The private medical and health care facilities in South Africa are world-class and very often foreigners utilise the facilities and make use of medical treatment visas to undergo medical treatments. Medical visas issued are limited to six months after which it can be renewed.

General work visas are valid for the duration of the contract of employment or a period not exceeding 5 years. 

To apply, you must submit the following documents:

• Application form fully completed in detail and signed.
• An original passport and a copy authenticated by the issuing authority of the country of origin with a valid visa as proof of current status in the Republic.
• The passport is valid and expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
• The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days before the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
• A medical report, signed by a Medical Practitioner, reflecting their practice number, address and contact details, and the report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
  • Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority of a country where the applicant resided for longer than 12 months in the last five years before submitting the current application, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area (provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such an area)
• Marriage certificate or in the case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition thereof issued by the authorities of the foreign country of the applicant (where applicable).
• The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable, as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Divorce decree, where applicable.
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights, where applicable.
• Death certificate, in respect of the late spouse, where applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities, where applicable.
• Proof of adoption where applicable.
• Legal separation order, where applicable.
• A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary.
• A written undertaking by the employer to ensure that the passport of his or her employee is valid at all times for the duration of his or her employment.
• Proof of qualifications evaluated by SAQA and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic; and
• Full particulars of the employer, including, where applicable, proof of registration of the business with the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies (CIPC).
• An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General, should the applicant not comply with the provisions of the Act, or conditions of the visa.
• An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General upon the employee no longer being in the employ of such employer, or when he or she is employed in a different capacity or role.
• Proof of payment
• A certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that:

1. at least an amount in cash to be invested in the Republic as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available or already invested; or
2. at least an amount in cash and a capital contribution as determined from time to time by the Minister, after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry, by notice in the Gazette, is available or already invested,

• Proof that at least 60% of the total staff complement employed in the operations of the business are South African citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions.
• Proof of registration with the-

1. South African Revenue Service;
2. Unemployment Insurance Fund;
3. Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases;
4. Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CPIC), where legally required; and
5. Relevant professional body, board or council recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1) (i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, where applicable.

• A letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding:

1. the feasibility of the business; and
2. the contribution to the national interest of the Republic.

• A foreigner who invests or has invested in an existing business shall, in addition, submit-

1. financial statement in respect of the preceding financial year; and
2. proof of investment

The applicant must, within 12 months of the visa being issued, submit to the Director-General a letter of confirmation from the Department of Labour, that 60% of the staff complement employed in the operations of the business are South African citizens or permanent residents who are employed permanently in various positions.