March 2022

RETIREMENT VISA

VISA_-_2022.pdf

This visa is valid for four (4) years as of your first entry into South Africa.   

Issued to foreign nationals who are retired abroad and receive monthly retirement annuity (plus assets if necessary) collectively totaling R37.000/month/person.

Please e-mail to set up an appointment approximately four (4) weeks before your departure bern.consular@dirco.gov.za

Application Form: Attached.  Please complete in black ink – do not sign

Passport:              Must be valid 30 days after the expiry of the visa

Photos:                 Two(2) passport photos (Swiss standard)

Itinerary: Minimum a flight reservation is required.  Please do not make final arrangements.  One-way/open-ended tickets are accepted

Financial means:

1. Proof of retirement annuity (AHV) totaling R37.000 
2. If monthly retirement annuity does not cover R37.000, assets/three (3)-month detailed bank statement as proof of additional income. 

Family Support:   If next of kin will support you in South Africa, an affidavit to that effect together with S.A. bank statement and copy of S.A. ID

Accommodation:  Copy of -

1. House/apartment deeds in South Africa OR
2. Invitation from friends/family stating accommodation is available

 Criminal Record:             “Strafregisterauszug” on www.criminal-records.admin.ch (no apostille) from each country where applicant resided for a year or longer, after the age of 18

Medical Report:   To be signed by your GP (Hausarzt)

Radiological Report: To be signed by your GP (Hausarzt) confirming that you never/are not suffering of TB

Swiss Residence: Applicable to any foreign national residing in Switzerland (C, B, L permits)

Visa fee:                No cash necessary, payment will be made online (if applicable)

Envelope:                         Self-addressed-stamped envelope for the return of the passport

Processing Time: In general five (5) to ten (10) working days.  Original passports will remain at the Embassy until the process is complete

The supporting documents should be in English language or officially translated (except bank statements) 

Please print documents before attending your appointment.  The Consular staff will no longer make any copies or print documents on your behalf.

Please follow the above mentioned instructions, to avoid rejection of application