Immigration FAQ
South Africa
What are my work visa options?
- General work visa
- Critical skills work visa
- Intra company transfer work visa
- Business visa
- Corporate visa (for companies wishing to relocate large number of EE’s)
What are the most common visa types?
- Critical skills work visa
- General work visa
What is the typical timeline for the immigration process?
- General work visa: 10 weeks
- Critical skills visa: 6 weeks
- End to end process: 4-6 months. Severe Delays are to be expected.
What is my duration of stay?
The longest validity of a general work permit and a critical skills work permit in South Africa is 5 years. However, the validity period of a work permit may be shorter, depending on the terms of the permit.
A general work permit is a type of work permit that is issued to foreigners who have skills that are not on the critical skills list. The validity period of a general work permit is typically 2 years, but it can be renewed for up to 5 years.
A critical skills work permit is a type of work permit that is issued to foreigners who have skills that are on the critical skills list. The critical skills list is maintained by the Department of Home Affairs, and it includes skills that are in high demand in South Africa. The validity period of a critical skills work permit is typically 5 years, but it can be renewed for up to 10 years.
A general work permit is a type of work permit that is issued to foreigners who have skills that are not on the critical skills list. The validity period of a general work permit is typically 2 years, but it can be renewed for up to 5 years.
A critical skills work permit is a type of work permit that is issued to foreigners who have skills that are on the critical skills list. The critical skills list is maintained by the Department of Home Affairs, and it includes skills that are in high demand in South Africa. The validity period of a critical skills work permit is typically 5 years, but it can be renewed for up to 10 years.
How soon can employees start working?
As soon as entry (following application approval).
Is there a quota for the number of transferees that can apply?
No.
Is there expedited processing available for applications? Are there extra fees?
No.
What are the requirements for permanent residency?
The process for an intra-company transfer does not lead to permanent residence. It is an entirely separate process from business travel to South Africa. For all other permit categories and dependents, 5 years of continuous residency.
What documents are required from the employee?
- Passport
- Medical examination and x-ray report
- Police clearance certificates
- Yellow fever certificate
- Photographs
- Application form
- Bank statements
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Will documents require translation, apostilles, and/or legalization?
Legalizations may be required. It is determined on a case-by-case basis. Documents must be translated into English.
What is the requirement for the application location?
Applications must be filled in person at relevant South African consular post.
Is set-up/sponsorship registration needed for transferees by their employers?
Yes.
What documents are required from employers?
- Support letter
- Skills transfer plan
- South African ID of skills transfer beneficiary
- Employment contract
- Assignment letter
When do I renew my work visa?
We can apply 60 days prior to expiry. We can initiate the renewal process 4 months prior to expiry.
Can dependents work under the registration process? If so, do they have limitations and requirements to do so?
Spouses and partners do not have employment access via the dependent pass, they will need a work permit in their own right.
Are same-sex spouses considered dependents?
Yes.
What, if any, deregistration requirements are required?
- Submit a deregistration form:
You must submit a deregistration form to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) within 14 days of leaving South Africa. You can download the deregistration form from the DHA website. - Pay a deregistration fee:
You must pay a deregistration fee of R250. You can pay the fee at any DHA office. - Provide proof of departure:
You must provide proof of departure, such as an airline ticket or a border crossing stamp. - Surrender your work permit:
If you have a work permit, you must surrender it to the DHA when you deregister.
What are the red flags and/or special criteria?
- Severe processing delays for all permits except for critical skills visa, who affords mostly faster processing.
- Special medical concerns and mandatory radiological examinations
- Severe delays in document procurement (Birth, marriage, divorce certificates)
Have a question that wasn't covered in the FAQ?