Work visas for South Africa
For professionals with a South African job offer, and the employers recruiting them. Since October 2024, the two main work visas are tested through a 100-point system.
Six routes, one right fit.
The right visa depends on your occupation, your offer and your employer.
Critical Skills Work Visa
For professionals whose occupation is on the Critical Skills List of 3 October 2023. A listed occupation supplies the full 100 points; qualifications, registration and other requirements decide the application.
General Work Visa
For applicants who reach 100 points through qualification, salary, experience, Trusted Employer status and language. An offer of employment is mandatory.
Intra-company transfer work visa
For employees moved from a foreign branch, subsidiary or affiliate to one in South Africa, for up to four years.
For employers EmployersCorporate visa
Applied for by an employer to bring in a set number of skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled workers.
Corporate immigration Remote workersRemote work visa
For people employed by a foreign company who want to live in South Africa while working remotely.
Check the thresholdShort-term work
Visitor's visas with authorisation for specific, short work assignments.
How the points add up.
A listed occupation reaches the pass mark alone and points to the Critical Skills Work Visa. Any other combination of 100 points points to the General Work Visa.
| Criterion | Condition | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation | On the Critical Skills List | 100 |
| Qualification | NQF 9 or 10 | 50 |
| NQF 7 or 8 | 30 | |
| Offer of employment (mandatory) | Above R976,194 gross a year | 50 |
| R650,976 to R976,194 gross a year | 20 | |
| Work experience | More than 10 years | 30 |
| 5 to 10 years | 20 | |
| Employment status | Offer from a Trusted Employer | 30 |
| Language | Proficient in an official language | 10 |
Points are only part of the test. Every other prescribed requirement still applies, from police clearance to professional registration.
You may be a good fit if
- You have, or are close to, a written offer from a South African employer
- Your occupation and duties match a listed occupation, or your profile reaches 100 points another way
- Your qualification is recognised, with a SAQA evaluation if it was awarded abroad
- You are registered with your professional body where your occupation requires it
Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders and applicants already in South Africa on other visas should speak to us first: different rules may apply.
Four stages, one adviser.
Assess
We test your occupation match, points and the requirements that sit outside the points table.
Written route recommendation
Prepare
SAQA, registration, police clearance and medicals, started in the order that saves time.
Personal checklist and timeline
Lodge
Forms, employer documents, supporting letters and a complete, indexed file for VFS.
VFS appointment booked
Follow through
We track the application, respond to requests and plan for renewal or residence.
Next steps in writing
What you will usually need
The exact list depends on the visa and where you apply. We confirm the current checklist for your mission or VFS centre before you collect anything.
- Valid passport with blank pages
- Signed offer or contract of employment, with salary
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- SAQA evaluation, or proof of submission
- Professional body registration or proof of application
- Proof of work experience (reference letters)
- Police clearance for each country lived in for 12 months or more since age 18
- Medical and radiological reports
Work visa questions
Does 100 points guarantee a visa?
Do I need a job offer for a Critical Skills Work Visa?
What if my job title is similar to a listed occupation?
Other routes you may need
Your skills, scored before you apply.
Start with the free work permit assessment, or talk the route through with an adviser.