Intra-Company Transfer Visa South Africa: Full Guide to Requirements, Employer Obligations & Family Rights

What is an Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The Intra-Company Transfer Visa South Africa is a specialised work visa category that allows skilled professionals employed by a foreign parent company to relocate to a South African subsidiary.

This visa is granted under the regulatory authority of the Department of Home Affairs and plays a vital role in enabling multinational companies to move essential staff into the country for up to four years without requiring local recruitment.

This visa supports global business continuity by facilitating the temporary transfer of critical skills between branches of a corporate group.

It is designed for non-permanent roles and mandates a defined scope of employment supported by internal company documentation.

Key characteristics of the Intra-Company Transfer Visa include:

• A maximum validity period of four years, with no option for renewal or extension within South Africa.
• Strict eligibility criteria tied to prior employment at the sending foreign entity.
• Non-convertibility to permanent residence status under South African immigration law.
• Employer-specific designation that prohibits visa holders from changing jobs during their stay.

Through this visa, the Department of Home Affairs ensures that workforce mobility aligns with national labour and immigration policy while reinforcing skills development through structured commitments such as the Skills Transfer Plan.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for the Intra-Company Transfer Visa is determined by a combination of employment history, corporate relationships, and compliance with immigration planning requirements.

Candidates must demonstrate a valid need for assignment in South Africa and satisfy several predefined criteria.

Basic Qualifications for Applicants

Applicants must have been employed at the foreign-based company for a minimum of six months before transfer.

The sponsoring organisation in South Africa must be part of the same multinational corporate group as the foreign entity.

The position in South Africa must require skills or institutional knowledge that cannot be readily sourced through local labour markets.

The assignment must be substantiated with formal letters of support from both the foreign and host companies detailing the job title, duration, and strategic purpose of the transfer.

Role of the Skills Transfer Plan in Eligibility

A complete application must include a skills transfer plan that outlines how knowledge will be transferred from the foreign assignee to South African employees.

This document is essential for ensuring alignment with national development goals and serves as an accountability framework.

The Skills Transfer Plan must specify:

• The key performance indicators for the transfer process
• Structured mentoring or shadowing arrangements
• A defined training timeline with checkpoints
• A post-assignment evaluation mechanism

The Department of Home Affairs uses this plan to verify that foreign talent contributes to local skill enhancement throughout the visa duration.

Accelerated Approval via Trusted Employer Scheme

Employers registered under the Trusted Employer Scheme are eligible for a streamlined application process.

This initiative was launched by the Department of Home Affairs to reward consistent immigration compliance and reduce procedural delays for qualifying companies.

Applicants affiliated with Trusted Employers benefit from reduced processing times and simplified documentation requirements.

To qualify, the employer must meet audit standards set by the department and demonstrate an established internal immigration compliance programme.

This mechanism ensures that visa processing aligns with organisational maturity and national policy objectives without compromising immigration integrity.

Skills Transfer Plan – A Critical Visa Requirement

What Is a Skills Transfer Plan?

A skills transfer plan is a required component of the Intra-Company Transfer Visa application process in South Africa.

It serves as a formal document that outlines how the foreign employee’s knowledge and expertise will be passed on to local South African staff over the course of the visa term.

This mechanism ensures that the transfer contributes to national skills development and aligns with the objectives of the Department of Home Affairs.

Key Elements of a Compliant Plan

The Skills Transfer Plan must provide specific details about:

• The competencies or operational methods the assignee will share
• A structured timeline for training or mentoring sessions
• Identification of South African employees who will benefit from the transfer
• Methods for tracking and evaluating the plan’s outcomes
• Key performance indicators that demonstrate measurable progress

The plan must be precise, verifiable, and directly connected to the business operations of the host entity.

Vague or overly generic submissions are unlikely to satisfy the expectations of the Department of Home Affairs.

Role in Visa Approval

The Department of Home Affairs uses the Skills Transfer Plan to determine whether the visa serves a broader public interest by fostering skill development.

An incomplete or nonfunctional plan may lead to a visa denial.

This requirement is treated with equal importance to documentation like employment contracts and police clearances.

