Moving Regulations – South Africa

In order to immigrate from Australia and live in South Africa it is necessary to gain permanent residence. Applications for permanent residence must be lodged from Australia or the closest South African mission. All applications for permanent residence are considered on merit by the Immigrants Selection Board. Once a permit for permanent residence has been obtained, it is necessary to take up permanent residence within six months.

The requirements for the applicants are the following:
• an applicant must be of good character;
• he / she must not be likely to be harmful to the welfare of the Republic of South Africa;
• he / she must not follow an occupation in which there is already a sufficient number of persons available to meet the requirements of the country;
• he / she must be a desirable inhabitant.

Those eligible to apply for permanent residence must fall into one of the categories listed in the Immigration Act:
• a person who received an offer of Employment;
• opening a Business;
• a person who has been the holder of a Work Permit for 5 years;
• a retired person;
• a relative of a South African citizen or permanent resident holder (restricted to mother, father or brothers and sisters);
• a Child under the age of 21 years of a South African citizen or Permanent Residence holder;
• a person with extraordinary skills;
• a Spouse of a South Africa Citizen or Permanent Holder;
• a refugee.

Australians wishing to acquire South African citizenship may apply for South African citizenship by naturalization.