Short-Term Work Visa in South Africa

A Short-Term Work Visa in South Africa is ideal for people who need to be in the country for a few weeks or months to carry out work-related business.

Technically you are allowed to enter South Africa and attend meetings, conferences, or board meetings on ‘normal’ types of visitor visas.
However, if you engage in proper work-related activities in South Africa, you must apply for a Short-Term Work Visa.

A Short-Term Work Visa is suitable for self-employed people involved in contract work in South Africa.

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

To qualify for a South African Short-term Work Visa, you must provide the following forms to meet the country’s entry requirements:

• Proof of the employer’s registration in the Registrar of Companies.
• Your spouse or children must apply for the Appropriate Visa Types if they accompany you to South Africa. Contact an IBN immigration consultant to advise you on the forms you need.

Additional documents for visa applications include:

• Letters from the entity abroad and South Africa confirming the short-term transfer to the country.
• Proof of return, which is your return airline ticket.
• Proof of accommodation in South Africa.
• A Medical report is required when you apply for an extension on your South African short-term work visa. It is a not requirement for initial applications for a South African Short Term Work Visa.

Your immigration consultant will provide an estimate on all fees required to complete the application process. This way, you won’t be surprised by hidden costs.

Your immigration specialist will provide you with a comprehensive estimate based on international financial markets and up-to-date information regarding costs from the relevant government departments.

1. The first step in the application process is to contact one of our immigration consultants. They’ll explain the different requirements and tell you what forms and documents you need for your submission pack.
2. Compile all the documentation required to enable your immigration specialist to pre-complete the application forms and prepare your short-term work visa application for entry into South Africa.
3. Submit your application pack at the embassy or VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) Centre in your country of origin or long-term residence.
4. In most countries, applicants must appear in person when applying for a short-term work visa.
5. Wait for your South African short-term work visa to be approved. Your immigration consultant will be able to provide you with an estimated time based on the current trends in processing visa applications.
6. On average, short-term work visas for South Africa are issued within five to 10 working days.