South Africa’s practical requirements guide

Know what you need
before you apply.

Requirements.co.za helps you find documents, eligibility rules, steps and official-source checks for applications, registrations, renewals and compliance processes across South Africa.

✓ Independent guidance ● Always confirm changing requirements with the relevant official source.

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Find the Requirement Guide You Need

Search for a specific requirement or start with the category that matches what you are trying to do. Each guide is designed to help you identify likely documents, eligibility checks and next steps before you use the relevant department, institution or application portal. If you are unsure, begin with a category hub and narrow your choice from the related guides shown there.

Business

Company registration, tax, B-BBEE, compliance, licences and supplier requirements.

Civic Documents

Smart IDs, passports, birth certificates, police clearance and document legalisation.

Driving

Learner’s licences, driving licences, renewals, vehicle registration and roadworthy checks.

Education

University admission, APS scores, matric passes, TVET and study requirements.

Funding & Registration

NSFAS, bursaries, school, TVET, university and professional registration guides.

Immigration & Travel

South African visas, outbound visas, residence and travel-document requirements.

Careers

Entry requirements for jobs, learnerships, apprenticeships and public service roles.

Government Services

Grants, identity documents, housing subsidies and other public-sector applications.

Consumer Services

Bank accounts, store accounts, mobile contracts and platform account requirements.

Health & Lifestyle

Eligibility, medical criteria and health-related requirements in South Africa.

Property & Housing

Renting, buying, building and municipal compliance requirements for property.

Technology

System requirements, hardware specifications and technical compatibility checks.

Career Entry Requirements

Check entry requirements for learnerships, apprenticeships, SAPS, SANDF, correctional services, firefighter, traffic-officer and security pathways.

How it works:

1. Search

2. Check

3. Confirm

POPULAR STARTING POINTS

Most Used South African Requirements Guides

These guides cover common application and registration needs. Open the guide that matches your task, then confirm current forms, fees, availability and process rules with the named official source before submitting anything. Where personal circumstances affect the answer, use the guide as a preparation checklist and ask the responsible body to confirm your specific position.

BUSINESS

VAT Registration Requirements

Check the turnover thresholds, supporting documents and SARS steps before registering a business for VAT.

GOVERNMENT

Smart ID Card Requirements

Review the identity documents, eligibility and booking steps for a Smart ID card application.

DRIVING

Licence Renewal Requirements

Prepare for a driving licence renewal by checking documents, timing and official DLTC information.

EDUCATION

Admission Requirements

Understand minimum requirements, APS and selection criteria before applying to an institution.

FUNDING

NSFAS Requirements

Check eligibility, supporting-document and application considerations before using the current NSFAS process.

TRAVEL

Schengen Visa Requirements

Review the document and eligibility checks South African applicants commonly need for a Schengen visa.

Documents, Eligibility and Application Checks

Requirements are easier to manage when you separate what you need to bring, whether you qualify and what happens during the application. Use these three checks as a preparation framework, not as a substitute for the current official instructions. Save or print the official checklist when one is available, and recheck it shortly before your appointment or submission date.

1. Documents to Prepare

Identify the forms, identity records, supporting evidence and proof that may be requested. Check whether originals, certified copies, translations or recent documents are required for your specific application.

2. Eligibility Before You Apply

Confirm the rules that apply to you. Age, citizenship, residence, qualifications, income, status or previous records may matter, depending on the application and the responsible institution.

3. Steps, Costs and Timing

Follow the correct sequence and check where the application starts. Fees, booking methods, opening periods and processing times can change, so verify them with the relevant official source.

Browse by Category

Use the category hubs when your exact application is not yet clear. They group related requirement guides so you can compare the most relevant route without creating duplicate or overlapping pages.

GUIDANCE YOU CAN VERIFY

How Requirements.co.za Helps

Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It organises practical guidance around real user tasks and points readers towards official confirmation where rules may change. It is not a government department, application portal or guarantee of eligibility or approval.

Clear, Task-Based Guides

Guides are organised around applications, registrations, renewals and compliance tasks so you can move from a broad category to the requirement page that best matches your next action.

A Visible Checking Method

Change-sensitive details such as forms, fees, dates, process rules and eligibility should be checked against the responsible department, institution, embassy or official portal.

Official Sources for Confirmation

Use our official-sources page as a starting point for final confirmation. If information conflicts, follow the current instruction issued by the responsible official body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use these answers to choose your next step, then open the relevant guide for application-specific detail.

What are the requirements?

The answer depends on the application, institution and your circumstances. Start with the relevant category or search for the exact task, then check the guide’s documents, eligibility and process sections.

What documents are needed?

Document lists vary. A guide may identify common identity, qualification, address, financial or supporting records, but you should confirm the current list and format with the responsible official source.

Where can I confirm the latest official requirements?

Use the department, institution, embassy or application portal responsible for the process. Our official-sources and checking-method pages explain how to make that final verification.

Before you submit, pay or travel

Confirm the latest requirements, fees, forms, dates and submission method directly with the responsible official source. Requirements.co.za provides independent guidance and does not process applications or promise outcomes.

Requirements.co.za

Independent, practical guidance for checking South African application, document, eligibility and registration requirements.

Know what you needbefore you apply.