Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa for South Africa

Corporate Immigration Solution for Multinational Employers

The Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa is a South African immigration route that allows multinational companies to transfer foreign employees from an overseas office to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliated entity in South Africa.

This Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa for South Africa enables qualifying employees to legally live and work in the country for a fixed period. It is a preferred solution for global organisations managing international staff mobility and short- to medium-term corporate assignments. Although commonly referred to as a work permit, the Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa is the official work authorisation issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs for intra-group staff transfers.

Xpatweb’s immigration specialists provide end-to-end support, ensuring your Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa application is compliant, efficient, and submitted correctly the first time.

What Is an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa?

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa allows a multinational employer to temporarily assign a foreign employee to a South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate without undergoing a labour market test.

In South Africa, the terms work visa and work permit are often used interchangeably. Legally, the ICT Work Visa functions as a South African work permit, authorising employment under specific conditions linked to the transferring employer.

This visa category is designed exclusively for corporate transfers and is not intended for permanent employment or long-term residence.

Benefits of the Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa

The Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa is one of the most efficient corporate immigration options available in South Africa.

Valid for up to four years, allowing legal employment in South Africa

Enables multinational companies to deploy staff efficiently

No SAQA qualification evaluation required

No professional body registration required

No Department of Employment and Labour certificate needed

No labour market testing or advertising obligations

Multiple entry and exit permitted during the visa validity period

Streamlined process compared to other South African work visas

Who Should Apply for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa?

The Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa for South Africa is suitable for:

Multinational corporations transferring staff to South Africa
Foreign employees assigned to a South African entity for four years or less
Employers seeking a temporary corporate work visa solution
Businesses requiring specialist knowledge transfer to South Africa

If the employee is required in South Africa for longer than four years, the Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa is not appropriate. In such cases, alternative South African work visa options should be explored with professional immigration guidance.

How to Qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa

To qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

01.

Employment with the foreign entity for a minimum of six months prior to application

02.

Proof of foreign employment, such as a valid employment contract

03.

A formal transfer to a South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate

04.

A skills transfer plan outlining how skills will be transferred to a South African citizen or permanent resident

The skills transfer plan is a mandatory requirement and supports local workforce development in South Africa.

Why Choose Xpatweb for Your Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa?

Xpatweb is a trusted provider of South African immigration and work visa services for businesses and professionals.

Specialist expertise in Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa applications

End-to-end application preparation and submission

Employer and employee compliance support

Extensive experience with multinational and corporate clients

Our multidisciplinary immigration team ensures your ICT Work Visa application is accurate, compliant, and processed efficiently.

Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Intra-Company Transfer Visa in South Africa?

It allows multinational companies to transfer foreign employees to a South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate for up to four years.

2. Is the Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa considered a work permit?

Yes. While issued as a visa, it functions as a work permit, allowing legal employment in South Africa.

3. Who qualifies for an ICT Work Visa?

Employees must have at least six months with the foreign company and be transferred to a South African entity with a skills transfer plan.

4. How long is the ICT Work Visa valid?

Up to four years, with multiple entries allowed. Extensions beyond four years are not permitted.

5. Can I apply for permanent residence on an ICT Work Visa?

No. This is a temporary visa and does not lead directly to permanent residence.

6. What documents are required for an ICT Work Visa?

Passport, employment contract, transfer letter, skills transfer plan, photos, and completed visa forms.

7. Can family members accompany the ICT Work Visa holder?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can apply for a dependent visa to live in South Africa.

8. What is the processing time for an ICT Work Visa?

Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on the visa office and completeness of documents.

9. Can I change employers while on an ICT Work Visa?

No. The visa is employer-specific; a new work visa is required for a different employer.

10. Should I use an immigration consultant for my ICT Work Visa?

Yes. Consultants like Xpatweb ensure the application is compliant, complete, and maximises approval chances.

South African Work Visas: Comparison Overview

Category	Intra-Company Transfer Visa	General Work Visa	Critical Skills Work Visa
Purpose	Transfer employees within multinational companies	Employment under points-based system	Employment in critical occupations
Eligibility	6+ months with foreign employer	Minimum 100 points	Recognised critical skill
Duration	Up to 4 years (not renewable beyond 4 years)	Up to 5 years; renewable	Up to 5 years; renewable
Key Requirements	Skills transfer plan, Employer letters	SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications. Employment contract	SAQA evaluation Professional registration
Permanent Residence	Not available	Possible after 5 years	Possible with experience
Advantages	No labour market test, Corporate-focused	Transparent criteria	Clearer PR pathway
Limitations	Maximum 4 years	Documentation-heavy	Limited to listed skills

Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa: Expert Guidance from Xpatweb

If your organisation requires a reliable, compliant Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa solution for South Africa, Xpatweb offers expert guidance at every stage of the process.

Speak to an Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa Specialist today and ensure your application is handled professionally from start to finish.

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RNW - What visa do you currently hold?(Required)

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CS - Do you currently have a formal offer of employment from a registered South African company?(Required)

CS - What is your highest level of Education?(Required)

CS - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

CS - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

CS - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

CS - In which country did you complete your highest qualification(Required)

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GWV - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

GWV - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

GWV - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

GWV - Are you proficient in one of South Africa's 11 official languages?(Required)

ICT - Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

ICT - Have you been employed in your current position for longer than 6 months?(Required)

ICT - What is the expected duration of your secondment/ assignment?(Required)

RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

RV - What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

RV - Are you currently residing in South Africa?(Required)

RV - Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RWV - Are you currently employed by a foreign entity outside of South Africa?(Required)

RWV - Do you earn an annual salary exceeding R650,000? (UDS $37,000 / EUR 33,000)(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R1.8 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

STWA - What is the duration of your assignment in South Africa?(Required)

STWA - Does your current employer support your work in South Africa?(Required)

SV - Do you have an enrollment letter from a recognized learning institution?(Required)

SV - What level of education will you be completing in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is your intention in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is you intended duration of stay in South Africa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Intra Company Transfer Work Visa?(Required)

PR - What Visa do you currently hold for South Africa?(Required)

PR - Have you received a permanent offer of employment?(Required)

PR - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_CS - What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

PR_CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_GWV - What is the expiry date of your current General Work Visa?(Required)

PR_GWV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_GWV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_ICT - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_ICT - Have you been offered Permanent employment by a South African employer?(Required)

PR_RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RV - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you receive an irrevocable income of at least R37,000 per month (Rental income, dividends, interest, pension, ect )(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least ZAR 1,8 million(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

RV - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R2.4 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

PR - Do you have direct family members that are South African Citizens or Permanent Residence holders?(Required)

BV - Do you intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa?(Required)

What type of business do you intend to operate or invest in?(Required)

BV - Are you able to invest a minimum of R5 million into the South African economy?(Required)

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Important Notice: Applications are accepted only from the countries listed below.

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