Planning to move to South Africa in 2026? Whether you’re captivated by Cape Town’s coastal beauty, Johannesburg’s energy, or the relaxed pace of Durban, South Africa offers a vibrant mix of culture, opportunity, and natural wonder.

The country provides a wide range of visa options to suit professionals, entrepreneurs, students, retirees, and remote workers. Below is your full guide to South Africa’s updated visa landscape in 2026.

Visa requirements for short stays

Citizens from over 100 countries, including the U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe, can visit South Africa visa-free for short stays.

What this means

• Visa-free entry: Most eligible visitors can stay for up to 90 days.

• Purpose: Tourism, family visits, short business trips, or attending conferences.

• Requirements: Valid passport (with two blank pages and at least 6 months validity) and proof of onward or return travel.

If your country isn’t visa-exempt, you can apply online through the South Africa eVisa portal for faster processing.

Visa options for long-term stays

If you plan to live, work, or study in South Africa for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa. Here are the most common options in 2026.

1. General Work Visa

Who it’s for: Skilled professionals with a confirmed job offer from a South African employer.

Requirements:

• Job offer and employment contract.

• Proof that no qualified South African citizen was available for the role (labour market test).

• Qualifications verified by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).

• Valid passport, health insurance, and police clearance.

Duration: Typically valid for 2–5 years, renewable.

Note: The employer sponsors your application and must comply with Department of Labour regulations.

2. Critical Skills Visa

Who it’s for: Highly skilled workers in industries where South Africa faces talent shortages (IT, engineering, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and finance).

Requirements:

• Profession listed on South Africa’s Critical Skills List (2026 update).

• Proof of relevant qualifications and professional registration.

• Proof of sufficient funds.

• Medical and police clearance certificates.

Duration: Valid for 5 years, renewable.

Benefits:

• No job offer required at the time of application.

• Eligible for permanent residence after 5 years of legal stay.

3. Business Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)

Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs or investors starting or expanding a business in South Africa.

Requirements:

• Minimum investment of ZAR 5 million (approx. €250,000) in a new or existing business.

• Business plan showing economic benefit and job creation.

• Recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

• Proof of sufficient funds and qualifications.

Duration: Valid for 3 years, renewable.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to employ South Africans.

• Can lead to permanent residence if business remains active and compliant.

4. Remote Work Visa (introduced in 2024, expanded in 2026)

Who it’s for: Digital nomads and remote employees working for companies outside South Africa.

Requirements (2026 updates):

• Proof of employment or freelance contracts with foreign clients.

• Minimum annual income of USD 60,000 (approx. ZAR 1.1 million).

• Health insurance valid in South Africa.

• Proof of accommodation and clean criminal record.

Duration: Valid for 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years.

Benefits:

• Allows dependents to accompany the applicant.

• Encourages residency in cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg’s “digital districts.”

5. Study Visa

Who it’s for: Foreign students enrolled at South African universities, colleges, or recognized educational institutions.

Requirements:

• Official letter of acceptance.

• Proof of financial means (tuition fees + living expenses).

• Health insurance and valid passport.

• Police clearance certificate.

Duration: Valid for the duration of the course, renewable annually.

Bonus: Students may work part-time up to 20 hours per week during semesters.

6. Retirement Visa

Who it’s for: Retirees or financially independent individuals looking to live in South Africa long-term.

Requirements:

• Proof of lifelong income or pension of at least ZAR 37,000 (approx. €1,800) per month.

• Proof of health insurance and accommodation.

• Clean criminal record.

Duration: Valid for 4 years, renewable.

Benefits:

• Freedom to live anywhere in South Africa.

• Possible to convert to permanent residence after 5 years.

7. Relatives Visa

Who it’s for: Immediate family members (spouse, parent, or child) of a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Requirements:

• Proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificate).

• Sponsorship from the South African relative, who must earn at least ZAR 9,000 per month.

• Proof of accommodation and health insurance.

Duration: Typically 2 years, renewable.

Required documentation for South African visas

While the exact list may vary by visa type, most applications include:

• Completed online or paper visa application form

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your stay)

• Recent passport-sized photos

• Proof of income or financial means

• Health insurance

• Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months

• Medical report (less than 6 months old)

• Visa-specific supporting documents (job offer, business plan, university acceptance, etc.)

Visa costs in South Africa (2026 estimates)

Fees are non-refundable and may vary depending on embassy and currency exchange.

Long-term residence and citizenship

• Permanent residence: Available after 5 years of continuous legal residence (or immediately for Critical Skills and Retirement visa holders who meet the criteria).

• Citizenship: Eligible after 10 years of residence and proof of good character.

• Dual citizenship: South Africa allows dual nationality, but South African citizens must formally apply to retain their citizenship before acquiring another nationality.

Final notes on South African visas

South Africa remains one of the most dynamic destinations in Africa,  offering a balance of natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and cultural richness.

While the visa process can involve detailed documentation, South Africa has modernized its eVisa and digital residence systems in 2026, simplifying applications for professionals, retirees, and remote workers.

Whether you’re working in Cape Town’s tech scene, studying at a top university, or retiring along the Garden Route, South Africa offers a lifestyle full of opportunity and adventure.