South Africa Business Visas
In South Africa, work permits, along with business visas, are included in the larger group of temporary resident visas and allow a foreign national to live and work in South Africa for a specified period. South African work permits require an offer of employment to be obtained from a South African company and the process of applying for a South African work permit involves this company applying on behalf of the candidate.
Visit the Global Visas online assessment area now to find out whether you qualify for a South African work permit or business visa and to begin your application.
South African Work Permit Benefits
Although work permits are issued as a temporary South African immigration service and are not specifically intended as a route to permanent residency in South Africa, they can be extended beyond their initial grant. Work permits are issued for a period of one year and may be extended if the job is still in place. If a foreign national is in possession of a work permit for more than five years and has a permanent offer of employment, then they may apply for permanent residency in South Africa. With this in mind it is common for those who wish to immigrate to South Africa to begin proceedings early whist still in possession of a temporary work permit, since the process of achieving permanent settlement in South Africa is a long one.
Types of South African Work Permit
In South Africa, work permit visa applications are divided into three categories and may be granted to a person with exceptional ability, as a general work permit, or under the work permit quota system.
Where general work permits are granted, they require a job offer to be in place, and applications are submitted by the employer. In all cases a position must pass labour market tests to demonstrate that filling the vacancy with a non South African worker will not displace any South African citizens or permanent residents. To achieve this, positions must be advertised in the home market in the print media and details of any South African applicants and why they were rejected must be supplied.
South Africa Work Permit Quota System
The work permit quota system allows people working in shortage occupations to immigrate to South Africa and begin working without a job offer being obtained.
This is a popular route since employers do not have to advertise a job before bringing a candidate to the country. However, the occupation must appear on the list of shortage occupations and the applicant must have the necessary skills and at least five years experience. They must also find employment within 90 days of arrival.
South African Work Permits for Exceptional Skills
When a South African work permit visa is issued on the grounds of exceptional skills, each case is assessed on its own merits and verification of the candidates skills must come from a reputable and relevant Governmental body, business organisation, or academic institution. Where documentary evidence of the candidate’s ability can be provided it should be included with an application.
South African Intra Company Transfers
Intra Company transfers allow an employee to transfer between a South African company and a foreign branch or subsidiary to perform a specific task. It should be noted that Intra Company Transfers are not extendable and will not lead to permanent residence.
South Africa Business Visa
For people who wish to live and work in South Africa by making a substantial investment or by starting a new business venture, the South African business visa is available. Variously referred to as an entrepreneur permit or investor permit, this South African immigration service is a temporary resident visa, which may in the long-term lead to permanent residency. The South African business visa is chiefly concerned with the business acumen of the applicant and the likelihood of them creating jobs for South African citizens or permanent residents.
Applying for a South African Business Visa
In South Africa business visas do not employ a points based assessment and are granted for 24 months which may be extended as required providing the conditions of the permit are still met. Ultimately a business visa holder may also apply for permanent residency in South Africa. Business visas require a minimum investment of 2.5 million Rand in a new business, which is in the national interest of South Africa. At present, this definition includes investments in Agricultural-Processing, Automotive and Transport based ventures, Chemicals and Biotechnology, IT and Communications, Metals and Minerals, Textiles and Tourism.
All applications must include a detailed business plan which demonstrates either significant export potential or the transfer of technology which is currently unrepresented in South Africa. The applicant must be employed within the venture and evidence of their entrepreneurial skills and experience must be submitted.
Spouse Immigration and Dependent immigration
South African work permits and business visas for immigrating to South Africa as an entrepreneur or investor are both regarded as temporary residence permits. However, both are likely to see an applicant remaining in the country for an extended period and ultimately, both may provide a route to permanent residency in South Africa. With this in mind, the spouse, unmarried partner, conjugal or common-law partner and/or any dependent children may join the main applicant in South Africa. Any such dependents will be granted the same period of leave to remain in South Africa as that awarded to the principle applicant. However, dependents must secure their own work permit to begin working in South Africa.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur thinking of immigrating to South Africa or a South African business looking for skilled workers from overseas, our straightforward online assessment forms make it easy to set your application motion. Visit the online assessment area now and a Global Visas immigration consultant will be in touch.
