Types of South African Work Visas: A Beginner’s Guide (2025)
Thinking of working in South Africa? The visa system can be confusing, so we’ve prepared a simple beginner’s guide to all the main types of work visas available in South Africa.
Work Visas in South Africa Explained
Here are the primary work visas in South Africa, and the basic requirements for each.
1. Critical Skills Visa (CSV)
This visa type is for individuals with listed skills. There’s no employer sponsor needed for a CSV, but applicants must receive recognition from a professional body. You can learn more about the CSV in our specific guide on CSVs.
2. General Work Visa (GWV)
For any other job not falling under the CSV, a General Work Visa is needed. This visa type does not require approval from the Department of Labor but does require a job offer and passing a Points-Based System. We discuss the GWV in more detail in our extensive GWV guide.
3. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
If you’re working for a multinational company and are being moved to a South African branch, an ICT is the ideal visa type for you. See our comprehensive ICT guide for further information.
4. Corporate Visa
For South African companies looking to hire a significant number of foreign workers, a Corporate Visa is necessary. To understand more about this complex visa type, check out our dedicated guide.
5. Debunking Myths: Visa C and D
Visas C and D often come up in discussions about visas to South Africa. However, these are terms related to the Schengen Zone in Europe and are not types of South African work visas.
How much does it cost and what is the minimum salary?
These are two common questions about work-related visas in South Africa, and the answer varies depending on the specific visa type. Visit our guides on each visa type to receive detailed information regarding costs and salaries.
Ready to Apply?
As you have seen, the work visa application process in South Africa is detailed and often complicated. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. As the top immigration agents for work visas in Cape Town, Abroadscope is ready to guide you every step of the way. Find a work visa specialist at Abroadscope today and schedule a consultation for a personal review.