Working in South Africa
South Africa’s thriving economy presents many opportunities for expats, particularly those in the fields of engineering, IT, and finance. The working week follows a 5-day, 9 to 5 pattern, with 3 to 4 weeks leave per year. Johannesburg is renowned for its play hard, work hard culture, while coastal cities such as Durban and Cape Town are known for a more balance, relaxed lifestyle.
Visa and Work Permits
A work permit is required before taking up employment in South Africa and should be applied for at the South African consulate in your country of origin. There are also a number of agencies within South Africa which can help facilitate the process of getting a visa or permit.
The main consideration in dealing with work permits is whether a South African citizen or permanent resident can perform the employment task to be undertaken. Work permits are therefore only issued to foreigners where South African citizens with the relevant skills are not available for appointment. Having said that, however, in some instances international concerns with branches/affiliated companies in the Republic may from time to time decide to transfer existing personnel from a foreign branch to a branch in the Republic. As these will be key employees, they must apply for intra-company transfer work permits. In which instance no proof of steps taken to obtain the services of a South African citizen/permanent resident will be required.
Exchange permits may, furthermore, be issued to foreigners not older than 25 years of age, who wish to participate in cultural, economic or social exchange programmes, administered by an organ of State or a public higher educational institution in conjunction with an organ of a foreign state. Retired person permits may be issued to a person who wishes to retire in South Africa, provided that such person complies with the financial requirements provided for in the Act and Regulations.
The main consideration in dealing with work permits is whether a South African citizen or permanent resident can perform the employment task to be undertaken. Work permits are therefore only issued to foreigners where South African citizens with the relevant skills are not available for appointment. Having said that, however, in some instances international concerns with branches/affiliated companies in the Republic may from time to time decide to transfer existing personnel from a foreign branch to a branch in the Republic. As these will be key employees, they must apply for intra-company transfer work permits. In which instance no proof of steps taken to obtain the services of a South African citizen/permanent resident will be required.
Exchange permits may, furthermore, be issued to foreigners not older than 25 years of age, who wish to participate in cultural, economic or social exchange programmes, administered by an organ of State or a public higher educational institution in conjunction with an organ of a foreign state. Retired person permits may be issued to a person who wishes to retire in South Africa, provided that such person complies with the financial requirements provided for in the Act and Regulations.
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