how to get a work visa for south africa

Basic Requirements for All Visa Types.

• Completed and signed online Application Form.
• Passport with at least 2 blank pages and valid for 30 more days after expiry of intended visit.
• Proof of payment of visa fees.
• Proof of financial means (e.g. recent three-month bank statements stamped by the bank)
• Proof of accommodation once in South Africa.
• Proof of employer’s accountability for deportation costs, should it be necessary.
• Proof of employer’s undertaking that the applicant’s visa is valid throughout the employment period.
• Qualifications translated and evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

Full Answer

How do I get a South African visa?

Any foreigner who wants to enter South Africa must apply for the appropriate visa at: the South African embassy, consulate or diplomatic representative in their country of residence or citizenship; at your nearest Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS), if in South Africa.

What are the different types of work visas in South Africa?

The first and most common work visa type is the general work visa which will cover the majority of working visa applications. Critical skills work visa is issued to a foreign national who works within a specific profession deemed to be critical in the Republic of South Africa.

Can I extend my work visa in South Africa?

In general, visa extensions are possible. You should apply for a work visa if: you wish to take up temporary employment in South Africa, with or without reward. your plans include setting up or run a business temporarily in South Africa. your company abroad wants to transfer you temporarily to a branch or affiliate of the company in South Africa.

Do I need A study visa to South Africa?

Foreigners who want to study in South Africa, at any level, must apply for a Study Visa before they arrive in the country. This applies even if you are coming to South Africa as the dependent of someone who is coming to work there. International students applying for scholarships in South Africa may also require a study visa first.

What do I need to get a work visa for South Africa?

General work VisaA duly completed application form signed by yourself, the applicant.A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit.Payment of the prescribed fee.A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.More items...

Who qualifies for a work permit in South Africa?

General Work Visas are issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with the relevant qualifications or skills and experience are not available for appointment.

How long does it take to get a work permit in South Africa?

When this is complete the candidate must lodge the Work Permit application in person at the South African Consulate in their country of residence. The processing time is 30 days (Consulate dependent). Once the application is approved the employee can then enter South Africa to commence their assignment.

How much is a working visa in South Africa?

A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. Payment of the application fee of R1350.

How can a foreigner get a job in South Africa?

You cannot come to South Africa on a tourist visa and then apply for a work visa. You can apply for different types of South Africa work visa including a general work visa, critical skills visa, intra-company transfer visa and a business visa (if you want to start your own business in South Africa).

How much bank balance is required for South Africa visa?

3000 South African RandHow Much Bank Balance is Required to Get a South African Visa? The high commission requirements state that you will need funds of an equivalent of at least 3000 South African Rand to apply for the visa. As per the requirements, you are expected to possess sufficient funds to support the entire duration of your stay.

Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?

A short answer is No. Unfortunately, you can't apply for a work visa without a job offer. Your prospective employer must be willing to sponsor you for the visa and petition on your behalf.

Can a foreigner work in South Africa?

General work visa for South Africa General work visas may be issued to foreigners when there are no South African citizens or permanent residents with the relevant skills available. General work visas are valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 5 years.

What are the documents required for work visa?

Work Visa RequirementsWork visa application form.Your passport with a six-month validity period.Identity pictures.Proof of financial means.Health insurance for foreign workers.Work contract.Resume and proof of work experience.Letters of recommendation from previous employers.More items...

Are work visas hard to get?

Don't be intimidated by a long visa process—it'll pay off (sometimes literally). The work visa application process varies depending on your nationality and destination, but usually you'll need to first secure a job offer and sponsorship. Depending on your destination, you may also need to prove residency.

How long can you stay in South Africa without a visa?

At present, American citizens can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 3 months. US citizens are visa-exempt for South Africa for the following purposes: Visiting family or friends.

How long does it take to get a visa in South Africa?

Most applications are approved within a few business days. Processing times vary depending on the type of visa one is requesting. However, Nigerian citizens planning to visit South Africa for short-term trips and applying through an embassy can expect to have their visa processed within 10-15 days.

How can a Zimbabwean get a work permit in South Africa?

In the case that Zimbabwe citizens wish to work, live, or study in South Africa, they will be required to complete an application process through the embassy. You can find the details of the South Africa Embassy in Zimbabwe below.

Can I employ a Zimbabwean without a work permit?

