South Africa visa for Indian citizens

Long-term study visa for Indians accepted by a South African learning institution; applied for in person at VFS (long-term visas take a minimum of 90 days).

• Official letter of provisional acceptance or acceptance stating the course duration
• Undertaking by the Registrar/Principal to confirm registration within 60 days and to report non-registration or completion
• Medical cover renewed annually with a medical scheme registered under South Africa's Medical Schemes Act
• Proof that the total fees have been paid to the institution
• Bank-certified statements for the last three months to the value of INR 13,650 per month
• Under 18: details and confirmation letter of an adult guardian residing in South Africa
• Visa fee INR 2342 (VFS also states the study visa fee is gratis for Indian nationals)

For Indians with a job offer from a South African employer that could not find a suitable citizen or permanent resident; valid for the contract period up to 5 years.

• Department of Labour certificate confirming the employer's diligent search, that the applicant's qualifications match the offer and that pay is not inferior to citizens in similar positions
• Employment contract signed by both parties, conditional on the visa
• Qualifications evaluated by SAQA and translated by a sworn translator
• Employer particulars incl. CIPC registration; employer undertakings to the Director-General
• Trusted Employer Scheme employers: Labour certificate and SAQA evaluation waived

For Indians in an occupation on South Africa's latest Critical Skills List who hold a job offer; it is not a work-seekers visa. Issued for up to five years at a time.

• Occupation/critical skill on the latest Critical Skills List
• Offer or contract of employment from a verifiable employer in good standing with the Department of Employment and Labour (job-seeking applications not accepted)
• Foreign qualification evaluated by SAQA (sworn translation)
• Written confirmation of skills from the relevant SAQA-recognised professional body, council or board (and registration where required by law)

For employees transferred from an Indian company to its South African branch, subsidiary or affiliate; maximum 4 years.

• Employment contract with the company abroad of not less than six months
• Letters from the company abroad and the South African branch confirming the transfer, occupation and capacity
• Employer undertakings: departure after 4 years, deportation costs, skills-transfer plan to a South African citizen or permanent resident
• South African and Indian company registration, local/foreign employee ratio sheet with UIF records

Lets a South African corporate (e.g. a mine group or farmer) employ a pre-determined number of skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled workers; issued for up to three years.

• Corporate permit of the South African company
• Corporate worker authorisation certificate in the applicant's name
• Job contract accepted by the employee; undertaking and repatriation letter from the SA company
• Attested Indian qualifications and experience/relieving letters

Visitor's visa under section 11(1)(b)(iv) for working remotely for a foreign employer for more than 3 months and up to 3 years; it does not allow employment in South Africa.

• Gross salary of no less than the equivalent of R650,796 per year, shown by three months' bank statements
• Valid employment contract signed by the applicant and the foreign employer
• Statement of purpose and duration; return ticket or reservation
• Register with SARS if present more than 183 days in 12 months (tax resident of a treaty country) - or in all cases if not tax resident of such a country
• No change of status inside South Africa except in prescribed exceptional circumstances

For retirees with a guaranteed income; spouse and dependent children may get an appropriate visa.

• Minimum monthly payment from a pension fund or irrevocable retirement annuity, or net worth/combination of assets, currently set at R37,000 per month (VFS checklist: INR 168,350 per month, or as gazetted)
• Visa fee INR 2342; long-term processing minimum 90 days

For immediate family members (within the second step of kinship) of a South African citizen or permanent resident; valid for at least 24 months. Free for the spouse or dependent child of a citizen/permanent resident; a fee applies for other relatives.

• Proof of the relative's South African citizenship or permanent residence
• Proof of kinship within the second step (paternity test where necessary)
• Financial assurance of INR 38,675 per person per month (section 18(1)), by salary advice or certified bank statement not older than 3 months (not required where the SA citizen/PR is a dependent child)
• Proof of a minimum of R8,500 per month per person for living expenses (not for a spouse or dependent minor child of a citizen/PR); monthly expenditure form

For the spouse and dependent children accompanying or joining a foreign national who holds a South African visa; visa fee gratis for Indian nationals.

• Invitation letter from the host in South Africa, attested by a Commissioner of Oaths or South African Police
• Host's ID or residence status (permanent residence or work permit) and attested proof of residence
• Attested marriage certificate (original shown at VFS) / attested birth certificates
• Children aged 18 or above are not eligible under the long-term dependant category from 1 October 2026, except disabled children (High Commission, New Delhi)
• Minors: attested Parental Consent Affidavit less than 4 months old

For Indians establishing or investing in a business in South Africa in which they will be employed.

• Certificate from a SAICA chartered accountant or SAIPA professional accountant that the cash (and capital contribution) amount set by the Minister in the Gazette is available or invested
• Undertaking that at least 60% of staff will be South African citizens or permanent residents, proven within 12 months
• Undertakings to register with SARS, UIF, the Compensation Fund, CIPC and any SAQA-recognised professional body
• Department of Trade and Industry recommendation on feasibility and national interest; capital requirements may be reduced or waived for ICT, clothing/textiles, chemicals/biotech and metals/minerals refinement

For exchange programmes run by a South African learning institution or organ of state with a foreign institution or state.

• Letter from the Department of Basic Education / Higher Education and Training or the South African institution confirming the programme, activities and duration
• Letter from the foreign (Indian) institution confirming the applicant's enrolment and programme dates
• Medical cover for the exchange period with a South African-registered medical scheme
• Return ticket or a written undertaking accepting return/deportation costs

For programmes agreed between South Africa and the visitor's country.

• Letter from the relevant organ of state party to the treaty on the programme, activities, duration and accommodation
• Written undertaking by the sending or receiving organ of state accepting deportation costs

For researchers invited by a South African host; fee gratis under the short-term category or INR 2342 under the long-term category.

• Invitation letter from the host stating name, passport number, purpose and duration
• Certified copy of the host's temporary residence permit and passport pages
• Notarised educational qualification certificates
• Medical cover for the research period with a South African-registered medical scheme