The Visa System
In South Africa

The South African Permits & Visa system is a complicated one. It has been gradually tightened over the years due to high demand and abuse. It is divided into Temporary and Permanent Residence categories. The Temporary Residence Visa category is sub-divided into various Visa types which are issued depending on the intended purpose.

On the other hand the Permanent Residence Visa (known as Permit) is granted through compliance with set out requirements as per sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act of 2002, and its existing regulations. At Immigration Law Associates we expertly assist our clients with the demanding application process. See the different types below.

The Points
Based System

NON-ZEP HOLDERS

Non-ZEP applicants who wish to apply for a General Work Visa or Critical Skills visa will be adjudicated on the Points Based System. The points-based system provides a clear measurable criterion for individuals who wish to sojourn in the Republic of South Africa. All you need to do is attain a minimum of 100 points and you qualify for the General Work Visa or Critical Skills Visa. Contact us now and one of our Immigration Specialists will walk you through the process.

ZEP HOLDERS

Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders applying for mainstream general work visas or critical skills work visas are exempt from the Points Based System. and will continue to have their applications processed according to the terms of the special dispensation. This ensures your continued legal stay in South Africa.

Contact us now for more information and assistance, our experienced immigration specialists can walk you through the process.

Temporary Residence Visas

Critical Skills Visa

The Dept of Home Affairs publishes what is known as a Critical Skills List, which is an outline of fields or professions deemed critical to the development of the South African economy and job market, wherein skilled workers are not adequate within the Citizen and Permanent Residents’ community.

The DHA then came up with this type of Visa in order to enhance and augment skilled labour in these fields, by making it easier for skilled, qualified foreign nationals to obtain one year initial visas to look for employment.

>> See The Latest Citical Skills List fom DHA

This effectively means a foreign national can be granted this visa without securing employment first, for one year, and of course upon acquiring such employment the visa will be issued for a longer period depending on the employment conditions.

Consideration of the granting on this type of Visa is strictly confined to the published list and any professional category that does not fall within the list should find application basis under a different Visa regime.

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General Work Visa (Non ZEP Holders, ZEP holders)

This type of Visa is considered for an applicant who has been offered employment in the Republic. In determination of the application, stringent conditions have been placed to protect the preference of citizens and permanent residents, by way of requiring that the Dept of Labour must endorse that a diligent search has been conducted by the employer and that no citizen or permanent resident has been found to equal the experience and qualifications of the foreign national.

To this end, the selection processes of the employer from advertisement of the job to the interview outcomes are all closely interrogated.

The general work visa can only be applied for once an offer of employment has been issued, and the Dept of Labour has issued its endorsement. Immigration Law Associates can assist with the application of a waiver to show good cause why the requirement for the Dept of Labour endorsement must be dispensed with. This is usually the case in religious and sporting codes or in other instances where a good degree of certainty is present that the application will most likely succeed.

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Corporate Work Visa

This is a Visa regime whereby a corporate conducting or wishing to conduct business in the Republic requires a high number of skilled foreign nationals, who must possess what are listed as critical skills.

The Dept of Labour and Dept of Trade and Industry are much involved in the endorsements before such Visas are issued.

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Short Terrm 90Day Work Visa

This Visa was a result of the incidence of contract short term skilled work requirements. It gives the applicant the right to enter into the republic and conduct work related activities for 90 days and can be renewed for a further 90 days depending on the work activity. Short term construction projects usually utilize this facility.

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Intra-company Transfer Visa

This Visa regime is whereby the foreign applicant is deployed, to an affiliate branch or subsidiary within the Republic, but whose parent company is based outside the Republic. The most important considerations in such application is the requirement that the applicant must have been in the employ of the company for at least 6 months, is issued non-renewable for 4 years, and to show real imminence of the transfer of skills to locals.

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Exchange Visas

This first type of this Visa is one applied for by a foreign nation, under 25 years of age, after having received an offer to conduct work in the Republic. The Visa will last, if issued, for a period not longer than the period of the exchange programme.

An over 25 Exchange Visa is applied for whereby a foreign national is participating in a cultural, economic or social exchange programme in South Africa. This activity shall be a temporary one.

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Treaty Visa

A Treaty Visa may be issued to foreign national whose activities in South Africa are in accordance with an international convention to which South Africa is a party to. These activities may be social, economic, political or investment interests.

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Medical Treatment Visa

This type of Visa is granted upon evidence that the applicant requires medical treatment available in South Africa, and that the visit is intended mainly for that purpose. Unlike other Visas, the Medical Treatment Visa is applied for in the Republic after the applicant enters on another Visa such as a Visitor’s Visa. The Visa is granted up to 6 months and may be renewed depending on the necessity of further treatment within the Republic.

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Study Visa

A South African study visa is a temporary residence permit issued to foreign nationals who wish to live in South Africa while studying at a registered educational institution, which can include primary, secondary, or tertiary levels. To qualify, applicants must secure a formal acceptance letter from the institution and prove they have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and a return ticket. Key requirements also include a valid passport, proof of medical aid from a registered South African scheme, and a police clearance certificate for applicants over 18. For minors under 18, additional documents like parental consent and the designation of a South African guardian are necessary. While holding this visa, a student at a tertiary institution is permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week

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Permanent Residence Visas

Immigrants who are in a position to make meaningful contributions to the South African economy may be granted visas to live in the Republicpermanently. The visa affords the holder various advantages, such as limited restrictions on employment opportunities, security from future immigration law changes and financial limitations. This residency visa is granted to immigrants who meet the criteria set out in sections25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act. (Provide link to the Act).

