Introduction
Applying for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa for South Africa can feel like a complex process, but getting the right documents in order from the start makes all the difference. Proper document procurement and compliance aren’t just boxes to tick—they’re crucial for avoiding delays, extra costs, or, worse, a rejected application. It is also very important to assess your eligibility for this visa.
Missing or incorrect paperwork can set you back weeks or even months. By staying on top of these requirements, you’ll save time and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your visa application moves forward smoothly. Find a downloadable checklist of the document requirements here.
Documents Required from the Applicant
| Department of Home Affair Application Form – 1738 (Form 8) |
| Original Passport with at least three blank pages for endorsements, valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of temporary residence |
| Copy of the main/bio page of your passport |
| Two passport-sized photographs |
| Valid Police Clearance Certificate |
| Medical Certificate |
| Any Previous Visa for South Africa |
| 3x Months Bank Statements – bank stamped on all pages |
| Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate |
| Marital Status |
| Proof of valid legal residence |
| Flight Details to South Africa |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including Qualifications and Career History |
Sending Entity Requirements
| Company Organogram |
| Proof of business affiliation |
| Confirmation of Transfer Letter |
| Foreign Employment Contract – including clear job description |
Receiving Entity Requirements
| Confirmation of Transfer Letter |
| Transfer of Skills Plan |
| Certified Copy of I.D(s) of Local Understudy(s) |
| CV of Understudy/s – including clear job description |
| Job Description |
| Letter of Undertaking |
| Certified I.D Copy of Signatory |
| Proof or Operation Documents |
| Proof of Applicant Accommodation |
Explaining the Documents Required from the Applicant
Department of Home Affairs Application Form – 1738 (Form 8):
This is the formal application that must be filled out accurately. Any missing information can delay processing.
Original Passport (valid for at least 30 days beyond visa validity with three blank pages):
Your passport is the cornerstone of your application. It must be valid for the required time to avoid issues with visa endorsements.
Copy of the Main/Bio Page of Passport:
This ensures the Department has a record of your key personal details.
Two Passport-Sized Photographs:
Meeting specific photo requirements is important; incorrect size or format may delay your application.
Valid Police Clearance Certificate:
A clean criminal record is a must for visa approval. Obtaining this early is key, as processing times for police clearances vary by country.
Medical Certificate:
This ensures you are in good health and not a public health risk. Incomplete or outdated certificates can lead to delays.
Any Previous Visa for South Africa:
If you have held visas for South Africa before, including these helps provide a clear immigration history.
Three Months of Bank Statements (stamped by the bank):
Financial stability is important. Ensure all pages are stamped by your bank to avoid questions from immigration officers.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable):
Required if you are traveling from a yellow fever risk area. Missing this could prevent entry into South Africa.
Proof of Marital Status (if applicable):
Required for applicants with a spouse, this document confirms your marital situation.
Proof of Valid Legal Residence:
If you’re applying from a country where you are not a citizen, you must prove your legal right to reside there.
Flight Details to South Africa:
Proof of your travel plans shows intent to move within the valid visa period.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Including Qualifications and Career History:
A detailed CV shows your professional background and supports your role in the transfer.
Explaining the Documents Required from the Sending Entity
Company Organogram:
This shows the company structure and your place within it, helping authorities understand the need for your transfer.
Proof of Business Affiliation:
This proves the connection between the home and receiving entities, essential for visa approval.
Confirmation of Transfer Letter:
A formal letter confirming your role and the reason for your transfer. This document must clearly outline the duration and nature of the transfer.
Foreign Employment Contract – Including Job Description:
This ensures clarity on your current role and responsibilities before the transfer.
Explaing the Documents Required from the Receiving Entity
Confirmation of Transfer Letter:
This mirrors the transfer letter from the sending entity, confirming their acceptance and role in your transfer.
Transfer of Skills Plan:
The Transfer of Skills plan is a key document that outlines how you will transfer skills to local employees during your time in South Africa. Missing this can raise red flags.
Certified Copy of ID(s) of Local Understudy(s):
This identifies the individuals who will be trained during your stay, reinforcing the purpose of your visa.
CV of Understudy(s) – Including Clear Job Descriptions:
The understudies’ CVs and job descriptions confirm their role in receiving training from you.
Job Description:
A detailed job description for your role in South Africa helps immigration authorities understand the value of your transfer.
Letter of Undertaking:
This letter commits the receiving entity to certain responsibilities during your stay, including oversight of your role.
Certified ID Copy of Signatory:
The certified ID of the person signing the application on behalf of the receiving entity is required to ensure accountability.
Proof of Operation Documents:
This proves the receiving entity’s legal operation in South Africa, essential for visa approval.
Proof of Applicant’s Accommodation:
Confirmation of where you will stay while in South Africa ensures your welfare during the transfer. This is usually only required to show a period of 30 days.
Conclusion
By ensuring each party—yourself, the home entity, and the local entity—complies with these document requirements, you minimize the risk of costly delays or application rejection. Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in weeks of wasted time and a significant loss of money.
Written by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
