About applying for an exceptional skills work permit

If you are a highly skilled foreign national who wants to work in South Africa, you may apply for an exceptional skills permit at a Home Affairs office or at a South African representative if you are applying from abroad.
    
An exceptional skills work permit is issued to foreigners who excel in their field of specialisation and possess exceptional skills or qualifications.

An exceptional skills work permit is valid for three years and may be extended to your immediate family (biological or judicially adopted child, adoptive parent/s and spouse), at the discretion of the Director General of Home Affairs.

Please note: You can apply for permanent residence with an exceptional skills work permit. 

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office or South African representative if you are applying from abroad.
• Complete form DHA-1738 if abroad or DHA 1740 if applying in South Africa.
• Your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit. 
• Submit the following:
• a vaccination certificate, if required
• a medical report and radiological report
• proof of financial means in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available, or travellers’ cheques to cover envisaged living expenses until the you receive a salary
• a valid temporary residence permit, if applicable
• a police clearance from all countries you lived in since the age of 18 for 12 months or longer
• full birth certificate in respect of each dependent child, if applicable 
• letter from a foreign or South African organ of State, or from an established South African academic, cultural or business body, confirming your exceptional skills or qualifications
• testimonials from your previous employers and a comprehensive curriculum vitae
• other proof of exceptional skills and/or qualifications, such as publications
• a letter of motivation indicating that your exceptional skill will add value to the South African environment in which you intend to operate.
  

Note: The immigration act requires you to enter South Africa on a temporary residence permit commensurate with the intended activity to be taken in the country.

Timeframe

It might take a month to finalise your application.

How much does it cost

R 1 520

Forms to complete

Application for temporary residence permit, BI-1738

Who to contact