Business Visas - South Africa

In South Africa business visas are included in the larger group of temporary resident visas and allow a foreign national to live and work in South Africa for a specific duration. To be granted a work permit, an applicant has to prove that they have been offered a place of employment with a South African company and the process of applying for the work permit involves that company applying on behalf of the candidate.

Work Permit Benefits

Because work permits fall under temporary permits they are therefore not intended as a route to permanent residency in South Africa, they can be extended beyond their initial grant. Work permits are issued for a period of one year and may be extended if the job is still in place. If a foreign national is in possession of a work permit for more than five years and has a permanent offer of employment, then they may apply for permanent residency in South Africa. Bearing this in mind applicants who hold wish to apply for permanent settlement in South Africa should begin proceedings early whist still in possession of a temporary work permit.

South African Work Permit Types

In South Africa, work permit applications are divided into three categories and may be granted to a person with exceptional ability, as a general work permit, or under the work permit allocation system.

In South Africa work permits applications must be submitted by the employer and a job offer has to be given to the applicants at hand. In all cases a position must pass labour market tests to demonstrate that filling the vacancy with a non South African worker will limit or exclude any South African citizens or permanent residents. To achieve this, positions must be advertised in the home market in the print media and details of any South African applicants and why they were rejected must be supplied.

South Africa Work Permit Quota System

The work permit quota system allows people working in shortage occupations to immigrate to South Africa and begin working without a job offer being obtained.

This is a popular route since employers do not have to advertise a job before bringing a candidate to the country. That said the occupation has to be on the list of shortage occupations and the applicant must have the necessary skills and at least five years experience. They must also find employment within 90 days of arrival.

South African Work Permits for Exceptional Skills

Where a work permit is granted on the grounds of exceptional skills, each case will be assessed on an individual basis, looking at eth candidates own merit and verifying the applicants skills must be from a reputable and relevant Governmental body, business organisation, or academic institution. Where documentary evidence of the candidate's ability can be provided it should be included with an application.

South African Intra Company Transfers

Intra Company transfers allow an employee to transfer between a South African company and a foreign branch or subsidiary to perform a specific task. Applicants should note that Intra Company Transfers are not extendable and will not lead to permanent residence.

South Africa Business Visa

For people who wish to live and work in South Africa by investing or starting a venture, the South African business visa is available. It is also known as an entrepreneur permit or investor permit, this South African immigration service is a temporary resident visa, which may in the long-term lead to permanent residency. The South African business visa is mainly concerned with the business acumen of the applicant and the likelihood of them creating jobs for South African citizens or permanent residents.

Applying for a South African Business Visa

Applicants who wish to conduct business in South Africa can apply for a business visa and are eligible to apply for permanent residency in South Africa. Business visas require applicants to invest a minimum in of 2.5 million Rand in a new business, which is in the national interest of South Africa. At present, this definition includes investments in Agricultural-Processing, Automotive and Transport based ventures, Chemicals and Biotechnology, IT and Communications, Metals and Minerals, Textiles and Tourism.

Candidates must include a detailed business plan which demonstrates either significant export potential or the transfer of technology which is currently unrepresented in South Africa. The applicant must be employed within the venture and evidence of their entrepreneurial skills and experience must be submitted.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent immigration

South African work permits and business visas for immigrating to South Africa as an entrepreneur or investor are both regarded as temporary visas however the spouse, unmarried partner, conjugal or common-law partner and/or any dependent children may join the main applicant in South Africa. Dependents of the main candidate will be granted the same period of leave to remain in South Africa as that granted to the principle applicant. A note to remember is that dependents must secure their own work permit to begin working in South Africa.

Visit the online assessment area today to get your work permit or business visa application moving. Just answer a few straightforward questions and a friendly South African visa specialist will contact you to discuss your requirements.