Oversight Under the Trusted Employer Scheme

Companies that are part of the Trusted Employer Scheme are held to higher compliance standards.

The Department of Home Affairs may conduct post-issuance audits to assess the plan’s real-world implementation.

These audits evaluate whether the promised knowledge transfer has occurred and whether it aligns with the original plan submitted during the application process.

Intra-Company Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Prepare Visa Documentation

Applicants must assemble all required documents to initiate the Intra-Company Transfer Visa process. These include:

• A completed DHA-1738 visa application form
• A valid passport with sufficient validity
• A Skills Transfer Plan detailing training commitments
• Letters from the foreign and local employers confirming the assignment
• Proof of accommodation in South Africa
• Evidence of financial means
• Medical and radiological reports
• Police clearance certificates for each country of residence over the past 12 months

All documentation must be accurate and complete before scheduling an appointment at VFS Global.

Step 2 – Submit Application Through VFS Global

Visa applications are submitted at an authorised VFS Global application centre.

Attendance in person is mandatory for biometric capture and official lodging of the documents.

VFS Global is the designated service provider that interfaces with the Department of Home Affairs during the application process.

For applicants whose employer is part of the Trusted Employer Scheme, the documentation review and handling may be accelerated, reducing processing delays.

Step 3 – Application Review and Outcome

Once submitted, the application is forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs for review.

The standard processing time ranges from five to twenty working days.

If additional information is required, the applicant will be contacted with a request for further evidence.

If the application is approved, the visa will be endorsed into the applicant’s passport and must be activated upon entry into South Africa.

In cases where the employer holds Trusted Employer status, the decision process may be expedited, provided the company remains in good standing with immigration compliance standards.

Employer Obligations After Visa Approval

Employer Duties Under an Active Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Employers must uphold their responsibilities throughout the duration of an intra-company transfer visa.

These responsibilities include ensuring the assignee works solely in the approved position at the designated South African entity.

Any deviation from the original job function or location must be pre-approved or reported.

The Skills Transfer Plan, submitted as part of the visa application, must be executed according to its outlined structure.

This includes conducting scheduled training sessions, mentoring designated local staff, and recording measurable progress against the plan’s stated goals.

Employers are expected to maintain records as proof of ongoing compliance.

Notification and Reporting to the Department of Home Affairs

The Department of Home Affairs mandates that employers report material changes affecting the visa holder’s status.

This includes early termination of employment, unauthorised job role changes, or extended absences from the workplace.

Reports must be submitted in writing and should include supporting documentation to confirm the nature of the change.

Reporting obligations are critical to maintaining visa validity and employer credibility under immigration law.

Delays or omissions may lead to penalties or revocation of participation in advanced visa programmes.

Advanced Oversight Under the Trusted Employer Scheme

Companies participating in the Trusted Employer Scheme are subject to enhanced compliance oversight.

These organisations must demonstrate consistent execution of the Skills Transfer Plan and maintain internal auditing mechanisms.

The Department of Home Affairs may initiate audits to review:

• Adherence to training timelines
• Mentorship documentation and attendance records
• Internal policies supporting immigration and labour compliance

Continued access to the Trusted Employer Scheme is contingent on passing these audits and fulfilling all visa-related obligations without exception.

Can My Family Join Me? – Dependent Visa Rights

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

The spouse and dependant children of an Intra-Company Transfer Visa holder are eligible to apply for dependant visas.

Dependents must be legally related to the principal applicant and intend to reside in South Africa for the same duration as the primary visa.

Each dependant must submit a separate application, and eligibility is evaluated by the Department of Home Affairs based on relationship documentation, financial support, and background checks.

Dependent Visa Application Requirements

Dependent visa applications are submitted through VFS Global and are processed under the same regulations that govern principal visa holders.

Each application must include:

• A valid passport with sufficient validity
• A completed visa application form
• Proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates)
• Evidence of financial support and housing arrangements
• Medical reports and police clearance certificates

The application is reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs and must be aligned with the timeline and terms of the primary applicant’s visa.

Limitations on Work and Study

A Dependant Visa does not automatically grant the right to work or study in South Africa. Dependents who wish to engage in employment must apply separately for a valid work visa.

