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.

Application for work permits are generally submitted by the employer on behalf of the applicant, this is why they are called sponsored visas. In all the application cases a position must pass labour market tests to demonstrate that filling the vacancy with a non South African worker will not replace 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

People who wish to live and work in South Africa by making an investment or by starting a new business venture can apply for a South African business visa. This is visa is also known as the entrepreneur permit or investor permit and it is also a temporary resident visa, which may in the long-term lead to permanent residency. The South African business visa is merely 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

Under the South African immigration and visa rule the business visas does not employ a point's based assessment and the visa is usually granted for a duration of 24 months which may be extended as required providing the conditions of the permit are still met. Business visas require a minimum investment of 2.5 million Rand in a new business, and they also need to be 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.

Applicants are required to present 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

The spouse, unmarried partner, conjugal or common-law partner and/or any dependent children may join the main applicant in South Africa under the work visa. Any such dependents will be granted the same period of leave to remain in South Africa as that awarded to the principle applicant. However, dependents must secure their own work permit to begin working in South Africa.

Are you thinking of moving to South Africa? Why not take our online assessment now to find out if you're eligible for any of the South African visas and let Global Visas help you start your application process.