Applying for a Business Permits (Non South African)

BUSINESS AND WORK PERMITS FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS (NON SOUTH-AFRICANS)

A person who comes to South Africa for a holiday may not apply for a work permit or a permit for self-employment in South Africa. He or she would have to return to their country of origin and apply for these permits at the South African Consulate.

Work Permits

In considering whether or not to grant a work permit the Department of Home Affairs will evaluate the validity of the offer of employment by checking whether the Department of Labour has been contacted, whether the position has been widely advertised, and whether the prospective employer is able to prove that he or she tried to find a suitably qualified local employee and that the prospective employee is appropriately qualified and has the relevant experience. Close family members will receive favourable consideration, for example; a father wishing to employ a son.

Business Permits

Foreign nationals who wish to establish their own business or a partnership in South Africa must, apart from having sufficient funds to support themselves and their family, be able to invest at least R2,5 million in the business. The funds must originate overseas, be transferable to South Africa and belong to the applicant (i.e. emanate from the applicant’s own bank account).

The business must also create jobs for South African citizens. After six months to a year, proof will have to be submitted that the business is employing South African citizens or permanent residents, excluding family members of the employer. Applications for work permits for self-employment can only be lodged at the South African Consulate in the applicant’s country of origin.

The applicant would also have to lodge a repatriation guarantee with the Consulate equivalent to the price of a one-way flight from South Africa back to his or her country of origin. This guarantee is refundable once the applicant has either left South Africa permanently or obtained permanent residence. Any application for an extension of a business permit may be lodged locally.

 APPLICATION FOR A BUSINESS OR WORK PERMIT (NON SOUTH-AFRICANS)