Note, if applying for a work permit, it is unnecessary to apply for a visa separately. The permit itself acts as a visa. Permits last for a maximum of one year, at which point an extension must be applied for. Applications should be made to the nearest South African Embassy, consulate or high commission office.
Permit to work – what do you need
- A valid passport and two passport photos.
- An employment contract, signed by all parties involved, stating your occupation and the
role you will be employed in, how long you will be staying and how much remuneration you are expecting.
- A current curriculum vitae
- A medical certificate
- A marriage certificate if applicable. (A spouse must apply for a separate travel visa if accompanying.)
- Proof of qualifications
- Testimonials from previous employers confirming skills and competency.
- Full birth certificate/s of children if applicable
- Finally, if issued a work permit individuals are required to make a cash deposit or provide a bank guarantee for the purpose of repatriation.
Types of permits
Quota work permits
Every year the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs publishes a list of professions that are needed in the country and cannot be filled by South African citizens. A specific quota of jobs is then allocated. Provided you meet the relevant criteria and provided the prescribed quota has not been met, obtaining a work permit/visa should be relatively simple.
General work permits
For those individuals that do not come under the above category, general work permits are employer specific, meaning that you must have a job offer from an employer in South Africa. The employer must prove that the position cannot be filled locally despite searching actively through the local labour market.
Exceptional skills work permits
This applies to individuals whose skills, qualifications and experience are exceptional in a given field of expertise.
Intra-company Transfer work permits
This applies to individuals who are employed by companies that have a branch in South Africa or may be affiliated to a company there. This is a simpler process requiring less documentation.
Further enquiries
Dept. of Home Affairs
Subdirectorate: Temporary Residence
Private Bag X114
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Telephone: +27(0)12 314 8911
Fax: +27(0)12 328 3908
Website: www.dha.gov.za/
Picture: Klaus Rose – Fotolia
