Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country must apply for a business visa. As an applicant, you will be required to invest a prescribed financial capital contribution.

To invest in or open a business in South Africa, you will need to, along with Form BI-1738, submit a certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to the effect that you have:

• Fully completed the application form in detail and signed.
• Valid passport which expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic.
• The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days before the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area (provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area).
• Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority of a country where the applicant resided for longer than 12 months in the last five years before submitting the current application, and the certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• A medical report, signed by a Medical Practitioner, reflecting their practice number, address and contact details, and the report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• Marriage certificate or, in the case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition thereof issued by the authorities of the foreign country of the applicant (where applicable).
• The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable, as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Divorce decree, where applicable.
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights, where applicable.
• Death certificate, in respect of the late spouse, where applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities, where applicable.
• Proof of adoption where applicable.
• Legal separation order, where applicable.
• Proof of payment of the applicable fee
• A certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that-
• at least an amount in cash to be invested in the Republic as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available; or
• at least an amount in cash and a capital contribution, as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette is available.
• Undertaking by the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff complement to be employed in the operations of the business shall be South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions (provided that proof of compliance with this undertaking shall be submitted within 12 months of issuance of the visa).
• An undertaking to register with the–
• South African Revenue Service (SARS);
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF);
• Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases;
• Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC), where legally required; and
• Relevant professional body, board or council recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1) (i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, where applicable. (provided that upon registration, all certificates shall be submitted to the Director-General).
• A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding:
• the feasibility of the business; and
• the contribution to the national interest of the Republic