Citizenship Options

South African Citizen by Descent:

Anybody who was born outside of South Africa to a South African citizen. His or her birth has to be registered in line with the births and deaths registration act 51 of 1992.

South African Citizen by Naturalisation:

Permanent Resident holders of 5 or more years can apply for citizenship. Anybody married to a South African citizen qualifies for naturalisation, two years after receiving his or her permanent residence at the time of marriage.
A child under 21 who has permanent residence Visa qualifies for naturalization immediately after the Visa is issued.

Automatic loss of Citizenship.

This occurs when a South African citizen:

Obtains citizenship of another country by a voluntary and formal act, other than marriage, or;
Serves in the armed forces of another country, where he or she is also a citizen, while is at war with South Africa.

Deprivation of Citizenship:

A South African citizen by naturalization can be deprived of his citizenship if;

The certificate of naturalisation was obtained fraudulently or false information was supplied.
He or she holds the citizenship of another country and has, at any time, been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in any country for an offence that also would have been an offence in South Africa.

Acquisition of the citizenship or nationality of another country

Any person who wants to apply for citizenship in another country must apply to the Minister of Home Affairs to retain his or her South African citizenship before acquiring the citizenship of the other country.

Resumption of South African citizenship:

Any former citizen by birth or descent who:

1. Gave up his or her South African citizenship, or
2. Automatically ceased to be a South African citizen;

can apply for the reinstatement of his/her South African citizenship. However this person must return permanently to South Africa.

The Corporate visa is an excellent way for companies to manage their human capital and staffing needs. As a result of South Africa’s fast growing economy and increasing demands for services and products from the domestic and international market, your business may struggle to fill all available positions with South African personnel. Certain high qualified and skilled employees in highly specialised areas may simply not be accessible in South Africa. The Corporate visa provides a facility for your company to obtain the permission from Home Affairs to recruit a certain number of foreign employees to fulfill certain roles . Note there is a requirement that company applying for a corporate visa must provide proof that at least 60% of the total staff complement that are employed in the operations of the business are citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions. In addition at any time during the duration of the visa, the holder of a corporate visa must provide proof that at least 60% of the total staff complement that are employed in the operations of the business are citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions . The corporate has to demonstrate to Department of Labour and Trade and Industry of the 60% local staff component's.

Get a FREE professional quote for your pre-approved Work Visas now!!

When the Corporate visa has been approved by Home Affairs , the individual employees may obtain work permits in a quick and cost-saving procedure as the positions are pre approved . Your company can with confidence look toSA Migration to compile and submit all the required documentation and to make sure that the individual work permits are issued successfully in a short period of time.

A Corporate visa may be issued to a Corporate applicant after consultation between the Departments of Home Affairs, Labour and that of Trade and Industry. The said consultation is designed to determine the maximum number of foreigners which may be employed in that industry.

Note the department has made it a lot more difficult for the Corporate Visa to be issued in that they now require financial guarantees of R30,000 per corporate employee to be posted by the Corporate and paid to Home Affairs

When offering Corporate Visa service advice, SA Migration provides a no nonsense, no jargon approach. Our dedicated consultants will explain every step of each application while ensuring all documentation is processed in the most efficient, cost effective manner.

It is also important to note that a SA Migration consultant will be processing the entire application. These consultants are qualified to handle cases and personnel on international secondments, localizing staff and obtaining citizenship(s), overseas recruitment s or simply business visitor visas.

SA Migration corporate services offers the benefits of our unique management systems providing your organization with immediate access to the latest international immigration support, as well as the latest updates to immigration law.

