South Africa Retired Person's Visa Checklist
The Retired Person's Visa is for a foreign national who wants to retire in South Africa and meets the financial requirements of the Immigration Act 2002. Based on the official guidance (dha.gov.za), September 2026.
Who it is for
- A foreign national who wants to retire in South Africa and meets the financial requirements of the Immigration Act 2002 and its regulations.
- A spouse and dependent children may get corresponding visas.
- Apply at any DHA regional office or the nearest South African mission.
Financial thresholds
| Minimum monthly amount payable to the foreigner | R37,000.00 |
| Minimum prescribed net worth | R37,000.00 |
The official page states both figures as R37,000.00; they are two separate requirements — one a monthly payment and one a net worth — and are set out here as the official text writes them.
Documents
- Passport with at least 1 blank visa page and valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended visit.
- 2 recent passport-size colour photographs.
- A copy of a valid residence permit where applicable.
- Permit fee (cash or bank transfer).
- Vaccination certificate where you transit or travel to a yellow fever belt.
- Proof of medical cover.
- A medical and radiological report.
- Police clearance: from the age of 18, for every country where you lived 12 months or more.
Not published
The specific validity period, whether the net worth may include non-cash assets such as property, and the specific fee amount are not published on the page used here, so none is asserted here.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Retired Person's Visa for?
A foreign national who wants to retire in South Africa and meets the financial requirements of the Immigration Act 2002 and its regulations. A spouse and dependent children may get corresponding visas.
What are the financial thresholds?
The minimum monthly amount payable to the foreigner is currently R37,000.00, and the minimum prescribed net worth is also currently R37,000.00.
Do I need a police clearance?
Yes. From the age of 18, a police clearance is required for every country where you have lived for 12 months or more.
How many photos do I need?
2 recent passport-size colour photographs.
What medical documents are needed?
Proof of medical cover, and a medical and radiological report.
What is not published?
The specific validity period, whether the net worth may include non-cash assets such as property, and the specific fee amount are not published on the page used here, so none is asserted here.
Related: the the South Africa Relative's Visa checklist, document translation and copies, and the checklists hub.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (dha.gov.za), "Types of visas" — retrieved 2026-09-29. Requirements change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.