Featuring diverse culture and attractive views, South Africa attracts millions of foreign visitors around the world. As a top-ranking economy in Africa, some of them are seeking prospective job opportunities. Expats who want to work in South Africa usually should obtain a permit for work. What is a work permit? How to get a work permit in South Africa? What are the requirements for it? How much does it cost? In this passage, we will find out the answers.
Do I Need a Visa to Work in South Africa
Yes. South African work visas are issued to foreigners who get a paid job in SA, either as a common employee, business owner, or shareholder. The duration of stay depends on the visa type. Please note that some might be exempted from the work visa when they come from a visa-free country and visit South Africa for short-term business purposes, such as nationals of the US, Canada, and the UK. It is suggested to check the latest news at your local SA embassy or consulate.
Types of Work Permits in South Africa
Depending on the employer, applicant’s skills, and duration of stay, an SA work permit can be divided into the following three types.
- General Work Visas
It is issued to all foreigners with general qualifications. The employer who wants to hire a foreign employee must obtain a certificate or a declaration from the Department of Labor to prove that South African nationals or permanent residents with related skills are not qualified for the position. With a general work permit for South Africa, one can work in the country for up to 5 years.
- Critical Skills Visa
It is issued to foreign skilled workers whose professions are listed on the critical skills list published by the Minister of Home Affairs in the fields of agriculture, architecture, business and economics, IT, engineering, health, life and earth sciences, trades, academics, and so forth. Applicants must present proof of qualifications for this visa type.
- Intra-company Transfer Work Permit
It is issued to existing non-SA employees of a multi-national company who have worked in the foreign office for at least 6 months and then transferred to a South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. It is usually valid for 4 years and not renewable, but those with 2-year validity can be extended to another 2 years. This visa holder cannot change immigration status from within South Africa.
Requirements for Work Permit In South Africa
To obtain an SA work permit, applicants must prove their identity, citizenship, and qualifications by submitting the following supporting documents.
- A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and a validity of 30 days upon the date of leaving South Africa.
- Two identical 35x45mm passport photos.
- Medical report or physical prescribed statement issued within the last 6 months.
- A vaccination certificate for yellow fever if the applicant has ever traveled to, plan to travel from, or transit through a yellow fever endemic area in some African, Central, and Southern American countries.
- An application form (DHA-947) duly completed online.
- Police clearance certificate issued within the last 6 months by the police or security authority in the applicant’s home country.
- VFS appointment receipt.
- Payment receipts of the application fee.
- Proof of financial capability to support the expense in SA before receiving the first salary.
- A letter from the employer confirming the employment issued in the last 6 months.
- An existing work visa when applying from within South Africa (if applicable).
- A full birth certificate or birth record.
- Proof of name change (if any).
- Employment contract signed by both the employer and employee (not required for critical skills visas).
- Proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (excluding intra-company transfer work visa).
- Certificate from the Department of Labor approving hiring a foreigner.
- Work references or certificates of service for the last five years or longer.
- Radiological report issued within the last 6 months (children under 12 and a pregnant woman excluded)
Foreign employees hired by a South African company can sponsor their spouse and children to live in SA with you, but they are not allowed to study, work, set up a business, or apply for permanent residence. When a dependent applies along with you, the following documents are needed besides the general requirements mentioned above.
- A Marriage certificate or proof of partnership.
- Divorce decree in the case of a previous marriage or death certificate of the deceased spouse.
- Proof of parental responsibilities and rights in the case of accompanying children.
- Written consent of both parents in the case of accompanying children with only one parent.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in South Africa
When it comes to how to get a work permit in South Africa, it involves both employers and employees. Here is a specific instruction.
Obtain a Department of Labor Certificate
It must be done by the employer through the steps below.
- Obtain a registration form from the Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) and fill it out.
- Receive a list of local candidates who might be suitable for the position.
- If no candidates are qualified, submit a work visa application form along with the required documents.
- Receive the visa finalization notification and proceed to apply for a work visa when the recommendation is positive
Submit Applications
After determining the visa type you need and preparing the required documents, you should start an online work permit application for South Africa. Visit VFS website and sign up or log in. Choose the visa type and complete the form. Make sure all required fields are filled and the information is authentic. After finishing the form, pay the application fees before continuing booking an appointment.
Book an Appointment
You are supposed to book an appointment with the South African embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center before submitting applications in person. Choose a nearby location, desired date, and time on the VFS website. Please note that it can only be scheduled after paying the application fees. Finally, print out the application form, checklist of supporting documents, and appointment confirmation.
Visit a Visa Application Centre
Prepare the required documents according to the checklist and take them to the selected visa application center on the appointment date. It is suggested to arrive 15 minutes earlier. You will submit biometrics (fingerprints and photographs). Additionally, you might be required to have an interview. Just follow the staff’s instructions and answer questions honestly. If your dependents will travel to South Africa with you, they should also attend the appointment in person.
Track your application and Get the Visa
The authority will send an email to inform you of the decision on your application. The status can also be checked online. When the application is approved, pick up the visa label with a passport and receipt of collection. If you ask someone else to pick up the document on your behalf, he/she must present a power of attorney signed by you, his/her identity document, and your passport. When the application is rejected, file an appeal or apply again according to the refusal letter.
How Much Is a Work Permit In South Africa
It costs R2,870 (approximately USD151) for each application. It could be paid online with a debit/credit card or through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). There might be extra service fees when applying through a visa center, such as VFS. All fees are non-refundable whether your application is approved or not. Remember to print out the receipt of the successful payment and bring it to the appointment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a SA Work Permit
It depends on where you apply from, the completeness of your application, and the workload of the visa office. Generally, it takes about 6-8 weeks on average, so it is recommended to submit the work permit application at least 3 months in advance.
FAQ
Q: Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?
A: No, unless you are applying for a critical skills work visa, but you should find a job within 12 months of receiving it.
Q: Can a Zimbabwean get a work permit in South Africa?
A: Yes, unless he/she is holding a valid Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP).
📢Read Also: Zim Passport Prices, Application & Appointment
Q: Can a foreigner work in South Africa without a work permit?
A: No, it is illegal for South African employees to hire foreigners without a work visa.
Q: Can Zimbabweans claim UIF in South Africa?
A: Yes, if they are legally hired and have contributed to the UIF.
🔎Read Also: SA UIF Login, Registration & Status Check Online
Summary
Now you must have learned about what is a work permit in South Africa and its requirements. It is a necessary document for expats to work in South Africa. The employer will obtain an SA general work permit on your behalf and you will submit biometrics and have an interview at the visa office in person. We hope this passage will help you get prepared and receive the work visa smoothly.
Erin Lo