Our online systems and consultants offer an online and face-to-face reporting capability, allowing key professionals dealing with international mobility and their respective companies to plan effectively and budget accordingly. We also provide monitoring of the immigration status of staff and the respective expiry dates of passports, permits and any other immigration status. In short, we are a tried and tested outsourced solution for all your immigration and visa requirements. SA Migration offers a flat fee structure to all of our corporate visa service clients and partners. There are no hidden costs for further documentation or ongoing policy advice. We supply all of our corporate visa services in-house and we do not bill on an hourly or time basis. This can translate as a tremendous saving for companies who recognize the importance of immigration for their staff and it will also prevent any overstayers or staff becoming illegal.
As organizations worldwide face larger fines for non-compliance with immigration legislation, SA Migration offers a neutral outsourced solution.
This is particularly useful when explaining to senior management they cannot employ foreign nationals at will and also allows larger organizations to monitor the movement of overseas employees as often local managers can overlook the importance of following the correct process.
We remove all the paperwork and maintain tight controls easing the process. We have a highly trained team of migration specialists to assist you in every aspect of the immigration process.
The Corporate visais differs from the general work permit in that each person / applicant is assessed on a case by case basis and granted at the discretion of the department whereas the corporate visa is approved for a specific number of positions for a fixed period of 5 years and therefore is both predictable and facilitates planning by your company and ensures continuity of the business.
The introduction of a corporate permit, which will allow a corporate applicant to employ a predetermined number of skilled /semi-skilled / unskilled workforce will assist not only the mines and farmers, but also companies who require more than one skilled foreigner. These permits are generally issued for 3 years

A retirement visa can be granted for 4 years to someone with a monthly pension, irrevocable annuity or retirement account of R37 000 from a net worth/combination of assets realizing R37 000 per month and wishes to retire temporarily or permanently in South Africa.

A South African Retired Person's permit is ideal for people want to retire in South Africa temporarily or permanently subject to the financial criteria or parameters being satisfied. This South African visa category is designed for those intending to retire in the country or wishing to have a long stay in South Africa with the need to renew the visa or permit. This retirement visa is not based on age but rather on assets, rental income and / or bank accounts generating income. It is based upon foreigner provide proof that such foreigner has the right to a pension or an annuity or retirement account which will give such foreigner a prescribed minimum payment for the rest of his or her life from the country of his or her origin; or a minimum prescribed net worth generating income for life.

This South African immigration visa is a popular option for seasonal visitors, i.e. those visiting the country for a period of six months or more. An important point to observe is that successful applicants are under no obligation to apply for permanent residence.

The temporary grant may be renewed indefinitely so long as the requirements continue to be met. However, permanent residency does bestow additional benefits upon its holder. In South Africa, immigration through the retired person's route can be either a temporary visa permit or a permanent residence visa as outlined in the eligibility criteria summarized below.

1. The temporary route is granted for four years and is renewable indefinitely for four-year periods.
2. The permanent route offers permanent residents the same rights and privileges as those with South African citizenship, with a few key exceptions, most notably the right to vote.

In both the temporary and permanent residence category the, South African Retired Persons Visa is based upon financial criteria and unlike a South African Work Visa, no prior job offer needs to be in place before an application can be made. Although unlike temporary South African visit visas, retired people can permitted to work if they wish, provided they apply under the correct visa category – Retirement plus Work Visa We wish to stress that the category “retired person", does not confer a maximum or minimum age limit for this class of visa for South Africa. Retired person's visas may be awarded to people of all ages, proving that the eligibility requirements below are met.

1. A pension, retirement account or irrevocable annuity which has a value of at least R37, 000 per month. This requirement applies to each person making an application.
2. Alternatively, candidates may obtain a South African visa of this kind by demonstrating a "net worth" through a combination of assets which equates to a minimum of R37, 000 per month. Once again, this criterion applies to each person making an application.

Work Conditions
The nature of this type of immigration to South Africa is such that no specific stipulations are in place regarding a candidate's ability to work in South Africa. In most cases, it may be assumed that people embarking upon this route, based as it is upon a steady income from a source other than employment will not be entering the country to work. However, each case will be considered individually and candidates may be able to work during their time in the country.

