Retired Persons and Medical Permits

Who can apply?

Retired Persons and Medical Permits applications must be made at the local Department of Home Affairs office or the nearest South African Embassy, Mission or Consulate.

Retirement permits' applicants are required to submit:

• A passport valid for more than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit, with at least one free page;
• 2 recent passport photographs;
• A photocopy of a valid residential permit (if applicable);
• The payment of a fee;
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required);
• Proof of medical cover;
• Medical and radiology reports;
• Proof of financial means to cover the living expenses until the first salary is received (bank statements, cash or travellers' cheques);
• A return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, or a cash deposit;
• A written statement and documentation confirming purpose and duration of the visit;
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which the person resided for more than 12 months since the age of 18.

If the applicant intends to be accompanied by a spouse or children, it is required to attach to the permit application:

• Medical certificates for the people accompanying the applicant;
• Unabridged birth certificates;
• A marriage certificate, along with a copy of the certificate or affidavit (if applicable);
• Proof of a spousal relationship;
• A divorce decree or proof of legal separation (if applicable);
• Proof of custody or adoption of a minor (if required);
• A death certificate in respect of a late spouse (if applicable);
• Consent from a minor's parent(s) (if required);
• Proof of pension income of a minimum of R20,000 a month, or life-long irrevocable retirement annuity or retirement account with the equivalent value;
• Proof of a net worth more than R12.000.000, from which at least R15,000 a month will be paid out for living expenses.

Medical Treatment Permits

Medical Treatment Permits are valid for six months, and medical permit holders cannot work or apply for work while in South Africa. To apply for a Medical Treatment Permit it is required to submit:

• A passport valid for more than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit, with at least one free page;
• The payment of a fee;
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required);
• Proof of financial means to cover the living expenses until the first salary is received (bank statements, cash or travellers' cheques);
• A letter from the medical practitioner or institution, indicating the reasons for treatment, the period and particulars of the treatment plan in South Africa;
• Details of the person or institution responsible for the medical expenses and hospital fees;
• Proof of financial means or medical cover, if the medical scheme or employer won't cover the expenses;
• The companion's particulars;
• A copy of a return or onward ticket;
• If applying at a local office, a valid temporary residence permit.

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• Student and Exchange Permits: Who needs them?
• Retired Persons and Medical Permits: Who can apply?