South African Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa allows multinational companies to relocate employees to their South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Valid for up to 4 years, it requires proof of continued foreign employment and cannot be renewed.

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ICT Visa Eligibility at a Glance

Why Apply for an ICT Work Visa in South Africa?

For multinationals: Quickly relocate key staff without lengthy labour market tests.

For employees: Legally live and work in South Africa for assignments up to 4 years.

• Employer-driven: No need to prove local skills shortages
• Predictable validity: Up to 4 years for project completion
• Family-friendly: Dependants can live and study in South Africa
• Streamlined compliance: Ideal for HR and mobility teams

Efficient, compliant relocation for multinational staff assignments in South Africa.

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Requirements for the South African ICT Visa (2025)

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of foreign employment with the transferring company (minimum 6 months)
• Intra-company transfer letter from both sending & receiving entities
• Employment contract confirming continued employment abroad
• Proof of corporate link (subsidiary, affiliate, or branch documentation)
• Valid passport
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical report
• Proof of financial support for dependants (if applicable)

Application Process for an ICT Work Visa

Processing time: 4–12 weeks depending on DHA/VFS centre.

1. Employer Initiates Transfer – identify and nominate staff member
2. Prepare Documents – transfer letter, contracts, corporate proof
3. Submit Application – via embassy abroad or VFS in South Africa
4. Pay Fees – DHA & VFS charges
5. Adjudication – DHA reviews application (6–12 weeks typical)
6. Visa Issued – staff member relocates to South Africa

Important: ICT Visas cannot be renewed. After 4 years, employees must either return abroad or switch to another visa category.

Employer Obligations for ICT Applications

Companies transferring staff must:

• Prove the relationship between foreign and South African entities (subsidiary, affiliate, branch)
• Provide a written undertaking confirming employee will return abroad after assignment
• Maintain compliance with South African labour laws for assignment duration
• Submit transfer documentation and contracts that meet DHA standards

Failure to provide compliant documentation may delay or invalidate the visa.

Common Use Cases for ICT Visas

• Senior managers relocated for regional oversight
• Technical specialists transferred to deliver IT, engineering, or finance projects
• Knowledge transfer assignments to train local teams
• Project deployments for multinational expansion in South Africa

ICT visas are designed to support multinationals managing global staff mobility.

Limitations of the ICT Visa

• Non-renewable: Valid for 4 years maximum
• No direct PR pathway: Must switch to another visa for permanent residency
• Employer-dependent: Only valid within the corporate group that sponsored transfer
• Return requirement: Employee must return abroad unless eligible for another visa type

ICT Visa vs Critical Skills vs General Work Visa

Relocate your staff to South Africa with ease.

The ICT Visa is the ideal solution for multinationals transferring key employees. Our team ensures full compliance for both employer and employee, simplifying the process from start to finish.

Book Your Corporate Assessment Today