Work Permits
Work permit applications for South Africa are dealt with by the Department of Home Affairs. However, the South African authorities have delegated intra company transfer applications (where the worker is moving within the same international group) to their High Commissions and Embassies. It is with these applications that WorkPermit.com can assist.
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Work Permits
As a specialist immigration consultancy, WorkPermit.com can help you to establish which South Africa visa is the most appropriate for you. There are different kinds of temporary residence permits related to working or doing business in South Africa:- Quota work permit: As part of its economic growth plan, the government has made a pre-determined number of visas available to address skills shortages in certain occupations, such as engineers, artisans and technical skills.
- General work permit: Issued to foreigners with general qualifications who intend to work in South Africa.
- Exceptional skills work permit: This is for highly skilled or exceptionally qualified foreign nationals who want to work in South Africa.
- Intra-company transfer work permit: Granted to those who are being transferred by their company to work in a South African branch.
- Corporate permit: For South African companies who need to employ foreign personnel. Validity set on application.
- Business permit: Issued to foreigners who intend to establish or invest in a business South Africa in which they may be employed.
- Exchange permits: Issued to applicants younger than 25 years, who may only work for one year. Valid for length of programme, or to a maximum of a year.
Intra-company Transfer Work Permits
WorkPermit.com can help you with your intra-company transfer work permit. Multi-national companies may decide to transfer an existing employee from a foreign branch to a branch in South Africa. These employees must be issued an intra-company transfer work permits. To apply for one you must submit:- A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit.
- Proof of financial means to cover envisaged living expenses in the Republic until you receive a salary.
- An employment contract with the company abroad.
- A letter from the South African company where you will work, confirming the transfer from the parent/affiliated company abroad. This letter should specify the occupation and capacity in which you will be employed and should also confirm that the maximum duration of employment will not exceed 2 years.
- Secondment Letter (from company abroad, transferring applicant to South African branch/Affiliate company). This letter should state that the applicant is being transferred to South Africa and still being paid abroad.
- Have an established presence in the UK.
- Have an established presence in South Africa.
- These two companies must be part of the same international group.
- The candidate moves from employment in the UK office to be employed in the South African office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my work permit valid for?
Once issued with a quota work permit, you are required to submit proof that you have secured employment in the approved occupational category within 90 days, and then every year after that. Your quota work permit is valid for as long as you stay employed in the original approved category or profession.A general work permit is valid for the duration of the contract. However, it will lapse six months after being issued (and every year thereafter) unless you submit proof to the Department of Home Affairs that you are still employed. An exceptional skills permit is valid for three years, and an intra-company transfer is valid for two years.