Applicants wishing to work will need to submit an employment contract and demonstrate that no South African citizen or resident is available for position. If candidates were to achieve permanent resident status then as with other routes to settled status, working in South Africa would be permitted.
Accompanying Dependents
Spouse immigration and dependent immigration are now provided through temporary South African Retired person's visas. This route to South Africa is based upon the financial security of each applicant and unlike work permit visas or business visas, the dependent family members of retired applicants automatically qualify for visit visa status to accompany the principle applicant and does not have to meet the same criteria for temporary residence but for the purposes of permanent residence they are treated as one family unit.
However, in cases where an applicant successfully obtains permanent residence as a retired person, their spouse and/or dependent children, i.e. those aged under 21 will also qualify for permanent residency.
Financially Independent

An alternative route exists in the financially independent visa for which candidates would need to be able to demonstrate a net asset value totalling not less than R12 million.
In addition, it would also be necessary to demonstrate proof of payment of R120,000 as a non-refundable sum to the Director General of Home Affairs. The application for a financially independent visa will lead to permanent residence.

1. A retired persons visa may be issued for a period exceeding three months to a foreigner who intends to retire in the Republic, provided that the foreigner provide proof that such foreigner has the right to a pension or an annuity or retirement account which will give such foreigner a prescribed minimum payment for the rest of his or her life from the country of his or her origin; or a minimum prescribed net worth.
2. The Department may authorise the holder of a retired person permit to conduct work under terms and conditions as the Department may deem fit to determine under the circumstances.
3. A retired person visa may allow its holder to sojourn in the Republic on a seasonal or continuous basis; and not exceed a four-year period, at the expiry of which it may be renewed one or more times.

This type of South Africa Spouse or life partner permit is available to people in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships and can be applied for as either a spouse temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit depending on the length of the marriage or relationship in question.

Foreigners who are spouses of South African citizensor permanent resident holders may apply for permanent residence.
To obtain permanent residence, you would have to have been with your partner for more than 5 years.

Being one of the most progressive countries in the world in recognizing same-sex couples and affording them equal rights to that of heterosexual unions South Africa grants spousal permits to life partners in both same-sex and heterosexual relationships.

1. The spousal permit is classified under the relative’s visa category and is renewable.
2. The spousal visa is issued for a period of 24 months at a time.
3. It is a temporary residency visa and is only issued to foreign nationals who can prove a committed relationship with a South African citizen or person holding permanent residency.
4. The couple must be able to prove a relationship longer than two years

If you would like to study or work while in the Republic you may do so but you would have to apply for working rights to be added to your visa. Persons on a spousal permit may also only apply to have either study, or business or working rights added to their visa, but not all three. This means that if you added a working rights endorsement to your visa you may only work for an employer.

Any foreigner who intends to seek medical treatment in South Africa at a medical institution for more than 3 months, needs to apply for a medical visa. The medical permit allows foreigners to stay in South Africa temporarily whilst undergoing treatment at their preferred medical institution.

A medical visa would only be approved if the foreigner needs to undergo treatment at a private hospital, public hospital, rehabilitation centres and detox clinics in South Africa. Please note that a medical permit holder may not work or apply for work while in the country.

How do I qualify?

A letter from the applicant’s registered medical practitioner or medical institution within the Republic, confirming;

1. That space is available at the medical institution;
2. The estimated costs of the treatment;
3. Whether or not the disease or ailment is treatable;
4. The period and details of the treatment in the Republic

South Africa encourages permanent residency if you are serious about staying in South Africa on a long terms permanent basis there are many categories you can apply under.

1. Hold a General Work Visa for five years and have a permanent job offer.
2. Hold a Relative’s Visa sponsored by an immediate family member.
3. Hold a Critical Skills Visa and have 5 years relevant work experience.
4. Be in a proven life partner relationship for five years
5. Be married to an SA Spouse for at least five years.
6. Have held Refugee Asylum Status for five years.
7. Hold a Business Visa.
8. Receive a monthly income of R37,000 through Pension or Retirement Annuity
9. Have a net asset worth of R12m and payment to Home Affairs of R120,000

A relative's Visa may be issued by the Department to a foreigner who is a member of the immediate family of a citizen or a resident, providing that such citizen or resident provides the prescribed financial assurances. This only applies to first level of kinship i.e: Brother, Sister, Mother, Father

