South Africa offers different types of work visa for those wishing to move to South Africa and take up employment.
The first distinction to make when ascertaining the correct type of permit to apply for, is whether it is an application to work for a company that has a corporate permit in place or not.
If you are wishing to apply for a work visa for a company that does have a corporate work visa in place, please contact us for more information.
Should you wish to find out more about corporate work visa please click here.
The below details the various visas that can be applied for by individuals and companies where a corporate work visa is not in place.
Work Visa for South Africa
Critical Skills Visa
Who should apply?
The critical skills visa is for applicants whose occupations and qualifications appear on the South African critical skills list. There is no need for a job offer to be in place and the applicant will be free to move between employers once the visa is granted.
Period that can be applied for?
An application for a critical skills visa can be made for a period of up to 5 years. Once the applicant has held the visa for 5 consecutive years, an application for permanent residency can be made.
If the applicant already have 5 years’ work experience in their occupation when applying for the critical skills visa, an application for permanent residency can be made immediately.
Intra Company Transfer Visa
Who should apply?
Intra company transfer visas can be applied for when the person or persons are in the employment of the company or closely associated company already and are being relocated for a period of time to work in said companies South African operation.
Period that can be applied for?
An application for an intra company transfer can be made for a period of up to 2 years. It should be noted that the company must confirm the time period the employee is to be seconded for and that the final decision rest with Home Affairs.
The intra company transfer visa can be renewed once for another 2 years. Permanent residency is not available under this route.
General Work Visa
Who should apply?
General work visas are for applicants who are in receipt of a job offer or a pending job offer who do not qualify under the critical skills work visa rules, and who are not moving to South Africa with their employer or closely associated company of their employer.
It should be noted that there are certain procedures companies must undertake before a foreigner may be employed. These revolve around proving no South African could be sourced to take up the position.
Period that can be applied for?
Applications for a general work visa can be made for a period between 2 and 4 years. After this applications can be made to extend and once an individual has held the visa for 5 years, an application for permanent residency can be made.
