Move to South Africa – The Temporary Residence Visa

There are various types of Temporary Residence permits available, however the key information is that these permits are issued on the basis that applicants intend to visit South Africa for a period of over 3 months but not exceeding 3 years.

Temporary Residency

There are various types of Temporary Residence permits available, however the key information is that these permits are issued on the basis that applicants intend to visit South Africa for a period of over 3 months but not exceeding 3 years and for the following reasons:

• Study Permit/Visa
• Relatives Permit/Visa
• Medical Permit/Visa
• Retired Persons Visa/Permit
• Business Visa/Permit
• Work Permit

There are various websites, immigration consultancies as well as the South African High Commission that is able to provide you with more detailed information like specific documents required to process each application.

With the intention to work in South Africa, this proves to be a little more complex and with that comes over four varied types of work permits that will allow you the opportunity to work in South Africa, with the ultimate intention to gain permanent residency at the end of a 5 year period:

General Work Permit – Issued to foreigners on the basis that the current employer based in South Africa has proved through various advertising & legislative means that there is no South African citizen with the required skill set to fill that vacancy

Quota Work Permit – Published in 2006 and recently updated in 2009 the Quota’s and list of professional categories, are for those applicants who fall into the specialised categories and have proof of a minimum of ‘5 years’ work experience in their profession. This permit also is allocated without any formal job offer as well as no proof given by prospective employers to motivate why the position cannot be filled by a South African citizen

Exceptional Skills Permit – Although there is no clear legislative definition for what is considered ‘exceptional skills’ when applying for this permit, it does however state that there does not have to be secure employment in place when applying for this permit. Obviously individuals with a doctorate or the equivalent qualification in their field will aid your application tremendously. (This permit is valid for up to 3 years with a possible extension)

Inter Company Transfer – Employment within a multinational company which involves travelling or even being transferred to another country. This is a foreign national that has been transferred through their company to South Africa, regarded as ‘Key Personnel’ and in such cases don’t generally need to prove that steps have been taken to source a South African citizen for the position. (This permit is only valid for 2 years and cannot be extended)

Corporate Permit – This is a permit that is issued to the employing company and not to the prospective employee. This permit tends to ideally work when a company based in South Africa is requiring foreign nationals to carry out a specific role i.e. foreign language requirement. This is a lengthy, costly and complex process for the employing company to go through however once that has been issued to the employing company the prospective employee must then apply individually for a work permit, which is less complex and more streamlined for the individual than applying for a normal work permit