The period of validity of the Visa shall be determined by the financial assurance provided, but will not exceed a period of 24 months at a time. A relative Visa issued to a spouse shall lapse upon the dissolution of the spousal relationship and the Department may at any time satisfy itself that a good faith spousal relationship exists and or continues to exist

The interpretation of research activities should not be confused with activities for which a work Visa will be required. If an employment position/post is offered wherein the incumbent will be on the establishment (personnel structure) of the institution, then a work Visa will be required:

"Work" means business, commercial or remunerative activities within the Republic, excluding work on the basis of a Visa referred to in sections 12 or 14, or work for a foreign employer pursuant to a contract which only partially calls for activities in the Republic, or work as a business or profession mainly based outside the Republic but requiring activities within the Republic.

Nationals who are visa restricted must apply for a visa if they wish to enter South Africa for any period not exceeding three (3) years for the purpose of engaging in research activities. Certain Nationals may proceed to South Africa without a visa, at which point they will be admitted for an initial period of 3 months, within which they may apply for the renewal of their Visas in South Africa.

An alternative to the Retirement Visa route exists in the financially independent visa for which candidates would need to be able to demonstrate a net asset value totalling not less that R12 million.

In addition, it would also be necessary to demonstrate proof of payment of R120,000 as a non-refundable sum to the Director General of Home Affairs. The application for a financially independent visa will lead to permanent residence.
The financially independent visa differs from a retired persons visa which may be issued for a period exceeding three months to a foreigner who intends to retire in the Republic, provided that the foreigner provide proof that such foreigner has the right to a pension or an annuity or retirement account which will give such foreigner a prescribed minimum payment for the rest of his or her life from the country of his or her origin; or a minimum prescribed net worth.
A retired persons visa or financially independent visa, may be issued for a period exceeding three months to a foreigner who intends to retire in the Republic.

Life Partner visa is issued to someone in long term relationship.

This type of South Africa Spouse or life partner visa is available to people in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships and can be applied for as either a spouse temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit depending on the length of the marriage or relationship in question.

An application for temporary residence life partner visa requires that the partners are in a proven relationship for 2 years.
Foreigners who are spouses of South African citizens or permanent resident holders may apply for permanent residence if they have been together for 5 years or more in terms the Immigration Act .
To obtain permanent residence, you would have to have been living with your partner for more than 5 years. This came about with the new regulations .

The life partner visa is very similar to the spousal visa but accommodates same sex partnerships. You will have to prove financial and emotional support and may be called upon to be interviewed by the department.
SA Migration Intl will guide you through the entire process and make sure that all is in order for your application. Once your application is in you will be able to track the progress of it by entering a unique reference code in our application tracking system and be kept fully up to date with the progress of your application.

Once we confirm that you will qualify for the visa we will guarantee you a successful application.
If you need a life partner or spouse visa for South Africa please contact us now!

South Africa is emerging as one of the world's most exciting study destinations. This is demonstrated in the rapidly increasing number of international students. Because of international exchange rates, South Africa offers real educational value for money.

South Africa is a popular destination for foreign students. The country boasts top schools, the weather is perfect, and the exchange rate makes for affordable students living. Foreign students can apply for a student Visa if enrolled full-time in registered school.
Student visa holders are are allowed to work part time and can renew this visa as long there still studying.

A study visa may be issued to foreigner intending to study in South Africa for longer than three month's. For the purpose of the Act, study shall mean study at primary secondary or tertiary educational institution or any bona fide institution of learning, including but not limited to professional training, cultural, technical, research,vocational,sportive,language and entertainment institutions of learnings.

SA Migration Services will professionally help you to get the necessary study Visas to study in South Africa.

The maximum duration for this Visa is 3 months. If a longer stay is required the applicant must apply in advance abroad or he can extend the visitor's Visa locally, confirming the purpose of stay.

A valid return air ticket, proof of sufficient financial means, the application fee and/or a deposit must be accompany an application for extension. 

