The Corporate Workers Visa allows South African companies with a valid Corporate Visa to employ multiple foreign workers under pre-approved quotas. Employees are issued individual Corporate Worker Visas linked to the employer’s corporate permit. Validity is up to 3 years, renewable while the corporate visa remains valid.
Check Your Eligibility – Free Assessment
Corporate Worker Visa Eligibility at a Glance
| Requirement |
Details |
| Employer Requirement |
Employer must hold a valid Corporate Visa (DHA-approved) |
| Job Offer |
Required, from a company with a Corporate Visa |
| Duration |
Up to 3 years (aligned with employer’s permit) |
| Renewal |
Renewable if corporate visa remains valid |
| Work Rights |
Only with the sponsoring company |
| PR Pathway |
No direct pathway (must change visa category) |
| Family Inclusion |
Dependants may apply for accompanying permits |
Why Apply for a Corporate Worker Visa?
For employers: Efficiently hire multiple foreign staff under one pre-approved quota.
For employees: Secure legal work status tied directly to your employer’s Corporate Visa.
- Faster approvals: Streamlined compared to General Work Visa (no labour market testing)
- Bulk hiring efficiency: Multiple workers processed under one corporate permit
- Family benefits: Dependants can accompany workers
Hire and work legally in South Africa under the corporate visa system — with fewer delays and greater certainty.
Start Your Free Assessment
Corporate Worker Visa Requirements in South Africa (2025)
Applicants must provide:
- Job offer/contract from a company with a valid Corporate Visa
- Letter of assignment referencing the corporate quota
- Copy of the employer’s valid Corporate Visa
- Valid passport
- Police clearance
- Medical report
- Proof of qualifications/experience (if required under quota conditions)
- Proof of financial means for initial stay
Application Process for a South African Corporate Worker Visa
Processing time: 4–12 weeks, depending on DHA.
- Employer Prepares Corporate Visa – company applies for corporate permit with DHA
- Quota Approval – DHA authorises a specific number of foreign hires
- Job Offer – employee receives contract tied to the quota
- Submit Application – worker applies at SA embassy abroad or VFS South Africa
- Pay Fees – government, mission or VFS charges
- Adjudication – DHA reviews (can take 4–8 months)
- Visa Issued – linked to the sponsoring employer’s permit
The visa remains valid only while the employer’s Corporate Visa is active.
Employer Obligations Under a Corporate Visa
Companies holding a Corporate Visa must:
- Demonstrate compliance with South African labour laws
- Ensure quotas are respected and not exceeded
- Report regularly to the Department of Home Affairs on the status of foreign employees
- Provide contracts that meet local labour standards
Failure to comply can lead to cancellation of the corporate visa — affecting all linked workers.
Limitations of a Corporate Worker Visa
- No job mobility: Workers cannot change employers on this visa
- No direct PR pathway: Must switch to another visa (e.g., Critical Skills) to qualify for permanent residency
- Tied validity: Worker visa lapses if the employer’s Corporate Visa is cancelled or expires
Corporate Worker Visa vs Other South African Work Visas
| Feature |
Corporate Worker Visa |
General Work Visa |
Intra-Company Transfer Visa |
| Employer Requirement |
Corporate Visa required |
Employer must prove no local candidate |
Transfer within same multinational |
| Job Offer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Duration |
Up to 3 years |
Up to 5 years |
Up to 4 years |
| Renewal |
If corporate visa valid |
Yes |
Not renewable |
| PR Pathway |
No direct route |
Limited |
None |
| Target Group |
Bulk hires |
Individual hires |
Relocated staff |
Hire or work legally in South Africa under the Corporate Visa system.
Whether you’re an employer hiring bulk staff or an employee joining a company under a corporate permit, our team ensures full compliance with DHA requirements.
Book Your Free Assessment Today
.svg)