Holder of a Critical Skills Visa

The Critical Skills work visa is issued in accordance with the critical skills list. The main objective of the critical skills work visa is to attract critical skills from outside the Republic and so as to benefit the country’s economy. A foreign citizen whose skills set appears on the critical skills list can apply for a permanent residence visa once their critical skills visa has been issued.

>> See The Latest Citical Skills List fom DHA

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Holder of a General Work Visa

The General Work Visa for South Africa allows foreign citizens who have necessary qualifications to take up positions in a South African Company. The skills set does not have to be on the critical skills list, however for such a citizen to qualify it must be proven that there was no South African citizen or permanent resident who could occupy the same position. The applicants are evaluated using a merit-based score-card (The Points-Based System) under which the applicant must score a minimum of 100 points in order to be issued with a visa.

Once this visa is issued and the foreign citizen has lived in South Africa for 5 years and longer, they may apply for a permanent residency visa.

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Business Visa
A South African business visa is a temporary residence permit for foreign nationals who intend to establish a new business or invest in an existing one within the country. The visa designed to attract foreign direct investment and promote job creation for South African citizens and permanent residents. A qualifying business visa holder can apply for permanent residency immediately after their business is established. To qualify for a temporary business visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Invest a minimum of R5 million in a South African business. This can be a new or existing venture.

Obtain a letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

At least 60% of the employees must be South African citizens or permanent residents.

Present a comprehensive business plan detailing the feasibility of the business.

Once the business visa has been granted, an applicant can proceed to lodge an application permanent residency under Section 27(c) of the Immigration Act.
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Financially Independent Visas

The Financially Independent Visa is ideal for high net worth foreign citizens wishing to permanently live in the Republic. An individual who wishes to apply for this visa should be able to show a personal net worth of at least R12 Million. A fee R120, 000is also payable to the Department of Home Affairs on approval of the visa. This visa grants immediate permanent residence status.

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A Spousal Visa

In South Africa, a foreign national in a committed relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident can apply for a visa based on that relationship. For legally married couples, this is referred to as a spousal visa, while for unmarried, long-term partners; it is called a life partner visa.A spousal relationship is considered to be a relationship that has existed for at least two (2) years with the partners having entered into the marriage according legally. This visa is not only limited to marriages or relationships of heterosexual partners but includes homosexual life-partnerships.

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Child dependent/ Relative Visa

A permanent residence visa may be issued to children of a South African citizen. Dependents (relatives or children) of a South African citizen or permanent resident may apply for a permanent residence visa. With regards to this visa, the applicant must prove or satisfy the first level of kinship.

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Retired Persons Visa

A Retired Person’s visa is allowed for immigrants who wish to spend their retirement years in South Africa. The visa is provided on the basis that an immigrant is not looking for an opportunity for employment. The main component of this visa provides that the immigrant should have the ability to prove sufficient financial means to support them while living in the Republic.

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Refugee

To attain a permanent residence visa in South Africa, a recognized refugee must have held refugee status for a continuous period of at least ten years according to the Refugees Act, as amended. The process involves two key steps: A refugee must first apply to the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs for certification that they will remain a refugee indefinitely. This requires a written application explaining why they cannot return to their home country. Once certification is granted, the refugee can apply to the Department of Home Affairs for permanent residence. Certain requirements of the Immigration Act are waived for refugees, such as paying a fee and providing a police clearance certificate from their country of origin. However, the applicant must still provide a South African police clearance certificate and a sworn affidavit regarding any criminal record in their home country.

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READ MORE : Who/How To Qualify

Click here to read this blog post and learn more about who/other ways to qualify for the permanent residence visa.

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ZEP – Zimbabwe Exemption Permits

Waivers For ZEP Holders

The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) is a special dispensation permit issued by the South African government to Zimbabwean nationals residing in the country. It allows holders to live, work, study, and conduct business in South Africa. Are you a Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holder – we have good news for you, ZEPs have been extended to 29 November 2025.

What do you need to do?

Apply for a ZEP waiver immediately!!! If you already have a waiver then all you need to do is get in touch with our Immigration Specialists and get facilitation to apply for a General Work Visa.

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Waivers For Non-ZEP Holders, Labour Certificate

Are you in South Africa on an entry stamp visa? If so, then apply for a waiver to begin your journey to legal residency in South Africa. A waiver is a request to the Department of Home Affairs to disregard specific requirements for the type of visa being applied for. You may apply for a waiver of a labour certificate to allow you to proceed to a General Work Visa application without a labour certificate. Our experienced Immigration Specialists are well equipped to advise and walk you through the full process of your waiver application. Contact us now and apply for your waiver.

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Experts in Immigration Law Solutions

The Visa SystemIn South Africa

The PointsBased System