At this stage that a visitor’s permit can only be extended once for a maximum of 3 months.
Please be aware that all extensions and changes need to be applied for 60 days before expiry of the current permit. Missing the cut-off date without demonstration of good cause (e.g. illness, accident) will mean that you have to leave South Africa.

Countries exempt from South African visas:

The exemptions pertain to ordinary, diplomatic and official passport holders. Official visits (on invitation of the South African Government) and accreditation for holders of diplomatic and official passport holders are not dealt with here.

Visas are not required by citizens of the following countries for the periods and subject to the conditions indicated:

Holders of South African passports, travel documents and documents for travel purposes.
Holders of passports of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland including the British Islands Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey, Isle of Mann and Virgin Islands as well as the Republic of Ireland are totally exempt from South African visa control and thus do not require visas for any purpose regulated by visas.

Please Note: Nationals of the British Dependent Territories are subject to visa control. The Territories are: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson, Cucie and Oeno Islands, the Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Turks and Caicos Islands.

A retired persons visa may be issued for a period exceeding three months to a foreigner who intends to retire in the Republic, provided that the foreigner provide proof that such foreigner has the right to a pension or an annuity or retirement account which will give such foreigner a prescribed minimum payment for the rest of his or her life from the country of his or her origin; or a minimum prescribed net worth.

Antigua and Barbuda : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Argentina : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Australia : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Austria : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Barbados : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Belgium : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Belize : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Benin : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Bolivia : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Botswana : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Brazil : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits

Canada : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Cape Verde : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Chile : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Costa Rica : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Cyprus : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits. Diplomatic and official passport holders visiting the RSA for holiday purposes are exempt for 90 days.
Czech Republic : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 90 days and transits

Denmark : Bona fide holiday and business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Ecuador : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Egypt : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 30 days and transits

Finland : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
France : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Gabon : Bona fide holiday & business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Germany : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Greece : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Guyana : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits

Hong Kong : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits This exemption is only with regard to holders of Hong Kong British National - Overseas (BNO) passports, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports and Hong Kong Certificates of Identity.
Hungary : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits Diplomatic and official passport holders visiting the RSA for holiday purposes are exempt for 120 days.

Iceland : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Israel : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Italy : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Jamaica : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Japan : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Jordan : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits

Lesotho : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Liechtenstein : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Luxemburg : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Macau : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits This exemption is only with regard to holders of Macau Special Administrative Region passports (MSAR).
Malaysia : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Maldives : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Malta : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Malta : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Mauritius : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Mexico : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Morocco : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Liechtenstein : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Luxemburg : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Macau : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits This exemption is only with regard to holders of Macau Special Administrative Region passports (MSAR).
Malaysia : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Maldives : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Malta : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Malta : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Mauritius : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Mexico : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Morocco : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 30 days and transits

Namibia : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Netherlands (Kingdom of the) : Bona fide holiday and business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
New Zealand : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Norway : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Paraguay : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Peru : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Poland : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Portugal : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Romania : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 120 days and transits

San Marino : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Seychelles : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Singapore : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Slovak Republic : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
South Korea : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Spain : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
St Helena : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
St Vincent & the Grenadines : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Swaziland : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Sweden : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Switzerland : Bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits

Thailand : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Tunisia : Holders of diplomatic and official passports for holiday visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Turkey : Bona fide holiday & business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
United States of America : Bona fide holiday and business visits only (period unspecified) and transits
Uruguay : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Venezuala : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits
Zambia : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits
Zimbabwe : Bona fide holiday and business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits. Only government officials, including police on cross border investigation

Most volunteer programs are for 3 months to 3 years. This allows volunteers to come into South Africa on a normal tourist visa and work in the country. However, some volunteers will come into the country on programs that last for more than 3 months. This is where SA Migration can assist.

There are many volunteer opportunities in South Africa. The country welcomes volunteers and if you plan to volunteer through a proper volunteer organization and have been accepted, you can apply for a Volunteer Visa. In some cases, if you plan to volunteer for three months or less, you may not need a visa. Please check with us.

