Quick Answer: Business Visa Capital Requirements
The business visa route requires a prescribed capital amount to be invested in the South African business. The amount is set in regulation, and reductions or waivers may be available for businesses in designated sectors.
Two things matter as much as the amount: that the funds are genuinely available and transferred, and that you can evidence where they came from. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not a government department, immigration practitioner or accountant, and nothing here is immigration, legal or financial advice.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for prospective business visa applicants planning their investment.
For the route generally, see Business Visa Requirements South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
The capital requirement has several dimensions beyond the headline figure.
Applicant type
- The prescribed amount. Set in regulation and subject to change. Confirm the current figure officially rather than relying on a published number.
- Sector reductions or waivers. May be available for businesses in designated sectors considered to be in the national interest. This is assessed by the responsible department.
- Form of the capital. Requirements normally address how much must be cash and how much may be in kind, such as equipment.
- Certification. A chartered accountant or auditor is normally required to certify the capital position.
- Source of funds. Evidence of where the money came from, as with any substantial transfer.
- Transfer into South Africa. Exchange control and banking requirements apply to moving funds in.
Documents You May Need
Financial evidence here is more demanding than on other visa routes.
Required proof
- Certification from a chartered accountant or auditor regarding the capital.
- Bank statements evidencing the funds and their transfer.
- Evidence of the source of the funds.
- Valuations where capital is contributed in kind.
- Documentation of any sector reduction or waiver granted.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Confirm the current prescribed amount and whether your sector qualifies for a reduction before committing anything.
Arrange certification of the capital by a chartered accountant or auditor as required.
Transfer the funds through proper banking channels, keeping full records of the source and the transfer.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
The capital itself is the principal cost, alongside accounting certification, company registration and professional advice. Amounts and waiver criteria are set officially and change, so confirm before committing funds rather than after.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Relying on a capital figure published on a third-party site or in an earlier year.
- Transferring funds before confirming the current requirement and any waiver.
- Unable to evidence the source of the funds.
- Assuming in-kind contributions count without confirming the rules.
- Overlooking exchange control requirements when moving money in.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm the current capital amount, undertakings and recommendation process with the Department of Home Affairs and the responsible trade and industry department. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much capital does a business visa require?
A prescribed amount set in regulation, subject to change and to sector reductions. Confirm the current figure with the Department of Home Affairs rather than relying on a published number.
Can the capital requirement be reduced?
Reductions or waivers may be available for businesses in designated sectors, assessed by the responsible department. Confirm whether your sector qualifies.
Does the capital have to be cash?
Requirements normally address the split between cash and in-kind contributions. Confirm what is accepted before planning around equipment or assets.
Who certifies the capital?
A chartered accountant or auditor is normally required to certify the position. Confirm the current requirement.
Where can I confirm the amount?
Confirm with the Department of Home Affairs and the responsible trade and industry department.