Can I change from a visitor visa to a work visa inside South Africa?

Generally no — a change of status usually has to be applied for from outside the country, with limited exceptions. Check the current DHA directives before you plan around it.

What is the difference between a visa and a permit?

Temporary stays are granted as visas; permanent residence is granted as a permit. The Immigration Amendment Act changed the terminology.

What happens if I overstay?

You can be declared undesirable, with a ban on returning that runs from 12 months to 5 years depending on the length of the overstay.

Can my family join me?

Yes — accompanying spouse and dependant visas are applied for with proof of the relationship and the principal applicant's visa.

Immigration

Temporary Residence Visas — Overview

In plain English

A temporary residence visa is the umbrella term for the visas that allow a foreign national to stay in South Africa for a defined purpose and period under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 — visitor, work, study, business, relative, retired person, medical treatment and exchange visas.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Foreign nationals who want to stay in South Africa longer or for a different purpose than a straightforward tourist visit, and South African employers, families and institutions hosting them.

When is it required

Before entering the country, or before your current visa expires if you are applying for a change or extension in-country.

Eligibility

You qualify under one of the temporary residence categories
You have a valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
You can show sufficient financial means and, where applicable, a host, employer or institution
You are not a prohibited or undesirable person

Documents you need before applying

Completed DHA application form for the relevant category
Passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended stay, with two blank pages
Passport photographs
Yellow fever certificate if travelling from a designated country
Police clearance certificates for stays longer than 90 days
Medical and radiological reports where required
Proof of financial means, accommodation and return travel
Category-specific documents: employment contract, university acceptance, business plan, marriage certificate, and so on

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Choose the correct category
Applying in the wrong category is the most common reason for rejection. Match your actual purpose — work, study, business, relative or visit — to the category.
2
Collect the supporting documents early
Police clearances, SAQA evaluations and medicals all have their own lead times.
3
Submit at a mission abroad or VFS in South Africa
Most first applications must be made at the South African mission in your country of residence. In-country applications go through VFS Global where the category allows it.
4
Track the application
VFS provides a tracking reference. Do not travel or change plans until the outcome is issued.
5
Renew or change status in good time
Applications to extend must be lodged at least 60 days before expiry. Overstaying can result in being declared undesirable and banned from returning.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

A South African embassy, high commission or consulate abroad, or a VFS Global centre in South Africa for permitted in-country applications.

Fees

Home Affairs application fees plus VFS service fees, and the cost of police clearances, medicals and document verification. Confirm current amounts with DHA and VFS.

Processing time

Varies widely by category and mission — from a few weeks to several months. Plan conservatively.

Validity

Determined by the category and the supporting contract, course or purpose.

Renewal

Lodge renewal at least 60 days before expiry, in-country where the category permits.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying in the visitor category and then trying to work
Letting the visa expire while waiting for a renewal decision without proof of timely lodgement
Missing police clearance from a country you lived in for over 12 months
Uncertified or untranslated supporting documents