South Africa General Work Visa

Expert Guidance for Skilled Foreigners

Looking to work in South Africa? The South African General Work Visa allows foreign nationals to fill roles for which there are no suitable local candidates. Our team at Xpatweb has a 100% success rate, helping professionals and corporates navigate the visa process efficiently, legally, and with peace of mind.

With constantly updated knowledge of ever-changing requirements and updates to South Africa’s immigration laws, we ensure your application meets all requirements under the latest regulations, including the Points-Based System introduced in 2024.

Why Choose a South African General Work Visa?

Holding a General Work Visa in South Africa comes with multiple benefits for skilled professionals:

Travel flexibility

Exit and re-enter South Africa freely during your visa validity.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Holding a General Work Visa for more than five consecutive years may make you eligible to apply for South African permanent residency.

Streamlined application process

A recent Ministerial Waiver removed the requirement for a Department of Employment and Labour Certificate.

Efficient processing

Most General Work Visa applications are processed within 8–12 weeks.

Key Requirements for a South African General Work Visa

To qualify for a General Work Visa in South Africa, you will need:

Understanding the New Points-Based System

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) implemented a new Points-Based System on 9 October 2024 (updated 18 October 2024) that affects all General Work Visa applications. Under this system, applicants must achieve at least 100 points. Points are awarded based on:

Education

NQF Level 9 or higher 50 points

NQF Level 7 or 8 30 points

Note: Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA as per the National Qualifications Framework Act.

Work Experience

5–10 years 20 points

Over 10 years 30 points

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in one of South Africa’s official languages: 10 points

Employment Offer & Salary

Annual salary R976,194 or higher 50 points

Annual salary between R650,796 and R976,194 20 points

Trusted Employer Scheme

Employment offer from a Trusted Employer 30 points

Important Updates for Applicants
• The Department of Employment and Labour Certificate is no longer required, thanks to the Ministerial Waiver.
• Applicants who have submitted qualifications for SAQA evaluation may receive a 12-month provisional General Work Visa, which can later be extended to the full 5-year period once the evaluation is complete.

These changes streamline the process for skilled professionals, providing flexibility, speed, and compliance under South African immigration law.

How Xpatweb Can Help

Our team of immigration consultants, attorneys, and administrators provides expert support to professionals, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals seeking a General Work Visa South Africa. We focus on:

Complete legal compliance with DHA regulations

Personalised guidance for points-based applications

Handling all documentation and submission requirements

Advising on pathways to Permanent Residency

Start Your South African Work Visa Application

Ready to apply for a General Work Visa in South Africa? Contact Xpatweb today to receive tailored advice and start your application. Our experts respond promptly and provide step-by-step guidance to make the process seamless.

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Please select the visa category you require assistance with:(Required)

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

How old is the child?(Required)

Does the child's parent/ guardian have valid status within South Africa?(Required)

What is your marital status?(Required)

What is the status of your spouse?(Required)

What is the number of foreign nationals you are looking to employ?(Required)

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)

CS - What position have you been offered(Required)

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

GWV - What is your highest level of education?(Required)

GWV - Have you received an Offer of Employment(Required)

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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GWV - Total Points(Required)

Country(Required)

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

Please select the Visa Type you need to verify:(Required)

Have you secured an official business invitation or cooperation letter from a Chinese-based company?(Required)

If Yes, Please provide the name of the inviting Chinese company.(Required)

Please provide a brief description of the purpose of your visit.(Required)

What is your current occupation and the nature of your business activities?(Required)

What is the intended duration of your stay in China?(Required)

How frequently do you intend to travel to China for business purposes?(Required)

Will you have any dependents accompanying you during your stay?(Required)

Full Name(Required)

Contact Number(Required)

Email Address(Required)

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