South Africa Work Visa

South Africa’s economy is the second largest in Africa, as well as the most technologically advanced, with a fast manufacturing sector. Therefore, the country offers various job opportunities, especially for skilled workers.

Do I Need a Visa to Work in South Africa?

Yes, if you are a foreigner who wants to work in Africa, you need a work visa first, particularly if one of the following applies to you:

• You plan to work temporarily in the country (gainful employment or not).
• You plan to run or set up a business in the country.
• You plan to visit a company in South Africa of which you have more than 25% control share.
• You plan to visit South Africa to produce a film, documentary, or TV commercial.
• You are an au-pair, and you plan to work temporarily in the country as part of a cultural exchange.
• The company you work at will be transferring you temporarily to a branch or affiliate of the company in South Africa.
• You are going to be working as an employee or consultant to the government as part of an intergovernmental agreement.
• You are a priest or religious worker willing to do volunteer work at a religious institution in South Africa.

Types of Work Permits/Visas in South Africa

There are different types of work visas available to foreign nations wishing to work in South Africa:

What Is a General Work Visa?

A South Africa general work visa is one of the most common work permits that allows you to work for the duration of a work contract or for a period not exceeding 5 years. The employing company or employer has to prove that a South African cannot fill the position for which you qualified. First, however, they must commit to an extensive search for a South African employee to fill the vacant position. If they fail to find someone, they can offer the position to you.

Only then can they obtain a certificate or a declaration from the Department of Labour as proof that no qualified South African citizens could fill the position. You must submit this certificate along with the rest of your documents when you apply for the visa.

Additionally, your qualifications have to be checked by the South African Qualifications Authority.

What Is a Critical Skills Work Visa?

The critical skills work visa is valid for a maximum of five years. This type of visa is intended for skilled workers, whom South Africa finds exceptional. To obtain this visa, your profession must be listed in the group of professions that are high in demand in South Africa— you can find the full list here.

Additionally, for this visa, you do not need a job at the time of application. However, you must find employment 12 months after the visa is issued. Also, with a critical skills work visa, you can apply for permanent residency after you’ve lived in South Africa for five years.

What Is Intra-company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa?

If your company is transferring you for work to South Africa, you qualify for an intra-company transfer work visa. However, you should have worked in the foreign office for at least 6 months before you can apply to move to South Africa. This type of visa is valid for four years and you cannot extend it.

In case you hold an intra-company transfer visa valid for two years (issued under the old act), you can apply for an extension for another two years. But, you cannot use those two years to obtain permanent residence in South Africa.

You must also keep in mind that you do not need this type of visa if you will still be reporting directly to and getting paid by the company abroad, in this case, you can apply for a business visa.

What Is a Corporate Visa?

A corporate visa is issued to a company, not an individual. The employing company can employ a number of foreign-skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers, all of which work on individual corporate worker visas. A corporate visa is valid for a period not exceeding three years. All applications are made at any VFS Office or the nearest embassy, consulate, or mission in your home country.

What Are the Documents Required for a South Africa Work Visa?

To obtain a South Africa visa you need to submit a number of required documents as listed below:

• Application form. You must submit a filled-out application form, which you can find online, download, and print out. Please do not forget to sign it at the end.
• Please submit your passport with a validity period of at least three months after you leave the country, in addition to two blank pages.
• Proof of paid visa fee. During the application process, you must pay the required visa fee, and then submit proof such as a receipt to have your application processed.
• Proof of financial means. You must also include proof that you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay in the country until you receive a salary. You can submit your recent bank statements, cash, or traveller’s cheques.
• Medical and radiology reports. Keep in mind that radiology reports are not a requirement for pregnant women or for children under twelve.
• A police certificate. You must also submit a police clearance certificate obtained from every country where you lived for longer than 12 months.
• A written statement from your employer. Submit a written statement from your employer stating that they will cover all the required expenses related to you and your family moving to South Africa for work— if necessary.
• A certificate of vaccination. In most cases, to move to South Africa, you must submit proof that you are vaccinated against yellow fever. This may not always be a requirement so make sure you check with a corresponding embassy/consulate.
• Additional documents for family members. If you have family members accompanying you with a work visa, you may be required to submit additional documents such as a family certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, proof of relationship, etc.

Additional Documents

Depending on the type of work visa you apply for you must submit additional or specific documents according to the type of permit as listed below:

• For a general work visa please also submit the following:
  • Certificate from the Department of Labour
  • Proof of qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority – SAQA (translated into one of the official languages in South Africa).
  • Contract employment, signed both by you and your employer.
  • Detailed particulars of the employer, including proof of registration with the Registrar of Companies.
  • All documentation of the spouse/children if they will be accompanying you.
  • Proof of application for a registration certificate with the accredited professional body recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority- SAQA.
  • Proof of evaluation of your qualifications by SAQA (translated into one of the official languages in South Africa).
  • Proof of employment within 12 months after you obtain a critical skills work visa. You must provide a work contract that specifies your profession and job position.
  • Proof of financial means for a return ticket (cash deposit with the same value as the price of the ticket).
  • An employment contract with the company abroad.
  • A letter from the company or employer where you will be working confirming your transfer— the letter must specify your occupation, and job description, and confirm that your employment will not exceed four years.
  • A statement from your employer that you will leave the country after four years and that you will be employed only for the position for which the visa is issued.
  • Application form completed and signed by the applicants.
  • Statement about the need to employ foreign workers and the number of foreign workers to be employed.
  • Certificate by the Department of Labour.
  • Proof of registration of the corporation with the following:
  • The South African Revenue Service
  • Unemployment Insurance Fund
  • Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries
  • Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission, where legally required
  • Job description and salary for each foreign worker.
  • Proof that at least 60% of the staff are employed as citizens and permanent residents employed permanently in various positions (this document is to be submitted by the applicant who is applying on behalf of the corporate).
  • A written statement which proves that:
  • • All foreign workers have valid passports.
    • All foreign workers will be employed only in the positions for which they were issued the permit for.
    • All foreign workers will leave South Africa once they complete their duties.
    • Cash deposit or guarantee for the foreign workers (to be paid by the corporate or by the workers in case of skilled workers).

