🇿🇦 South Africa · Employer-sponsored work
Critical Skills Work Visa — requirements, costs & how to apply
Who is eligible
| Minimum monthly income | €1,991 |
| Minimum annual salary | ZAR 37,500 |
| Proof of savings | €1,964 |
| Minimum investment | €1,964 |
| Job offer | Required |
| Employer sponsor | Required |
| Health insurance | Required (valid in-country) |
| Age range | 18–65 |
Costs
| Application / consular fee | €451 |
Duration & renewal
Initial stay: 60 months. Does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Who can apply
Open to all nationalities.
How to apply
- Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
- Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas.
- Typical processing: ~60 days.
Frequently asked
How much income do I need?
You must show €1,991.
Does this visa lead to permanent residence?
No — it does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes — valid health insurance in the country is required.
Sources & verification
Every figure on this page is taken from an official government source and dated. Nothing is inferred.
“Critical skills work visas are issued for a period not exceeding five years) and to apply one you must submit the following — página não menciona limiar salarial”
“Critical Skills Work Visa ... to apply one you must submit the following: ... Offer of employment / contract of employment stipulating the conditions of employment and signed by both the employer and the applicant. A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant ...”
“"...you must ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not correctly stated."”
“Critical skills work visas are issued for a period not exceeding five years) and to apply one you must submit the following: ...”
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, source-backed verdict on every route you're eligible for — in 3 minutes.
Get Your Free Verdict →Other South Africa routes
Business Visa — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)Exchange Visas — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)Quota worker - Section 27(a) — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)Worker – Section 26(a) — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)General Work Visa — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)Corporate Visas — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)Intra-company Transfer Work Visa — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)Business - Section 27(c) — South Africa: requirements, costs & how to apply (2026)Compare all Employer-sponsored work programs →
More about emigrating to South Africa →
Informational only, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm on the official government source linked above before applying. Last verified 2026-06-24.