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South Africa visas

South Africa work visa

South Africa offers several work visa types. These include general work, critical skills and transfers within a company.

Ways to get a South Africa work visa

  1. General work visa

    Visa needed

    People seeking temporary residence for general work have this visa option.

  2. Critical Skills Work Visa

    Visa needed

    Foreign professionals in high-demand occupations on the critical skills list qualify for this visa type.

  3. Intra-company Transfer Work Visa

    Visa needed

    Workers transferring within a company have this visa option. Detailed eligibility rules are not provided.

  4. Quota work visa

    Visa needed

    This is a listed temporary residence visa type. Detailed eligibility rules are not provided.

  5. Corporate visa

    Visa needed

    This is a listed temporary residence visa type. Detailed eligibility rules are not provided.

  6. Visa for entertainment industry work

    Visa needed

    Travellers working in the entertainment industry have this visa option.

Who needs it

People seeking temporary residence for work have several visa options. A visa is also available for work in the entertainment industry.

What to bring

  • Passport valid for at least one month from arrival.

Good to know

  • The critical skills list identifies occupations in high demand.
  • Detailed eligibility rules for most work visa types are not provided.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for South Africa?

People seeking temporary residence for work have several visa options. A visa is also available for work in the entertainment industry.

What are the ways to get a work visa for South Africa?

There are 6 options: General work visa (a visa from an embassy); Critical Skills Work Visa (a visa from an embassy); Intra-company Transfer Work Visa (a visa from an embassy); Quota work visa (a visa from an embassy); Corporate visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa for entertainment industry work (a visa from an embassy).

What documents do I need for a South Africa work visa?

Passport valid for at least one month from arrival..

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for South Africa?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the South Africa visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for South Africa be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest South Africa work visa rules?

On South Africa's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in South Africa?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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