Work Visas in South Africa

There are several types of work visas for people who want to live and work in South Africa.
The different types are designed to simplify applications by a process of filtration.

Requirements for each visa vary greatly.
It is up to you to ensure that you meet the requirements for the type of visa you need.

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

This visa operates under a new Points-Based System, introduced in October 2024, which assesses applicants on factors like work experience, qualifications, and economic contribution, streamlining the process for skilled foreign workers. Valid for up to five years, the General Work Visa may be renewed and can provide a pathway to permanent residency after five years of continuous employment in South Africa.

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

South African work visa requirements include:

• A certificate from the Department of Labour
• Proof of qualifications by SAQA
• Contract of employment signed by the applicant and the employer
• Proof of the employer’s registration in the Registrar of Companies
• Required documentation for accompanying partners or children, if applicable.

Documents and forms needed to apply for a South African work visa include:

• Letters from the entity abroad and South Africa confirming the transfer to South Africa.
• Return flight itinerary confirming travel to South Africa and date of return.
• Proof of accommodation in South Africa.
• Medical and radiological reports are required for extension applications.

South African Work Visa Costs

When applying for a Work Visa in South Africa, applicants should be prepared for several costs beyond the application itself. These fees encompass government and service provider charges, documentation requirements, and other incidental expenses. Below is a detailed breakdown of costs associated with obtaining a South African Work Visa:

Department of Home Affairs Visa Application Fee

The standard visa application fee for work visas is R1,520, payable to the South African Department of Home Affairs. It is important to confirm the exact fee for your specific visa type, as amounts may vary depending on the application category and country of submission.

VFS Global Processing Fees

Submitting your visa application through VFS Global requires an additional processing fee of R1,550. This fee is mandatory and can be paid via EFT; retaining proof of payment is recommended for your records.

VFS Premium Lounge Services (Optional)

For an expedited and more comfortable application experience, applicants may opt for VFS’s Premium Lounge services at an extra cost of R500. Although optional, this service provides additional convenience during the submission process.

Document Translation Fees

If your application includes documents that are not in English, they will need to be translated by an accredited translation service. Translation fees vary depending on the language, document length, and service provider, so it’s best to obtain a cost estimate in advance.

Medical and Vaccination Certificates

Applicants may be required to provide a medical certificate and, if applicable, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. A South African medical certificate generally costs R180 through VFS, while Yellow Fever vaccination fees vary by country. Be sure to verify if a vaccination certificate is necessary based on your travel history.

Police Clearance Certificates

Police clearance certificates are essential for any country where the applicant has lived for over 12 months in the past five years. The cost varies by country, with South African police clearance certificates priced at approximately R180 when acquired through VFS.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Evaluation Fee

For applicants with foreign qualifications, a SAQA evaluation is often required. The SAQA fee is R2,145 for the first qualification, with an additional charge of R900 for each subsequent qualification. This evaluation is essential for several work visa types, including the Critical Skills Work Visa.

Professional Body Membership Fees

In cases where a specific professional body membership is required for your occupation (typically for the Critical Skills Work Visa), membership fees may apply. These fees vary based on the profession and relevant regulatory body, and they should be included in your budgeting plans.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Travel and Relocation Costs: Applicants should plan for flights, transportation, and any logistics related to moving personal belongings.
• Accommodation: Ensure you budget for both temporary and long-term housing during your stay in South Africa.
• Integration Costs: Consider potential expenses related to setting up utilities, obtaining local registrations, and covering initial living costs.

These costs represent the typical expenses associated with South African Work Visas, but overall expenses may differ based on individual situations. It is advisable to consult an immigration expert to obtain a comprehensive cost estimate, ensuring you are fully prepared for all related expenses.

1. Begin by identifying the specific type of work visa you need for South Africa, such as the General Work Visa, Critical Skills Visa, or Intra-Company Transfer Visa. Gather detailed information on the required forms and documentation for your chosen visa type.
2. Once you’ve completed all the necessary forms and gathered your supporting documentation, carefully review each item to ensure accuracy. Organize the documents in the required order, as per the Department of Home Affairs guidelines, to make the application process smoother.
3. Submit your completed application pack at a South African embassy or your nearest Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) center.

Note: Applications for a South African work visa must be submitted in your home country or country of permanent residence.

4. Once submitted, all that’s left is to wait for your South African work visa to be processed. Current turnaround times vary, so it’s recommended to check the VFS or embassy website for recent processing time estimates.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Immigration Act of South Africa. We are not affiliated with the South African government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency. While forms required during the process can be obtained for free at any Department of Home Affairs office, we also provide them as part of our service. Those who prefer to deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs can visit their website at www.dha.gov.za/immigration-services/