Visa Overview
In order to start and operate a business in South Africa, you would have to obtain a so-called business visa, which is usually valid for at least three years at a time and can be renewed. To conduct your own business in South Africa, you will be required to invest R 5 million in the country. The investment can be in a form of cash and or equipments / machinery). The capital requirements may be reduced or waived in respect of the following types of industries/businesses:
Critical skills Work Visa
To qualify to apply for a critical skills work visa the applicant must fall in one of the positions listed on the Department of Home Affairs’ Critical Skills List. A Critical skills work visa is available to foreigners with specific qualifications, skills and relevant work experience, which needs to be proven with reference letters from the relevant employer(s). The work offer needs to be in the critical skills category under which the applicant has applied. Note that a South African contract of employment will be required.
In addition to the above, to qualify for a critical skills work visa, registration with the professional body or council in South Africa in the applicant’s industry is mandatory. Such registration must be obtained prior to the submission of an application for a critical skills work visa and can take weeks or months to be finalised and obtained.
Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa
A foreigner may qualify to apply for an Intra-Company Transfer Work visa if the applicant is employed with a company abroad for more than 6 months. This visa is available to facilitate the swift transfer of a foreign national employed abroad by a foreign company transferring to a local branch, subsidiary or affiliate company in South Africa for a period not exceeding 4 years and is employer and position specific. This visa may be issued for a short period (from 6 months) but not exceed 4 years.
General Work Visa
The general work visa is a work visa which is issued based on a person holding specific qualifications, skills and/or experience relevant to the position offered to him/her. For the general work visa, one requires a binding employment contract from a company in South Africa, that the position is advertised and that the employer is able to motivate that no South African was able or willing to fill the position. Further, the applicant’s foreign qualifications will have to be evaluated by the South African authorities (South African Qualifications Authority – SAQA) and a recommendation by the Department of Labour will have to be obtained.
Exchange Work Visa
An Exchange work visa is issued to persons under the age of 25 who have received an offer of employment from a South African company. Such persons are eligible to apply for this special type of work visa. This visa is designed for young professionals who have recently graduated and are looking to gain work experience within their field in the South African environment and may be issued for a period of 12 months only.
Frequently Asked Question
Find answers to common questions about South African work visas, including requirements, eligibility, and the application process.