International companies, with offices around the world, are common in this day and age. Sometimes these companies want staff to work in a satellite office. The reasons are varied. Whatever the reason, however, a foreign immigrant must obtain a South African intra-company transfer work visa to come to South Africa.
The first step is to see whether you qualify. To do so, you can complete our online assessment. It’s free, quick and easy.
Alternatively, call us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460.
If you’d like, you can familiarise yourself with the basic information around a South African intra-company transfer work visa before doing any of this.
Who can apply for a South African intra-company transfer work visa?
Companies who want to send their foreign staff members from the branch in the country of origin to a:
- Sister branch.
- Subsidiary.
- Or an affiliate in South Africa.
Can my family join me in South Africa?
Immediate family members, i.e. a spouse or life partner and dependant children, are welcome to join foreign immigrants in South Africa. The visa they’d apply for is an ‘accompanying spouse, life-partner or child visa’.
If spouses or life partners would like to work, study or start a business in South Africa, they need to apply for the specific visa. Without a valid visa, these activities are not allowed.
How long is this visa valid for?
The Department of Home Affairs considers an intra-company transfer work visa as a temporary recruitment option. As such, this visa is usually issued for a period of 2 years.
Qualifying applicants who have held an appropriate work visa for a period of 5 continuous years could be eligible for permanent residency.
What are the requirements for an intra-company transfer work visa?
There are a number of specific requirements when applying for this visa. These include, but are not limited to, the following documentation:
- Secondment letter, from the company abroad that is transferring the applicant. This letter should state that the applicant is being transferred to South Africa and still being paid abroad.
- Acceptance letter, from the South African branch or affiliate. This letter should state the acceptance of the transfer and the reason for the transfer. It should also mention the position of the applicant and an undertaking for repatriation.
- Foreign employment contract. It should be recently dated to show continuous employment or a letter extending the employment period.
- Contract to show remuneration in foreign currency. This serves as proof that the applicant is being paid by a foreign employer.
- A CV illustrating the applicant’s work skills and experience.
How do I apply for a South African intra-company transfer work visa?
All the requirements for the visa must be met and all necessary documentation, as determined by the Department of Home Affairs, must be submitted.
Get it right the first time by letting Intergate Immigration handle the application. Our consultants have helped thousands of corporates and their employees with transfers to South Africa.
You can reach us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460. If you’d like us to call you, all you have to do is complete our assessment form or request a call back. Our client managers have years of experience in immigration and are happy to help you.