Work Visas for South Africa
From critical skills to corporate roles, we help you choose the work visa that fits your profession and find the most realistic route to working in South Africa.
Each work visa has its own eligibility test.
South Africa runs several distinct work visa routes, each with its own eligibility test, validity and renewal rules. The right one depends on your occupation, your qualifications and the employer offering the role.
We assess which route you actually qualify for before you commit, so you are not paying to pursue a visa you cannot meet the requirements for.
Work visa routes in South Africa
- A company abroad, and you work remotely from South Africa Digital Nomad Visa Issued as the Remote Work Visa
- A company abroad that is moving you to its South African branch Intra-Company Transfer Visa After at least six months with the group
- A South African company that has offered you a job Is it hiring you under its Corporate Visa?
- Yes Corporate Work Visa
- No 100-point test Scored on your own profile
- Reached through a Critical Skills List occupation Critical Skills Work Visa
- Reached through qualifications, experience, salary and other points General Work Visa
Critical Skills Work Visa
For professionals whose occupation sits on the Critical Skills List. A Critical Skills List occupation scores the full points needed and may provide a pathway to permanent residence after five years.
Learn more →General Work Visa
For skilled professionals whose occupation is not on the Critical Skills List. Adjudicated on the 100-point eligibility system scored across qualifications, experience, salary and a Trusted Employer offer.
Learn more →Intra-Company Transfer Visa
For staff relocating from an international branch of the same group to a South African entity. Valid for up to four years.
Learn more →Corporate Work Visa
For companies with a demonstrated need to recruit multiple foreign employees under a single corporate authorisation.
Learn more →Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers employed abroad who want to live in South Africa while working for an overseas employer, for up to three years.
Learn more →Sources
South African immigration is decided by the Department of Home Affairs. These are the official pages behind what you have just read, so you can check it against the source rather than take our word for it.
- Department of Home Affairs: immigration services
Authoritative for visa and permit categories, requirements and application channels.
Guided by our team in Cape Town
Every page here is maintained by Intergate Immigration’s client managers in Cape Town, the same people who handle your case from the free assessment to approval.
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Questions people ask
What types of work visa are available in South Africa?
South Africa offers several work visa categories: the General Work Visa, the Critical Skills Work Visa, the Intra-Company Transfer Visa, the Corporate Work Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa. Each has its own eligibility test and conditions.
Who qualifies for a Critical Skills Work Visa?
The Critical Skills Work Visa is for people whose occupation appears on South Africa’s Critical Skills List. Applicants prove their qualifications through a SAQA evaluation and, where required, register with the relevant professional body.
How is the General Work Visa assessed?
Since 18 October 2024 the General Work Visa is adjudicated under a 100-point eligibility system. Points are scored on the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, the salary offered, the type of employer and language, and the application must reach 100 points alongside the other prescribed requirements.
Can a work visa lead to permanent residence?
It can. Certain routes, such as the Critical Skills Work Visa and long-term work visas held for five years, may provide a pathway to permanent residence. We assess your specific position before advising on it.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Spouses, partners and children can apply for the appropriate accompanying visas, which allow them to live in South Africa and, for children, to study.
Speak with our South African team.
A focused conversation about your case, before any money is spent.