Existing Business Permit requirements

In terms of the South Africa Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002), as amended by the Immigration Amendment Act, 2004 (Act No. 19 of 2004), persons who intend invest in an existing business in South Africa, are required to obtain a Business Permit.

Please note: Provisional Airline bookings may be made for the proposed departure date, however, the Mission advised that payments should NOT be made in the event of an unsuccessful application. The processing time for permit applications is approximately ten (10) working days from receipt if application is all in order.

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 BI-1738
2. One (1) photograph of applicant
3. Passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit
4. A vaccination certificate if applicant travelled through the yellow fever belt of Africa and South America
5. Proof of financial means in the form of:
   • bank statements
   • cash available, or travellers' cheques (to cover envisaged living expenses)
6. Medical and radiological reports. Radiology reports not necessary for pregnant women and children 12 years and below
7. Police clearance certificate(s) in respect of all applicants 18 years or older, in respect of countries where person(s) resided one (1) year or longer
8. Documentation proving the investment, such as shareholder's or partnership agreements
9. Details of partners/directors
10. Undertaking to register with the appropriate statutory body, if required by the nature of the business
11. Proof of financial/capital contribution which originated from abroad and as prescribed
12. Chartered accountant certifying compliance with all the prescribed requirements
13. Compliance with the following:
    1. A business track record to prove entrepreneurial skills
    2. Proof that the business will contribute to the geographical spread of economic activity
    3. Proof that at least 5 citizens/permanent residents shall be employed
    4. Proof of export potential
    5. Calls for or involves a transfer of technology not generally available in the RSA
    6. Proof that the business is in one of the following sectors
       • Information & communication technology
       • Clothing & textiles
       • Chemical & biotechnology
       • Agro-processing
       • Metals & minerals
       • Automotive & transport
       • Tourism
       • Crafts
14. Fees: Principal Applicant 300.00 AUD; Accompanying immediate family members
    85.00 AUD each

Please note: A Repatriation Guarantee deposit of 1,500.00 AUD MAY be required to be lodged at this Mission for all applicants, when your Business Permit has been approved. A receipt will be issued to you by this Mission which must be kept in order for the money to be refunded upon your return or when permanent residence status is granted (in cases where the applicant applies to reside permanently in South Africa and permission is granted).

Return Postage:

• For applications originating from within Australia - a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family).
• For applications originating from outside Australia - the applicant will be responsible to arrange for a courier to collect the application after finalization.

Processing time is ten (10) working days from receipt of application if application is complete.

Postal Address:

South African High Commission
State Circle
Yarralumla
ACT
2600

For further information, please contact this Mission between 08:30 and 13:00 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Monday to Friday.

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