Short-term work visa
Short-term work visas are for short stays or project-related work in South Africa. They are issued for 90 days at a time and can be renewed once in country by another 90 days taking to a total of 180 days per calendar year. A second 90 day visa application at the SA mission abroad is usually not allowed.
It is designed for people who are send from their overseas employer to a project or work in SA and work on client site.
Critical skills work visa
This visa only applies if you work in highly skilled professions in demand in South Africa. The aim is to address skills shortages in the country. It’s valid for five years and is linked to certain requirements, including a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certification and registration to a SAQA-recognised professional body in South Africa.
Intra-company transfer (ICT) work visa
This visa enables staff members to transfer from one branch to another in South Africa. It includes subsidiary or affiliated businesses. ICT visas are valid for four years. Staff members must work in a specific capacity for their stay. South African work visa applications must be submitted in the country of residence.
General work visa
A general work visa only applies if your skills don’t qualify you for other work visas in South Africa. It’s valid for five years and is notoriously difficult to obtain. This is because employers must prove they can’t fill the position with a South African citizen or permanent resident.