South Africa Corporate Visa Checklist
The Corporate Visa lets a South African business entity employ a predetermined number of skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled workers — for example a mining group or farm. The application is made by the business, not the worker. Based on the official guidance (dha.gov.za), September 2026.
Who it is for
- A South African business entity employing a predetermined number of skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled workers.
- The business is the applicant.
Duration and where to apply
- Valid for no more than 3 years.
- Submit through any VFS centre or the nearest South African mission.
Business documents
- A completed and signed application form.
- Proof of the need to employ the stated number of foreign workers.
- Department of Labour certification that, despite due diligence, no suitable South African citizen or permanent resident was found; it must state each worker's job description and proposed remuneration, and show pay and benefits are not below the average for comparable local roles.
- Registration proof with SARS (and the Unemployment Insurance Fund, the Compensation Fund, and the CIPC where applicable).
- Employer undertakings: to notify the Director-General of any breach, departure or change of post, and to cover the foreign employees' repatriation costs in writing.
- Proof that at least 60% of the total workforce (permanent positions) are South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Further undertakings: passports stay valid, employ only for the issued post, leave on contract expiry, comply continuously, and a financial guarantee if the visa is withdrawn or a foreign employee overstays.
- Confirmation that the application does not involve a business activity the Minister has listed as undesirable in the Gazette.
- Proof of payment of the applicable fee.
Business vs worker
The official page sets out the business's obligations rather than a per-worker document list. Keep the business applicant's documents separate from the employed foreign national's documents.
Not published
The specific fee amount, any cap on the number of employees, and how the 60% is verified are not published here, so none is asserted here.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Corporate Visa for?
A South African business entity that wants to employ a predetermined number of skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled workers — for example a mining group or farm.
How long is it valid?
It is valid for no more than 3 years.
Where do I apply?
Through any VFS centre or the nearest South African mission.
What does the business have to show about local employment?
The business must show that at least 60% of its total workforce (in permanent positions) are South African citizens or permanent residents.
What undertakings must the business give?
Written undertakings to cover the foreign employees' repatriation costs, ensure passports stay valid, employ only for the issued post, comply continuously, notify the Director-General, and provide a financial guarantee if the visa is withdrawn or a foreign employee overstays.
What is not published?
The page does not give a specific fee amount, a cap on the number of employees, or the way the 60% is checked, so none is asserted here.
Related: the Ireland short-stay visa documents checklist (as a general structure reference), document translation and copies, and the checklists hub.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (dha.gov.za), "Types of visas" — retrieved 2026-09-29. Requirements change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.