South African Visas and Work Permits
Our tax guide for freelance contractors working in South Africa
An employer can apply for different sorts of work permits for a future employee such as general, corporate or intra-company transfer work permits. For the application of a general work permit the following documents are needed: birth certificate, medical report, radiological report, offer of employment, proof from the South African company that it has tried to find a South African Citizen or an approved immigrant to fill the vacant position (newspaper clippings or advertisements in the local media or trade journals), passport, proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority.
Foreigners with scarce and critical skills can also make their own application for a work permit from a quota. They must have formal qualifications and at least five years practical experience in a field that is recognized as having a shortage of skilled labour. After receiving the work permit the applicant has 90 days to find a position in his field of expertise.