The Volunteer Visa is a temporary residency visa. It is a multiple entry visa and is renewable. This is the correct visa to choose if you have an acceptance letter from a Registered Volunteer Organization, are not being paid for your work, and plan to volunteer for your entire stay in South Africa.

South Africa seeks highly skilled individuals to live and work in SA.
SA Migration Services will professionally help to arrange Work Visas for you if you qualify.

Work Visas are regulated in terms of Section 19, Regulation 18 and items 18 (1), 19(2), 20, 21 and 22, of Schedule A.

There are three common types of Work Visas:

1. General Work Visa
2. Inter Company Transfer Visa
3. Critical Skills Visa

General Work Visa

Under the General Work Visa there are very strict requirements. The South African government, although trying to promote work and trade in South Africa, recognize the need to give South Africans the chance to obtain employment ahead of any foreigner. You will have to prove that you are the only person who can fill that position and that no other South African can play that role. This is done by placing an advert in a national newspaper advertising the position. A Department of Labour report would need to be obtained. You will also have to have a job offer/contract from your future employer. The most important part of the process is skills assessment by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) in SA which evaluates your formal qualifications and compares to a SA qualification which process is mandatory and for this we would need your academic transcripts and award diplomas. Note under the regulations provision is made for the recognition of work experience in the absence of formal qualifications and this therefore makes provision for the recognition of prior work experience ( RPL) . This is a paper based system which merely compares the foreign qualifications and arrives at an equivalent qualification in SA, if qualified in SA then no SAQA needed. Next you as employer have to prove that you are the only person who can fill that position and that no other South African can play that role. This is done by placing an advert in a national newspaper advertising the position. You will also have to have a job offer/contract from your future employer. Please note the work Visa is issued in the name of the employer so the person is tied to the employer. If they change the job they will require a new work Visa. There is some good news for people who are qualified through work experience only and they can qualify if they do not require formal qualifications, ie SAQA.

Inter Company Transfer Visa

An intra-company transfer work Visa may be issued by the Department to a foreigner who is employed abroad by a business operating in the Republic in a branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship and who by reason of his or her employment is required to conduct work in the Republic. An important factor is that the applicant has to have been employed with the company abroad for a period of not less than 6 months.

The Intra company transfer is not designed to be a long term visa. The idea is to bring in foreign workers employed by the company abroad with a branch or subsidiary branch here in South Africa; they work or conduct training for four years, and then return home.

This Visa does not require the hassle of proving the company could not find suitable applicants and it does not require the hassle of verifying an applicant’s formal qualifications. It is based purely on employment. If you are a company that needs to transfer in foreign employers, please contact us and we will make this go as smoothly as possible. It is important to note that this category of work Visa cannot be granted for more than four (4) years and this type of Visa is not extendable.

Critical Skills Visa

The Critical Skills Visa South Africa is for skilled workers whose occupation is on the Critical Skills Visa List for South Africa. This list reflects the occupations that are in demand in South Africa.

The newly published “Skills or qualifications determined to be critical for the Republic of South Africa in relation to an application for a Critical Skills Visa or Permanent Residence Visa” This category of work visa may be issued to an applicant who falls within a specific professional category or specific occupational class determined by the Minister by notice in the Government Gazette.

This is done after consultation with the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Trade and Industry. If an applicant falls within one of the professional categories listed on the critical skills list and also has the appropriate post qualification working experience in that profession then such applicant may qualify to apply for this category of work Visa. The applicant also needs to where applicable register with the relevant South African professional accreditation body regulating that industry as stipulated by Minister of Home Affairs .Such body must also confirm the applicant’s skills, qualifications and working experience. Furthermore, such applicant’s qualifications need to be evaluated relevant to a South African level. An applicant for a Critical Skills Visa may enter South Africa on such visa without having secured a job offer first. It is, however, required of the applicant to confirm employment with the Department of Home Affairs within a period of one (1) year upon arrival in South Africa, failing which, the Visa would automatically lapse. The Critical Skills Work Visa is tied to an individual and not to an employer so under this Visa a person can leave from one employer to the next without obtaining a new work Visa.
Download the list / government gazette here (Updated: 03 June 2014)