Working in South Africa
From breathtaking landscapes to promising career opportunities, South Africa – aka the “Rainbow Nation” – has a lot to offer. But what is it like to work in South Africa? Which jobs are in high demand and what are working conditions like? This article covers everything you need to know about working in South Africa.
Which jobs are sought after in South Africa?
South Africa has a high demand for specialists across different sectors. These include:
- Engineering: civil and process engineers
- Information technology (IT): software developers and IT experts
- Healthcare: doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals
- Education: teachers for various subjects
- Finances: accountants and financial analysts
- Science: specialists in chemistry, biology and related disciplines
Have a look at the “Critical Skills List”. Published by the South African government, it lists all the professions that are currently in high demand for the country’s development. If you are a skilled worker whose qualifications are featured on this list, you have a good chance of obtaining a visa.
Working conditions in South Africa
South Africa has clear regulations regarding working hours, holidays, and pay.
Working models range from traditional full-time positions to part-time and shift work. Flexible working hours and hybrid or remote work are becoming more popular, especially in international companies and big cities.
A standard working week spans 45 hours, with paid overtime limited to ten hours per week. Employees get one day of paid leave for every 17 work days and 12 national public holidays. If they fall ill, they can take six weeks of paid sick leave within a 36-month work period.
The minimum wage in South Africa is currently ZAR 27.58 per hour (EUR 1.40), though actual salaries vary by sector and qualification. The average annual salary is ZAR 321,804 (EUR 16,375.96). But again, sector and location impact the exact numbers.
Notice periods go by how long an employee has been with a company. The longer the employment, the longer the notice period. Even with these regulations, working conditions vary by sector, especially in agriculture or mining. Please check your employment contract and research your rights.
Finding and applying for a job in South Africa
We recommend starting your job search early by having a look at job portals like CareerJunction and Pnet. LinkedIn is also a great place to find work as personal contacts and recommendations mean a lot in South African work culture.
The exact requirements for your application will depend on the job listing.
But generally speaking, you would include the following documents:
Cover letter: Your cover letter should be clear and no longer than one page. It should highlight why you are applying and what makes you a suitable candidate.
Resume/CV: Your CV should also fit onto one page and list your relevant career milestones (without any gaps). In South Africa, it is also customary to include a headshot.
References: Recommendation letters from previous employers go a long way in SA. Please make sure to have them translated into English as needed.
Certificates: Certificates and diplomas need to be translated and certified if applicable. Include them in your application if the job ad requires them.
Please make sure your application is written in flawless English. If you are unsure, consider having it proofread by a native English speaker.
Work visas for South Africa
To be able to work in South Africa, you need to apply for a work visa before entering the country. Depending on your qualifications and type of employment, there are different types of visas available:
General Work Visa
A General Work Visa is for people with an existing job offer from a South African employer. The employer has to prove that there are no suitable South African citizens or permanent residents to take up that position. After five years on a General Work Visa, you qualify for a Permanent Residence Visa.
Critical Skills Work Visa
A Critical Skills Work Visa suits specialists with sought-after qualifications in South Africa. You can apply for this type of visa even without a job offer, but you must prove that you have the relevant skills for the job. Have a look at the Critical Skills List for more information.
Application process
You will need the following documents to apply for a work visa:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of good conduct
- Medical and radiological report (no older than six months)
- Proof of professional qualifications and work experience (translated into English and certified as needed)
- Proof of health insurance in South Africa
- Visa application fee receipt
You will need certified translations of any non-English application documents. Depending on your visa type, you may need to provide extra documents (see section above for more information). Your best bet is to submit your application early, as processing times may vary.
Translations for job application
More information about South Africa
If you would now like additional information about South Africa, you can find out more in our other articles:
FAQs: Working in South Africa
To live and work in South Africa, you need to apply for a work visa before entering the country. There are different types of visas (e.g., General Work Visa, Critical Skills Visa), depending on your qualifications and job offer. Find out the requirements and prepare your application documents, including certified translations.
In-demand sectors include IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and finance. According to the Critical Skills List, specialised doctors, civil engineers and software developers are also sought after. Each region in South Africa may have a slightly different demand for jobs.
Green jobs contribute to climate and environmental protection and include renewable energies (e.g., solar and wind power), sustainable agriculture, waste and water management, and nature conservation. These activities are crucial to South Africa’s green economy and sustainable development.
Yes, you can work in South Africa as a German citizen with a valid work visa. To get a work visa, you either need a job offer from a South African employer or work in a profession on the Critical Skills List. You must submit your visa application to the relevant South African embassy before entering the country.
Yes, you can work in South Africa as a German doctor with a valid work visa. You will also need to have your qualifications recognised by registering with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Please note that your specialisation must be listed on the Critical Skills List.
Yes, you can work in South Africa as a nurse with a valid work visa. You also need to have your qualifications recognised by registering with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Patient care is among the professions on the Critical Skills List, which increases your chances of getting a visa as a nurse.
Yes, you can volunteer as a teacher in South Africa by applying for a volunteer visa before entering the country. You will also need to provide an official invitation or confirmation from the organisation or school you will be working with.
Author
Jasmine Chegaing, Content Writer
Jasmine joined lingoking as a working student in November of 2024. She supports the content marketing team with its SEO strategy and writes for the lingoking guide and other media. Her motto: “The most radical thing you can do is be yourself.”
Translation
Belinda Grace
Belinda has been working with the lingoking marketing team since early 2022. She’s in charge of translating blogs and guides as well as writing social media posts. Her motto: “Begin each day as if it were on purpose”.
