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Section 21 — Corporate Visa
South AfricaSouth Africa•Africa
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Section 21 — Corporate Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

USD $36

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

This visa is issued to a corporate applicant (juristic person) to employ a predetermined number of foreign nationals for a specific period.

The Corporate Visa allows South African entities to hire foreign workers in bulk when local skills are unavailable. The employer must prove a diligent search for local talent and maintain a 60% local workforce ratio. Individual workers receive certificates linked to the corporate permit.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Critical Skills Work Visa (Section 19(4))
South Africa flagSouth Africa

Critical Skills Work Visa (Section 19(4))

ValidityUp to 5 years
Processing4-8 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Corporate entity must demonstrate a need for foreign workers

Must prove a diligent search for local candidates was unsuccessful

Must maintain at least 60% local workforce

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Department of Labour Recommendation Certificate

Proof of registration with SARS, UIF, Compensation Fund, and CIPC

Corroborated statement of need

Written undertaking to pay deportation costs

Valid employment contract

SAQA evaluation of qualifications

Police clearance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Facilitates hiring of multiple foreign nationals
  • Valid for up to 3 years

Worth Knowing

  • High administrative burden for the employer
  • Strict local labor market testing requirements
  • Failure to meet 60% local workforce requirement
  • Failure to prove diligent search for local candidates

Application Process

1

Corporate entity obtains Department of Labour recommendation

2

Corporate entity applies for corporate permit

3

Individual workers apply for worker certificates

4

Submit via VFS Global

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