South Africa

Sitting at the foot of Africa, South Africa offers diverse investment opportunities particularly in real estate and renewable energy.

Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg provide vibrant property markets and luxury living at relatively lower costs compared to global standards. International investors must be mindful of economic fluctuations and socio-political complexities.

However, the country’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural mosaic and favourable climate add to its appeal.

South Africa’s residency by investment routes can lead to permanent residence and, in time, naturalisation for those seeking a second base in this dynamic nation.

South Africa Golden Visa & Citizenship By Investment

South Africa does not currently offer a Golden Visa or citizenship by investment program similar to those offered by some other countries such as Portugal and Grenada.

Most Golden Visa programs grant residency or a pathway to citizenship through substantial investment in real estate, national development funds or local businesses.

In South Africa, citizenship is available only by birth, descent or naturalisation. Foreign nationals cannot obtain citizenship through investment alone.

However, the government has signalled reform. Cabinet has approved a revised White Paper on immigration that proposes consolidating South Africa’s immigration and citizenship legislation into a single Act.

This includes introducing new categories, among them a dedicated Investor Visa.

La Vida is actively monitoring the situation and you can keep up to date here.

South African Investment Visas

While South Africa does not offer a citizenship by investment program, it does offer a residency by investment program in the form of the Business Visa and Financially Independent Permit.

Business Visa

Best suited to individuals who wish to invest in an existing business or establish a new business in South Africa.

Applicants must invest a prescribed capital contribution of ZAR 5 million, transferred into the country from abroad and verified by a South African chartered accountant.

A recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is required, along with a business plan and an undertaking that at least 60% of staff will be South African citizens or permanent residents.

The capital requirement may be reduced or waived in designated priority sectors, though waiver applications can add considerably to processing times.

Financially Independent Permit

This visa is suited for high net-worth individuals who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency to retire or live in South Africa without needing employment.

Applicants must demonstrate a net worth of at least ZAR 12 million.

In addition, applicants must pay a fee of ZAR 120,000 to the Department of Home Affairs upon approval of the visa.

South Africa Passport Strength and Ranking

If South Africa were to offer a Citizenship by Investment program, one of the concerns for applicants would be its passport. Despite South Africa having one of the highest ranking passports in Africa, its overall global access is fairly limited.

A South African passport reaches 139 of the world’s 227 destinations, or 61.2% of the total, counting visa-free entry, visa on arrival, electronic travel authorisation and eVisa access.

In terms of access for business people, it opens up 26.5% of the world’s wealth as measured by GDP and 37.0% of global travel popularity, with major markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and the Schengen Area all requiring a visa in advance.

It ranks 119th overall in the La Vida Passport Value Index. This is a factor in the pursuit by South African citizens of a second citizenship in countries with a stronger passport, such as Malta in Europe or St Kitts in the Caribbean.

South Africa Dual Citizenship

South Africa allows dual citizenship and South Africans no longer need to apply for retention before taking up a second nationality

Dual citizens must still use their South African passport when entering and leaving South Africa.

Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programs

See below a selection of countries offering residency and citizenship investment programs.

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