Are you looking to live temporarily in South Africa? From visitor’s and study visas to general work visas, intra-company transfers and more, we can assist. We can also help you secure temporary residence via your critical skills, a business investment, if you’re seeking medical treatment or have relatives here.
Visitor’s Visa
As a foreigner, you can obtain a Visitor’s Visa to South Africa for not more than three months, as long as you can provide the financial or other guarantees prescribed in respect of your departure. This visa may not exceed three months, however you can renew it for a further period of not more than three months.
Should your activities as a foreigner in South Africa be work-related, you may apply for a Visitor’s Visa with authorisation to work (Section 11(2)).
Visa Extension
When you enter South Africa, your Visitor’s Visa may be extended in the country for a further period not exceeding three months.
General Work Visa
A General Work Visa may be issued to a foreigner not falling within a category or class quota if the prospective employer satisfies the Department that despite diligent search, he or she has been unable to employ a citizen or a permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicant. A General Work Visa shall be issued for a period not exceeding five years.
Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa
An Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit may be issued if you are a foreigner who is employed abroad by a business operating in South Africa in a branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship, and because of your employment, you’re required to conduct work in South Africa. The Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa shall be issued for a period not exceeding four years.
Critical Skills Work Visa
A Critical Skills Work Visa may be issued to you if you have critical skills or qualifications, and if you as a foreigner fall within a specific professional or occupational category determined by the Minister.
The Critical Skills Work Visa shall be issued for a period not exceeding five years.
Skills or qualifications determined to be Critical for South Africa are:
- Agriculture and Related Sciences
- Architecture and the Built Environment
- Business, Economics, Management Studies
- Information Communication & Technology
Engineering - Health Professionals & Related Clinical Sciences
- Life & Earth Sciences
- Professionals & Associate Professionals
- Trades
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
- Academics & Researchers
- Post Graduates
Exchange Visa
If you’re a foreigner under 25 years of age who has received an offer to conduct work, you may be able to get an Exchange Visa to South Africa. This visa may be issued for a period not exceeding the period of the exchange programme.
Study Visa
A Study Visa may be issued if you as a foreigner intend to study in South Africa for longer than three months. As a study visa holder for studies at a higher education institution, you may conduct part-time work for a period not exceeding 20 hours per week.
Business Visa
A business visa may be issued to you as a foreigner is you intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa, or if you have established or invested in a business in South Africa in which you are employed. A South African business visa may be issued for a period not exceeding three years at a time.
Retired Persons Visa
A Retired Persons Visa may be issued to you if you as a foreigner intend to retire in South Africa, provided that you provide proof that you have the right to a pension or an irrevocable annuity or retirement account which will give you a minimum payment for the rest of your life from the country of your origin, or that has a minimum R37 000 net worth. A retired person visa may be issued for a period not exceeding four years.
Relatives Visa
A Relatives Visa may be issued for a maximum period of two years to a foreigner who is a member of the immediate family of a citizen or a permanent resident, provided that such citizen or permanent resident provides the prescribed financial assurance.
Medical Treatment Visa
A Medical Treatment Visa may be issued for a maximum period of six months at a time if you as a foreigner intend to receive medical treatment in South Africa.
Treaty Visa
A Treaty Visa may be issued to a foreigner conducting activities in South Africa in terms of an international agreement to which South Africa is a party.
Asylum Transit Visa
An Asylum Transit Visa may be issued to a person who, at a port of entry, claims to be an asylum seeker. The visa shall be valid for a period of 5 days only to enable the holder to report at the nearest refugee reception office.
Crew Visa
A Crew Visa may be issued, for a maximum period of three months at a time, to a foreigner who is a member of the crew of a conveyance.
