WHAT IS AN INTRA COMPANY WORK VISA?

If a multi-national company would like to transfer an existing employee from a foreign branch to a branch in South Africa, that employee must apply for an Intra Company Work Visa. This visa application is typically used when a foreign based company would like to transfer skills and knowledge to their South African operation.

To qualify for the Intra Company Work Visa, applicants must be employed at their overseas company branch for six months or more. The South African branch must also approve the transfer.

It’s important to note that the Intra Company Work Visa is not designed to be a long term visa and is valid of a period of 4 years only and is not renewable.  Unlike the Critical Skills Visa, the applicant does not need to verify their qualification.

The application will require both the overseas company and South African subsidiary or affiliate to undertake certain responsibilities and submit documentation:

REQUIREMENTS OF THE OVERSEAS COMPANY:

1. Submission of a valid contract of employment showing that the applicant has been employed by them for at least 6 months, and that the contract of employment will not end within 4 years.
2. An undertaking that the applicant will not work for a period of longer than 4 years in South Africa.
3. Confirmation that the applicant will be transferred to a South African branch, subsidiary of affiliate of the company.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMPANY:

1. Confirmation of the foreign staff member’s employment at the South African Company.
2. Confirmation that the foreign staff member will only be employed in the specific position for which the visa application was made.
3. An undertaking that the foreign staff member’s passport will remain valid for the duration of their stay in South Africa.
4. Confirmation that the South African Company will cover any deportation costs for the staff member, and his family should that be necessary.
5. Confirmation that the foreign employee will comply with the provisions of the Act, and conditions of the visa.
6. Undertaking to notify the Director General in the event of the foreign employee not complying with the Act and/or visa provisions.