This is an overview of the different types of work visas available in South Africa, together with the required documentation and application process details.

Types of work visas in South Africa 

There are five types of work visas in South Africa. Each visa serves a different purpose and has its own eligibility criteria. 

General Work Visa
This visa is for foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a South African employer. It is valid for up to 5 years and is renewable. 

Critical Skills Visa
This visa is for individuals with skills listed on South Africa’s Critical Skills List. This visa is valid for up to 5 years and is renewable. See the link to the Critical Skills List. 

Intra-Company Transfer Visa
This visa is for employees of multinational companies transferring to a South African branch. It is valid for up to 4 years and is non-renewable. 

Corporate Visa
A Corporate Visa is for companies hiring multiple foreign workers under a quota. It is valid for up to 3 years and is not renewable in-country. 

Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa is for remote workers employed by foreign companies or running international businesses. It was introduced in 2024. It is valid for a period of 3 months to 3 years. It requires one to have a minimum annual income of ZAR 650,976.

NB: To work legally in South Africa as a foreign national, one must apply for the appropriate work visa and submit a comprehensive set of immigration documents. Below is a detailed list of the required documents, based on the type of visa that one is applying for. 

General Required Documents for All Work Visas

• A passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended departure from South Africa.
• A completed DHA-947 Application Form, which must be completed online. Handwritten forms are not accepted. 
• Proof of employment, including: offer of permanent employment (contract) and a letter from the employer confirming employment (not older than 6 months).
• Qualifications, including: proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and work references or certificates of service covering the last 5 years.
• Police clearance certificates from each country where the applicant lived for 12+ months after age 18 (must be less than 6 months old).
• Medical and radiological reports, both less than 6 months old.
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or other financial support documentation.
• Translation of documents: All foreign documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator and certified as correct.

Additional Documents Based on Visa Type

General Work Visa
Proof that no South African citizen or resident is available for the job (Department of Labour certificate).
Five years of continuous work visa history (excluding intra-company transfers or special project visas).

Critical Skills Visa
Proof of registration with a professional body or council (if applicable).
Evidence that your occupation is on the Critical Skills List.
You do not need a job offer at the time of application, but you must secure employment within 12 months.

Spousal Visa (Accompanying a Work Visa Holder)
Marriage certificate or proof of relationship.
Valid spousal visa if applying from within South Africa.
Undertaking by the South African spouse to support the applicant financially and emotionally.

Dependent Children
Birth certificate.
Proof of parental responsibilities and rights or written consent from the other parent/legal guardian.
Valid relative visa if applying from within South Africa.

Application Process Notes

Applications are submitted via VFS Global.
Biometrics must be submitted in person at VFS Global 
Application fees vary by visa type and must be paid with proof of payment.

Processing times:
General Work Visa: 8–12 weeks
Critical Skills Visa: 6–10 weeks
Spousal Visa: 6–8 weeks