Many people are interested in moving to South Africa and working here. This is because it has incredible natural beauty, a high quality of living, very pleasant weather, and it’s a country of diverse cultures. However, there are some basics you need to know about getting an employment visa in South Africa along with the process step-by-step so you can stay legal while working here.
How long does it take to get a work permit in South Africa? You must apply as soon as possible! The South African government has strict rules and regulations for applying for a work permit. You need to meet requirements to be eligible and you must apply early to avoid any delays.Working in a foreign country is one of the greatest experiences anyone could wish for. However, sometimes it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges that new expatriates face is trying to find out how long it will take to get a work permit abroad. Here are some things you should know about getting work permits in South Africa.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Work Permit In South Africa
To work in South Africa, foreigners need a work permit. Understand this apply on your own, or use the service of an immigration expert to help you. Our immigration experts can make sure your application is successful and you get the permits you need.
Work Permits
Foreign workers are required to have the proper visas and work permits in South Africa, as established by immigration laws. Work permits must be secured for employees, and sponsored by a locally licensed and incorporated entity. If you have yet to complete the incorporation process you can use an outsourced management company or GEO Employer of Record to sponsor the employee for the necessary permits.
You must apply for visa in a South African embassy before you arrive in South Africa, and must read all requirements and make sure you follow these requirements to the letter. A visa will take different times to process depending on the visa type and embassy which processes the application. The cost will depend on the type of visa and country of application.
Unfortunately the visa process and requirements are also influenced by the type of visa, nationality of the applicant and which Embassy it the application is lodged with. For example the Embassy may require the applicant to:
- Lodge a cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return trip to their home country
- Show a police clearance certificate from every country where the applicant has lived (for 12 months or longer) since the age of 18.
- Supply medical and radiology reports
- Show bank statements
- Supply a vaccination certificate (most commonly if the applicant has travelled in a region prone to Yellow Fever)
- Show they have medical coverage for their time in South Africa
Applications must be lodged in person, but can generally be picked up by someone else provided they have a letter of consent from the applicant, the applicant’s passport and proof of their own identity.
Your Options
Use your own company
Companies who are properly incorporated and registered in South Africa can organise General Work Visas for their foreign workers. It takes 2-4 months dependent on whether the company is already registered for sponsorship. The processing time varies dependent on the country of residence of the employee.
The processing steps are:
Employee supplies documentation to Company
Company gathers required documentation
- Written undertaking to cover any deportation costs related to applicant and dependents
- Written undertaking to inform the Director-General if the applicant fails to comply with the visa conditions
- Written undertaking to the Director General if the terms of the employment change
- Proof of company registration with the CIPC (Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies)
- Employment contract signed by employer and applicant. The contract must show the employment is conditional on General Work Visa approval, and that the employee is being paid a suitable market salary or better.
- Supporting letter from Employer to state why the General Work Visa is required for this particular applicant
- A completed application form: DHA-1738
- Proof of the position being advertised in the national print media in South Africa
Company applies for an SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) evaluation of the applicants qualifications (2-3 weeks).
Company applies to Department of Labor for certificate confirming no local person could be employed in the position
Company must confirm to the Department of Home Affairs each year that the employee remains employed as well as update the Department as to the terms and conditions of the employment including the job description.
When this process is complete (1-2 months) the employee must lodge the Work Permit application in person at the South African Consulate in their country of residence. The processing time is 30 days (Consulate dependent). Once the application is approved the employee can then enter South Africa to commence their assignment.
Employee documentation required :
- Completed application form
- CV
- passport copy
- 2 passport photos
- medical report (from within last 6 months)
- radiological report (from within last 6 months)
- police clearance certificate(from within last 6 months) covering every country where the applicant has spent at least 12 months since they turned 18 years old.
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate if applicable
Shield GEO Solution
Shield GEO can organise General Work Visas for foreign workers in South Africa. Please reach out to us for a quote. The processing time varies dependent on the country of residence of the employee.
The processing steps are:
- Employee supplies documentation to Shield GEO
- Shield GEO applies for an SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) evaluation of the applicants qualifications (2-3 weeks).
When this is complete the candidate must lodge the Work Permit application in person at the South African Consulate in their country of residence. The processing time is 30 days (Consulate dependent). Once the application is approved the employee can then enter South Africa to commence their assignment.
Employee documentation required :
- Completed application form
- CV
- passport copy
- 2 passport photos
- medical report (from within last 6 months)
- radiological report (from within last 6 months)
- police clearance certificate(from within last 6 months) covering every country where the applicant has spent at least 12 months since they turned 18 years old.
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate if applicable
Types of visas in South Africa
| Category | Description of Visa |
|---|---|
| General Work Visa | Visa is for the length of the employment contract which must be demonstrated to the Director-General every year and up to a maximum of 5 years. The visa is linked directly to the employer who sponsors it. If the employee changes employers they must apply for a new General Work Visa. The employer must demonstrate that they advertised for the position and were unable to find a suitable local candidate, thus requiring the applicant from overseas. The applicant should show sufficient skills and experience (typically 5+ years work experience and a relevant educational or professional qualification). The applicant must be paid a market salary as set by the Department of Labour or a benchmarking organisation. The applicant must register with the relevant professional body within South Africa, if applicable. Processing time: Varies by the Embassy/High Commission where it is lodged. For example, the South African High Commission in the US takes 4 weeks; in the UK it takes 1 month; and in Australia it is 3 weeks. Duration: Limited by the duration of the employment but up to a maximum of 5 years. Cost: Varies by the Embassy/High Commission where it is lodged. Please reach out to us for a quote. Renewable: Yes |