Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued to foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a South African employer. The visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 5 years.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
5 years
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>The visa is granted for the duration of the employment contract or for a period not exceeding 5 years. However, all decisions regarding the issuance, number of entries, and duration of the visa are at the sole discretion of the embassy and are not guaranteed.</p>
5 years
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>The visa allows for a stay for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 5 years. The period of residence in the Republic of South Africa will be determined from the applicant's date of admission in accordance with any conditions that may appear on the visa.</p>
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>Extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to the discretion of South African authorities. Extension applications must be submitted from within South Africa at least 60 days before the current visa expires.</p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>The visa is issued for multiple entries.</p>
2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Decisions on visa applications are typically made within 60 calendar days from the date of submission. This period may be extended in exceptional cases.</p>
R 1,520 (~$90)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>Visa fees are reviewed and subject to change annually. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.</p>
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Or an equivalent travel document, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least 30 days and with at least 2 blank pages.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible. Applicants must submit 2 photographs.
Visa application form
Official visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Passport copies
Applicants are required to submit a copy of the passport page bearing their personal data and photograph, copies of any previous South African visas appearing in the passport, and, if applicable, a copy of a second passport.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Letter of undertaking from a South African company
A written undertaking from the employer, confirming responsibility for deportation costs of the applicant and dependents, if needed, and committing to notify the Director-General of any change in employment status or role, to ensure the employee's passport remains valid throughout employment, and to report any non‑compliance with the Act or visa conditions.
Employment contract
An original or certified copy of the employment contract must be submitted, signed by both the employer and the applicant and issued on the official company letterhead. The contract must stipulate the conditions of employment, including the applicant's personal details, the occupation or capacity in which they will be employed, the duration of stay in South Africa (not exceeding five years), and all other provisions of the employment package. The contract must comply with the labour standards of the Republic and be conditional upon the approval of the general work visa. If applicable.
CV
The applicant must submit their curriculum vitae (CV), along with copies of their educational or professional qualification certificates.
Letter from the Department of Labor
A Department of Labor letter addressed to the prospective employer is required, certifying that no suitable local candidate could be found, that the applicant's qualifications and experience match the job offer, and that the offered salary and benefits meet the average for comparable positions held by citizens or permanent residents in South Africa.
Information about the prospective employer
Full details of the employer, including proof of business registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), if applicable.
Proof of qualifications
The applicant must submit evidence that their qualifications have been evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or, where the evaluation outcome is still pending, proof that an application for evaluation has been lodged with SAQA.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for individuals traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic regions of Africa or South America. The vaccination should be administered at least 10 days prior to entry. This requirement does not apply to persons who remain in direct transit through such areas without stopover.
Medical report
Applicants must submit a medical report issued by a registered medical practitioner, confirming their general state of health and detailing any medical conditions they may have. The document must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the full duration of stay in South Africa, covering at least $100,000 and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
Air ticket
The applicant must provide evidence of flight arrangements, which may be a provisional or confirmed air ticket (one-way tickets are accepted).
Police clearance certificate
A police clearance certificate must be issued by the police or competent authority in any country where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer during the five years immediately preceding the application, after having attained the age of 18. The certificate must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
Proof of financial mean
Applicants must submit an original bank statement for the last 3 months, duly stamped and certified by the issuing bank, and dated no earlier than 7 days prior to the date of submission. Multiple personal bank accounts and other relevant financial documents may be accepted as alternative proof of income.
Proof of accommodation
A hotel booking, a lease agreement, a copy of property ownership, or a letter from a South African company accepting responsibility for the applicant's accommodation (and that of any family members), and specifying the address and duration of stay.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Work visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgVisa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
5 years
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
R 1,520 (~$90)
Last updated 2026-03-17