying for a study visa. If you do not meet the requirements to apply for a study visa if you are not sure which type of visa to apply for in your particular circumstances, contact us for a consultation. The Immigration Act and Regulations make provision for almost every conceivable situation and our consultants and technical staff are experienced in dealing with every situation.

A Relative’s Visa can be issued for a period of up to two years to a member of the immediate family of a South African citizen or permanent resident. This includes parents, children and siblings – those relative’s within the first step of kinship. Any type of work (with or without remuneration) is prohibited on this type of visa. This means that provision must be made for sufficient financial resources to be available to support the individual in South Africa according to the prescribed requirements. For further assistance please complete the enquiry-form below.

A Retired Person’s Visa is suitable for those who wish to retire in South Africa (residing in South Africa permanently or seasonally). The financial requirements must be a pension, retirement account or net worth / assets providing an income equivalent to R37 000 per month. These visas can be issued for a period of 4 years at a time (renewable) and also offer a gateway to apply for permanent residence on the basis of retirement. If you wish to retire in South Africa, contact us today for more information and a consultation. For further assistance please complete the enquiry-form below.