Does Permanent Residency Expire in South Africa?
What does permanent residency mean?
Permanent residence is a person’s legal resident status in a country or territory of which he or she is not a citizen, allowing him or her to live, work, and study in any region of the country and to establish a business.
Who qualifies for permanent residency at South Africa?
A person is eligible for a permanent residency permit if he or she has lived in South Africa on the basis of a work permit for at least five years. Dependents of South African nationals or permanent residents are also eligible to apply.
Does permanent residency expire in South Africa?
Permanent Residency (PR) is indefinite and does not expire. You only need to visit South Africa at least once every three years.
Can I lose my permanent residency in South Africa?
If you leave South Africa for three years or more, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) may revoke your permanent residency status.
What are the benefits of becoming a permanent resident in South Africa?
Permanent residency permits the holder to live and work in South Africa without restrictions, including the freedom to engage in business, own property, study, and engage in all activities granted to citizens.
How do I check my permanent resident status in South Africa?
Visit DHA’s offices and present your passport with your visa receipt to get a status update.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in South Africa?
A Permanent Residence application takes on average 4 – 8 months to process from the date of submission, depending on the kind of submission.