Can I employ a Zimbabwean without a work permit? A Zimbabwean who would like to work in South Africa must have a valid work permit or be a permanent resident holder.

How do you get a work permit?

How to apply for a Work Permit (in 5 easy steps)Step #1 - Apply for an immigration status that will allow you to work. ... Step #2 - Prepare Form I-765. ... Step #3 - Prepare your supporting documents. ... Step #4 - Pay the filing fee. ... Step #5 - Submit Your Work Permit application.

How many types of permits are there in South Africa?

South Africa has four different categories of work visas: a general work visa; a critical skills visa (which combines the older categories of 'exceptional skills' and 'quota' work visas); intra-company transfer visas, where for example an employee of a multi-national company is transferred to work in South Africa; and ...

What is a general work visa?

General Work Visas are issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with the relevant qualifications or skills and experience are not available for appointment.

Can a multinational company transfer employees in South Africa?

Occasionally, multi-national companies may decide to transfer an existing employee in a key position from a foreign branch to a branch, subsidiary or an affiliate of that company in South Africa. Such employees must apply for intra-company transfer work permits.

How to get a visa for South Africa?

To get a visa to work in South Africa legally, the applicant must visit their country’s South African embassy, diplomatic representative, or consulate in person. They will need to bring the relevant documents along with them to apply, so they should confirm the requirements in advance.

What is the most common type of visa for foreigners seeking employment in South Africa?

General Work Visa: This is the most common type of visa for foreign citizens seeking employment in South Africa.

What department processes visa applications?

The Department of Home Affairs will process and finalize all applications. Processing time will vary with the type of visa and location of the applicant.

How long does it take to get a permanent residence in South Africa?

Workers are eligible to apply for permanent residence in South Africa after five years of living in the country with a General Work Visa. Individuals with Critical Skills Work Visas may apply for permanent residence permits immediately provided that they have five years of experience in their field.

What is a corporate visa?

A corporate visa allows a company to employ a set number of foreign workers with Individual Corporate Worker Certificates.

Why is South Africa a good choice for business?

South Africa's growing economy, warm climate, and rich cultural history make the country an excellent choice for companies in the midst of international expansions. However, some companies are deterred by the complex...

Can a family member travel to South Africa?

Spouses and children may receive residence visas after the employee has obtained a permanent residence permit or a work visa. Family members can also apply for work and study visas for their time in South Africa.

What is a work visa in South Africa?

Your South African work visa acts as your temporary residence visa. Any person who is not a citizen or permanent resident in South Africa and who wishes to work in the country generally needs to obtain a work visa.

What are the types of work visas available in South Africa?

These include: general employment, inter-company transfer, highly-skilled migrant, or business entrepreneur.

How long does a work visa last in South Africa?

Work visas last for the same time as your employment contract or for a maximum number of years. In general, visa extensions are possible. You should apply for a work visa if: you wish to take up temporary employment in South Africa, with or without reward.

What is a letter of recommendation for a business visa in South Africa?

All business visa applicants must apply for a letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the feasibility of their business and the contribution of the business to the national interest of South Africa.

How long does it take to get an extension for a visa in South Africa?

You should start your application for an extension of your visa at least 90 days prior to the expiry date, which can be made at any Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS) office in South Africa; you can complete the application form online. There is a fee payable when applying for an extension of a temporary residence visa – the fee for an extension is the same as for the original application.

How long is a critical skills visa valid?

The Critical Skills Work Visa is valid for a maximum period of five years , and extensions are possible. However, as shown below, permanent residence is achievable immediately after earning the Critical Skills Work Visa.

What is a general work visa?

The General Work Visa is the most common type of visa. In order to obtain this visa, the employing company must prove the position cannot be filled by a South African. This usually means they have to advertise the position in the local media first; this ensures jobs aren’t denied to South African citizens. Secondly, proof has to be submitted of the applicant’s qualifications and/or experience. Their qualifications have to be checked by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

How do I get a South African work visa as an entrepreneur?

If you intend on working for yourself in South Africa, you'll have to get a Business Visa.

How can I move money to South Africa from my bank account overseas?

To get the most of your money, you'll want to open a bank account in South Africa, which you can do before you arrive.

What documents do I need?

The documents you need vary depending on the visa requirements, and the country you’re applying from. However, in most cases you'll need to provide the following:

How will my visa affect my spouse and family members?

