South Africa Business Visas and Work Permits
South African work permit applications are made by a sponsoring company on behalf of the candidate and allow a South Africa business to bring a foreign national employee to the country to fill a specific position. South African work permits are divided into those issued as general work permits, work permits issued to applicants with exceptional skills and those issued under the work permit quota system. Intra Company Transfer visas (ICTs) are also available as well as business visas for those who wish to live and work in South Africa based upon their entrepreneurial skills and/or investment capability.
Global Visas provide the complete range of South African immigration services and visas including work permits, business visas, retirement visas and study visas. Visit our online assessment area now to find out how Global Visas can help you.
South African Work Permit Benefits - Living and Working in South Africa
South African work permits are regarded as temporary residence permits, however in some circumstance they may lead to the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in South Africa. A South African work permit is issued for an initial duration of one year, however, provided that the requirements continue to be satisfied a work permit may be extended as required. After five years of residing in South Africa, if a candidate is in possession of a permanent job offer they may apply to become a South African permanent resident.
Since much like the US immigration system, applying for a permanent visa is a long process, it is a common practice for foreign nationals to immigrate to South Africa on a work permit visa before applying within the country for permanent residency.
South African Work Permit Categories
General Work Permits
General work permits require a candidate to have a definite offer of employment in South Africa and like a UK work permit, the application is made by the sponsoring employer. Jobs being offered to non- South African citizens or residents must undergo labour market testing including print media advertising in the home market before widening the search to overseas candidates. It may also be necessary to provide details of any South African applicants and the reasons for rejecting their applications.
The South Africa Work Permit Quota System
The work permit quota system is designed for applicants working in occupations which are deemed to be in shortage in South Africa. Applicants must be qualified to perform an occupation which appears on the list of those in short supply, they must have at least 5 years experience and must find employment in the nominated field in South Africa within 90 days. No labour market testing is required for this route.
Work Permits for Exceptionally Skilled Applicants
Work permits issued on the grounds of exceptional skills are awarded on a case by case basis and must be supported by documentary evidence which reinforces the candidates claim to possessing exceptional skills. In all cases the applicant’s skills must be verified by a business or academic organisation or a governmental body which is relevant and reputable.
South African ICT visa - Intra Company Transfers
South African ICTs or Intra Company Transfers are a specific type of work permit which allow South African businesses to transfer key employees from overseas branches to fill a particular role or work on a specific project. Unlike work permits in the three categories above, ICTs are not extendable and candidates may not pursue permanent residency via this route.
South Africa Business Visas
The South African business visa is variously referred to as an investor permit or entrepreneur permit and is awarded to candidates who wish to relocate to South Africa based on their ability to invest in South Africa and to start a new business. The business visa is initially issued as a temporary residence permit for 24 months although it may lead to permanent residence and candidates must be able to demonstrate their business experience and their ability to create jobs in South Africa.
A business visa applicant must be able to invest at least 2.5 million Rand in a business venture which is of benefit to the country in terms of exports, new technologies and/or the creation of jobs. A detailed business plan must be submitted which explores the potential of the business and the experience of the candidate.
Spouse and Dependent immigration
Although South African work permits and business visas are issued as temporary residence permits, in both cases a candidate may be living and working in South Africa for a period of some years if not indefinitely. As a result the immediate family members of the main applicant may also enter South Africa for the same period of time. All dependents must gain a work permit in their own right in order to undertake employment.
Find out more about South African work permits and business visas today. Just complete an enquiry form in our online assessment area and a specialist South African immigration consultant will contact you.
