Requirements to Work in South Africa

Permanent residence can be sought by a foreign national who is a holder of a work permit to work in South Africa for a period of five years and has received an offer of permanent employment, provided that a ‘salary benchmarking extract’ is filled by the prospective employer confirming that the remuneration, including all benefits to be paid, will not be less favourable than that which would have been paid to a South African resident or citizen in the same position, (with due regard to the relevant market segment into which the foreigner is to be employed), or that the Department of Labour has issued a certificate to the same effect.

The present immigration policy in South Africa is particularly stringent; this is because the emphasis in South Africa is to first grant jobs to the general population. However, if you have a skill that is in short supply in South Africa or are planning to invest in the South African economy then you will be able to get work in South Africa much more easily when you have a work permit or visa.

The current requirements for working in South Africa are that you must be of good character and a good citizen; you must not be likely to harm the welfare of South Africa and you cannot have an occupation for which there are a sufficient number of people already available and who meet the occupation requirements.

Those applying for work in South Africa must be between eighteen and fifty-one years old, with an acceptable offer of employment based on their qualifications and experience.