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Home › Immigration Capabilities › Middle East & Africa › South Africa

South African Migration Services

Newland Chase provides clients with a deep expertise in all areas of South African Migration as well as effective advice wherever in the world our clients undertake their business. We invest in the best talent to bring you immigration solutions customised to your business needs. Our immigration consultants provide clear and practical solutions in South Africa and globally through 60 offices around the world.

For migration advice and support contact one of our office locations, or send an email using the button below.

Contact Newland Chase


Which industries commonly employ expats in South Africa?

Engineering, Steel, Management, Science and Technology and education are all sectors in South Africa which offer employment for expats.
However, the large majority of expats working in South Africa are intra-company transferees who are assigned to a South African branch of a multinational company.

What are the different types of employment visas available for working in South Africa?

There are various work permit options. However, the main options for working in South Africa are:
Intra Company Transfer Work Visa – for the transfer of foreign nationals who are employed abroad by a foreign company operating in a branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship with a company in South Africa. The South African company must undertake to ensure that a plan is developed for the transfer of skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident during the period of the transfer.

Critical Skills Work Visa – to qualify for the Critical Skills Visa category, a foreign national will have to fall within a critical skills category published by the Department of Home Affairs, have written confirmation from a relevant accredited professional body registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or any relevant Government Department confirming their skills or qualifications and their post-qualification experience and provide proof of the evaluation of their qualifications and submitted registrations

General Work Visa (Local Hire) – for foreign nationals locally hired in South Africa (the Department of Home Affairs must be satisfied that a diligent local labour market test has been undertaken prior to application).

Short Term Work (Visitor’s Visa, Section 11 (2)) – to conduct work in South Africa for a limited period (not exceeding three months). Section 11(2) is not another category of work permit and is appropriate in limited circumstances only – specifically where foreign nationals are coming to conduct specific, limited duration work activities in South Africa pursuant to their employment abroad, and would not qualify for any of the available categories of Work Visa nor would it feasible to apply for a Work Visa for such a short period.

What is the process for obtaining an employment visa?

Processes and requirements will vary according to the labour market at the time of application, the type of work permit being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, the country of application and personal circumstances of the assignee and any family dependants. We therefore recommend that you contact us for up-to-date information.
The process will generally involve police clearance application, medical examination, visa application to the South African High Commission in the assignee’s country of residence and endorsement of passport with entry stamp.

What documents are required for the work permit?

Processes and requirements will vary according to the labour market at the time of application, the type of work permit being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, the country of application and personal circumstances of the assignee and any family dependants. We therefore recommend that you contact us for up-to-date information.
Applicants will be required to submit a variety of personal and corporate documents to support the application which include, but are not limited to: passport , CV, Police Clearance Certificates, Medical Report, Radiological report, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (as applicable), Proof of Financial Means, marriage certificate and birth certificate for any family dependants; as well as a variety of corporate documents which may include: job description, employment contract/assignment agreement or letter, employer undertaking letter, Motivational Letter, a plan for the transfer of skills from the foreign applicant to South African citizens or permanent residents, and supporting letter and contract from the sending entity.

Some documents may require Apostille or legalisation and translation, which depending on the country of issuance can involve lengthy processing times.

How long does it take for the process to be completed?

Processing times will vary according to visa type, nationality and country of application. However an indication of processing times is as follows:
Intra Company Transfer Work Visa – It typically takes 1 to 4 months until entry to South Africa

Critical Skills Work Visa – It typically takes 2 to 6 months until entry to South Africa

General Work Visa (Local Hire) – It typically takes 2 to 3 months until entry to South Africa, and a further 2 weeks to 1 month before the whole process is completed

Short Term Work (Visitor’s Visa, Section 11 (2)) – It typically takes 2 weeks to 1 month until entry to South Africa

What is the duration of an employment visa?

Intra Company Transfer Work Visa – is granted for an initial maximum period of up to 4 years and can be renewed

Critical Skills Work Visa – is granted for an initial maximum period of up to 5 years and can be renewed

General Work Visa (Local Hire) – is granted for an initial maximum period of up to 5 years and can be renewed

Short Term Work (Visitor’s Visa, Section 11 (2)) is granted for a maximum duration of 3 months and cannot be renewed

Can an assignee enter South Africa on a business/tourist visa?

Nationals from specified countries can enter South Africa and apply for a visit visa on arrival for tourism for up to 30 days. Check before travel to find out whether you need a visa.
Tourists in South Africa are prohibited from engaging in business, work or academic activities. Therefore, while there is nothing to stop you looking for jobs, you would not be able to commence any form of employment until you have acquired the appropriate work permit before entering South Africa.

If you wish to undertake work in South Africa you must return to your country of residence and apply for the relevant work visa. Once your employment visa has been approved, you may enter South Africa and undertake your employment.

Can an assignee apply for permanent residence in South Africa?

Assignees on an ICT work visa cannot apply for permanent residency in South Africa.
Holders of a general or critical skills work visa may apply for permanent residency after they have resided in South African for a minimum of 5 years.

Please note that the application for permanent residency can take up to 12 months to process.

How can we ensure that the relocation is successful?

Requirements and procedures are subject to change, so please consult with your Newland Chase Immigration Advisor for current and detailed information.
In some countries timescales for obtaining police clearance certificates can be lengthy and some documents will require Apostille or legalisation, which can also involve lengthy processing times.

As such, you would be advised to start the visa application process well in advance of the desired date of relocation.

  • Overview
  • Global Leadership Team

Middle East & Africa

12th Floor
1 Angel Court
London EC2R 7HJ
United Kingdom

+44 (0)207 001 2121

  • Country Name
    Republic of South Africa

  • Capital
    Pretoria

  • Population
    54,956,900 (2015 estimate)

  • Language
    Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, English, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa & Zulu

  • Time Zone
    SAST (UTC+2)

  • Dialing Code
    +27

  • Currency
    ZAR – South African Rand (ZAR)

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