You can either apply once you have your visa in hand, or at the same time as you put in your own application. This extends to a spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18.

How to get a critical skills visa?

To get a Critical Skills Visa, you’ ll have to be planning on working in one of a number of shortage areas. The list of critical skills is published in the government Gazette periodically, or available from embassies. The range of jobs covered runs from niche positions like sheep shearing, to architects, network engineers and people working in the finance sector. With this visa type you might be able to get your paperwork sorted out without needing a firm job offer, as long as your qualifications are approved by the local authorising body in South Africa.

Do I need a South African work visa?

Your first priority should be to figure out if you need a work permit at all. In some cases, depending on your nationality and the role you’re going to take on, a permit might not be necessary.

South Africa Work Visa: Introduction

South Africa Work Visa application is hassle-free with Tetra Consultants’ assistance.

Overview of types of South Africa Work Visa

Foreign travelers originating from countries that qualify for visa-free entry into South Africa do not need a visa if they are travelling for leisure purposes or only wish to stay for a short period of time.

Corporate Visa

The Corporate Visa is the only type that is not issued to an individual but instead to a business entity so that it can hire foreign employees.

Business Visa

Foreigners who wish to enter South Africa to invest in the country or set up a local business can choose to apply for this.

General Work Visa

General Work Visas are issued to foreigners who are employed in a South African company.

Critical Skills Work Visa

The Critical Skills Work Visa is issued to foreigners with a specific skillset for 1 year. The duration can be increased for up to 5 years.

Intra-company Transfer Work Visa

Besides granting the applicant the rights to work in South Africa, this visa also allows applicants to study part-time without obtaining further permission from the Department of Home Affairs.

How long is a visa valid for South Africa?

A visa will be issued for a visit for tourism or business purposes and is valid for a period of 90 days. Some countries are exempted from visa control, which means that citizens from those countries do not need a visa to visit South Africa.

What happens if you don't have a visa?

If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country. Depending on your intended visit, you can apply for a Visitor’s Visa or a Transit Visa. or contact the Department of Home Affairs.

How many types of work visas are there in South Africa?

There are four primary types of work visas available for South Africa, and these depend on the applicant’s situation. You can read more about these in detail in our Guide to getting a South African work visa.

Who needs a South African visa?

Anyone traveling to South Africa will need a visa to enter the country; be it for a holiday, visiting family, joining a partner, living, working, or studying. However, some countries are exempt from this rule.

What is a retiree visa?

The Retired Person’s Visa is a temporary residence visa for any person regardless of age who intends to retire in South Africa. To qualify for a Retired Person’s Visa, the applicant must show they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in South Africa.

How long does an intra-company transfer visa last in South Africa?

Also, any applicant must have first worked for a minimum of six months in the company’s foreign office before applying to relocate and immigrate to the South African branch. An intra-company transfer visa lasts four years and is not extendable. If you were issued an ICT visa for two years under the old Immigration Act, then it can be extended for a further two years from inside the country.

How long is a South African work visa valid?

The South African Qualifications Authority must also approve their qualifications. General Work Visas are valid for the duration of the contract up to five years.

What is a corporate visa in South Africa?

In basic terms, the Corporate Visa allows a company from South Africa to employ foreigners. It provides a simplified process for granting a work visa to those employees. The Corporate Visa is for the worker per se, but for the employing company.

What is the most common type of work visa?

The general work visa is the most common type of work visa. In order to obtain this type of work visa, the employing company has to show documentary proof that they tried to employ a South African citizen first and were unable to fill the position. This usually means showing advertisements of the position in the local media. Secondly, proof must be submitted of the applicant’s qualifications and/or experience, and their qualifications have to be approved by the relevant South African authority.

What does a visa for South Africa mean?

A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that the consular officer has determined you are eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose.

How long does a visitor visa last in South Africa?

Visitors’ visas are for international travellers (citizens of other countries) who have permanent residence outside South Africa and who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less.

How long is a visa valid for?

Documents required to apply for a visa. A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit. Your passport must have at least TWO unused page for entry / departure endorsements. A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa) Payment of the prescribed fee.

Is there a fee for a visa?

Remember that there is a fee charged for issuing a visa, and you should check the cost with the office as well as this is updated annually. The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.

Is a visitor's permit valid in South Africa?

Visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visas were issued. On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor's permit. The permit’s period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading "conditions" on the visa label.