In this section you will find an up-to-date summary of requirements and documents needed in order to apply for various categories of work permit.

In order to apply for any type of work permit, you will have to submit Form BI-1738 (Application for Temporary Residence permit), as well as supporting documentation required for each type of permit. Form BI-1738 Can be downloaded here or alternatively picked up at Home Affairs.

The standard supporting documentation required for all types of work permits currently includes:

• Passport valid for at least 30 days after expiry of intended stay
• A medical certificate
• A radiological report
• Full birth certificate for each dependent child
• Marriage certificate or Affidavit (cohabiting life partners)
• Police clearance certificates in respect of all countries where person resided one year or longer
• If applicable: Divorce decree, Proof of Court order awaiting custody, Death certificate with respect to late spouse, Proof of legal adoption, Proof of legal separation order, Vaccination certificate

You will also be required to supply additional supporting documentation, depending on type of work permit you are applying for.

General Work Permit

• A letter of motivation from the employer why a South African could not fill the position, accompanied by documentary proof of efforts made to obtain the services of a South African (newspaper ads, applications made to employment agencies etc)
• Particulars of unsuccessful candidates
• Proof of qualifications certified by the South African Qualifications Authority
• Proof of experience and skills in line with the job offer
• Proof of registration with the professional body or board, if applicable
• The employer to submit a certification from the Department of Labour detailing the average salary earned by employees fulfilling similar positions in South Africa.

Intra-company Transfer Work Permit

• Your contract of employment with the company abroad
• Letter from the company abroad that you shall be transferred to a branch or affiliated company in South Africa South African company confirming the transfer from the parent or affiliated company abroad as well as specifying occupation in which you will be employed, and that the maximum duration will not exceed 2 years.

Work Permit issued in terms of a Corporate Permit

• Valid employment contract
• A corporate worker authorisation certificate from the employer

Quota Work Permit

• Proof of the relevant qualifications as certified by the South African Qualifications Authority, including authenticated copies of academic certifications and degrees
• Proof of previous experience in the occupation (usually no less than 5 years)
• Proof of registration with professional body, board or council, if applicable.

Exceptional Skills Work Permit

• Comprehensive CV together with testimonies from previous employers
• Letter from a foreign or South African organ of state, or from an established South African academic, cultural or business body, confirming the applicants exceptional skills or qualifications
• Any other proof to sunstantiate exceptional skills or qualifications, such as publications and testimonials Letter of motivation indicating that the exceptional skills will be to the benefit of the South African environment in which the applicant intends to operate
• Completion of the relevant sections of the Application Form by the employer, if already in possession of job offer (part P of Form BI-1738)

Last updated December 10, 2009