The General Work Visa allows foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a South African employer to live and work legally in South Africa. Valid for up to 5 years, renewable, and may lead to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous work.
Check Your Eligibility – Free Assessment
General Work Visa Eligibility at a Glance
| Requirement |
Details |
| Job Offer |
Required from a South African employer |
| Duration |
Up to 5 years (aligned with contract), renewable |
| Work Rights |
Only with sponsoring employer |
| Family Inclusion |
Spouse & children may accompany |
| PR Pathway |
Possible after 5 years continuous work |
Why Apply for a General Work Visa in South Africa?
- Secure employment: Live and work legally with a valid job offer
- Stay long-term: Visa valid up to 5 years, renewable if employment continues
- Family benefits: Spouses and children can join you and study in SA
- Residency opportunities: Continuous employment may lead to permanent residency after 5 years
Work legally, build your career, and bring your family to South Africa.
Start Your Free Eligibility Check
Requirements for the South African General Work Visa (2025)
Applicants must provide:
- Signed job offer/contract from a South African employer
- Proof of qualifications & SAQA evaluation (if foreign qualifications)
- Valid passport
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical report
- Proof of financial means for initial stay
Application Process for a General Work Visa
Processing time: 4–12 weeks, depending on DHA/VFS workload.
- Free Assessment – confirm eligibility
- Employer Application – company secures Labour & DHA certification
- Gather Documents – job offer, qualifications, police clearances, medicals
- Submit Application – via SA embassy abroad or VFS in South Africa
- Pay Fees – government & VFS fees
- Adjudication – DHA evaluates application (6–12 weeks typical)
- Visa Issued – linked to sponsoring employer, valid up to 5 years
Important: If employment ends, the visa lapses. A new visa is required for a new employer.
Permanent Residency Pathway
- Hold a General Work Visa for 5 continuous years with no breaks in employment
- Demonstrate consistent tax compliance and legal residency
- Submit a permanent residency application via DHA
Note: PR through General Work Visas is less certain than via Critical Skills Visas, as DHA may require extra proof of long-term economic contribution.
Limitations of the General Work Visa
- Tied to one employer: Cannot change jobs without reapplying
- Slow PR route: Takes 5+ years of continuous work; stricter than Critical Skills Visa
- Employer-dependent: Visa lapses if employment ends
General Work Visa vs Critical Skills Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa
| Feature |
General Work Visa |
Critical Skills Visa |
Digital Nomad Visa |
| Job Offer |
Required |
Required |
No (foreign income only) |
| Duration |
Up to 5 years |
Up to 5 years |
Up to 3 years |
| PR Pathway |
After 5 years continuous work |
After 5 years’ experience post-qualification |
None |
| Target Group |
Any foreign worker with job offer |
Scarce-skill professionals |
Remote workers & freelancers |
Work legally in South Africa.
The General Work Visa is the main route for foreign professionals with confirmed job offers. Our team assists both employers and applicants to ensure full compliance and smooth processing.
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