    How to Apply for a Work Visa for South Africa?

    To apply for a South Africa visa, you must follow the steps listed below:

    1. Find a job in South Africa.
    2. Determine your visa type.
    3. Schedule an appointment.
    4. Prepare your documents.
    5. Submit an application.

    Find a Job in South Africa

    To be eligible for a work visa in South Africa, you must first find a job in the country. You can find employment online, check out job openings, or contact recruiters from South Africa. However, this step is crucial as you cannot apply for the visa without showing proof that you have a valid work contract to work in the country.

    The only exception to this rule is the critical skills work visa for which you can apply without having a job offer first. However, your profession must be on the critical skills list to be eligible so make sure to check the list carefully to see if you qualify for the visa.

    Determine Your Visa Type

    As mentioned previously, South Africa offers a number of work visas and each application process and list of documents may differ depending on the type of visa. Which is why it’s important to see which visa you qualify for. For example, if your profession is not listed in the critical skills section, you can opt for a general work visa for which you need a job offer.

    As you can see determining the type of work visa you qualify for is an essential part of your application process because if you were to apply for the wrong type of visa your application will most likely be rejected.

    Schedule an Appointment

    If you know which visa you need, then you can make an appointment for your application. To do this, you must first identify where to make this appointment. Depending on your country of residence you may be required to submit an application to a South African embassy, consulate or visa application center like VFS. In some cases, it may even be necessary to apply at a representative office in a neighbouring country if South African foreign missions are missing in your home country.

    Once you find out where to apply, set up an appointment for your visa. You can do this in various ways depending on how the foreign mission, either by phone, e-mail, or an appointment online system. Please make sure to set up your appointment as early as possible— most embassies recommend you do so a minimum of three months before your travel date.

    Prepare Your Documents

    After you have set up an appointment to apply for your visa, you must prepare a number of required documents. Keep in mind that depending on the type of visa you apply for the required documents change. You will also need to receive specific documents from your future employer such as your work contract, and a declaration/certificate from the Department of Labour. You should be in constant communication with your employer to make sure that you have all the required documents.

    If for some reason you cannot provide a specific document, you may apply for a visa waiver to allow you to omit that document— provided you meet the requirements.

    Submit an Application

    Finally, on the day of your visa appointment, you can submit your application. At the appointment, you may be asked to sit down for an interview regarding your application. Also, you may be required to submit your biometrics (fingerprints), and take a picture. Once you submit your application, you have to wait several weeks while your application is processed.

    How Long Does It Take to Process a South Africa Work Visa?

    It usually takes between 6-8 weeks to have your South African work visa processed. A visa application takes different times to process depending on which country the application was made/the embassy or commission where it is lodged.

    How Much Does Work Permit Cost in South Africa?

    The application fee for a South Africa visa is R1520 or approximately USD 88. However, you have to keep in mind additional fees such as service charges, or any fees for particular documents. Remember that if you’re required to submit an application via VFS the fees may increase due to additional costs.

    Can I Change From a Student Visa to a Work Visa While in South Africa?

    Yes, you can. If you are a foreign student in South Africa and wish to start working permanently in the country, you can apply to change your visa status. Alternatively, you can work in South Africa on a student visa , however, only for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

    How Long Is a South Africa Work Visa Valid For?

    The Immigration Office in South Africa issues work visas for only five years. However, validity periods can vary depending on the type of visa, at times the visa may be issued only for the duration of the work contract which can be less than five years.

    Can I Extend My South Africa Work Visa?

    Yes, you can. You must, however, apply for an extension 60 days prior to the expiry of your current visa. You must meet all of your visa requirements again to renew it— which means meeting any new or updated criteria.

    Additionally, you must submit your application in person or at any VFS Global Offices in South Africa, as you cannot submit extensions outside of South Africa. Also, keep in mind that if you possess an intra-transfer company work visa, you cannot receive an extension as that visa is issued temporarily for only four years.

    Can I Bring My Family Members With Me on a South Africa Work Visa?

    Yes, you can bring your spouse and children with you. However, they are not allowed to work, study or run a business in the country; they are only allowed to accompany you. They should also not be included in the permanent residency application but can apply later for themselves.

    Can You Apply for a Work Permit Without a Job Offer in South Africa?

    You can apply for a South Africa work visa without a job offer if you are applying for a critical skills work visa. However, as mentioned above, to be eligible for this type of work you must meet specific requirements. Otherwise, you must have a job offer to qualify for other types of work visas.

    • South Africa Relative’s Visa
    • South Africa Volunteer Visa
    • South Africa Long Stay Visa