General Work Visa
🇿🇦 South Africa visas · Work
What it is
A temporary residence visa allowing a foreign national to work for a specific employer in South Africa in a general (non-critical skills) occupation.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Up to 5 years (Immigration Regulations reg 18(4)); points-based since 18 October 2024.
- Processing time
- Up to 4 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Vac
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (Immigration Act §19)
- ZAR 1,520
Key requirements
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Proof of employment offer or contract from a South African employer
- Labour market test / proof that no suitable South African citizen or permanent resident is available
- Qualifications and certificates evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Medical and radiological reports
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of payment of prescribed fee
Working on this visa
Points-based since 18 October 2024: 100 points are required, reached other than through the critical skills list. A gross salary offer between R650,976 and R976,194 scores 20 points; above R976,194 scores 50.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 30 July 2026.