Likewise, those intending to enrol in a South African educational institution must obtain explicit study authorisation.

The duration of the Dependent Visa cannot exceed that of the principal Intra-Company Transfer Visa.

Dependents are expected to comply with all conditions outlined in the immigration regulations for the length of their stay.

Trusted Employer Scheme vs Standard Process

Overview of the Trusted Employer Scheme

The Trusted Employer Scheme is a program administered by the Department of Home Affairs to recognise companies with a proven track record of compliance, investment, and local skills development.

It is designed to reduce visa processing barriers for qualifying businesses, particularly those frequently assigning international staff under the Intra-Company Transfer Visa.

The scheme forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to improve work visa efficiency while incentivising corporate participation in national development goals.

Participating employers are rewarded with faster visa decisions, reduced documentation requirements, and priority handling by immigration authorities.

Key Differences in Process and Benefits

Employers operating under the Trusted Employer Scheme follow a distinct pathway compared to the standard visa process:

This framework minimises administrative friction while maintaining accountability, especially for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.

How Employers Qualify for the Scheme

To qualify, companies must submit an Expression of Interest and satisfy the evaluation criteria outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.

Points are awarded across five weighted categories:

• Proven investment history in South Africa, including pledges or historical capital deployment
• Employment data showing inclusive hiring and staff diversity aligned with national labour objectives
• Participation in priority economic sectors identified by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
• Operation of internal training initiatives such as graduate programmes or structured skills transfer plans
• Demonstrated B-BBEE compliance or equity equivalence under national transformation frameworks

Applicants must support each claim with evidence such as SAIC pledge confirmations, EEA2 reports, training documentation, and B-BBEE certificates.

Final selection is made by an interdepartmental panel and is subject to ongoing compliance audits to retain eligibility.

Intra-Company Visa Application Timeline

Booking Your Appointment with VFS Global

The first operational step in the Intra-Company Transfer Visa process is scheduling an appointment with VFS Global.

As the Department of Home Affairs’ designated application partner, VFS Global facilitates document intake and biometric registration.

Appointment slots are in high demand, particularly in peak periods.

Applicants are advised to book appointments at least two weeks in advance and ensure that all forms and supporting documents are completed prior to arrival.

Document Submission and Biometric Capture

At the VFS Global centre, applicants submit the DHA-1738 visa form and required supporting documents, including the Skills Transfer Plan and employer verification letters.

Biometric data is also captured and submitted alongside the documentation package.

Once processed, the complete application file is forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs for review and adjudication.

Application Processing Window

The standard processing time for an Intra-Company Transfer Visa is five to twenty working days.

Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or if the applicant’s case requires further assessment.

Participation in the Trusted Employer Scheme typically shortens this timeline due to reduced administrative burden and verified employer status.

Final Issuance and Entry

Upon approval, the visa is endorsed in the applicant’s passport. The individual must enter South Africa before the visa validity window expires.

Once in-country, the employer is expected to initiate onboarding procedures and begin implementation of the Skills Transfer Plan.

The visa’s conditions, including job role and location, must be followed exactly as approved.

Timely activation and compliance at this stage are essential for maintaining the validity of the visa and ensuring future eligibility for similar applications.

FAQs About Intra-Company Transfer Visas

Can the Intra-Company Transfer Visa be extended or renewed?

No. The Intra-Company Transfer Visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs is valid for a maximum of four years and is not extendable or renewable from within South Africa. If a longer assignment is needed, a new application must be submitted from outside the country once the existing visa expires.

Can the visa holder switch to another employer while in South Africa?

No. The visa is employer-specific and directly linked to the sponsoring company that submitted the original application. Changing employers is not permitted under this visa and requires submitting a new application under an appropriate visa category.

Is a skills transfer plan mandatory for visa approval?

Yes. The Skills Transfer Plan is a critical requirement for the Intra-Company Transfer Visa. It must demonstrate how the foreign assignee will transfer skills to local employees, including a training structure, delivery timeline, and measurable indicators. The Department of Home Affairs considers this plan a central part of its compliance checks.

Can spouses and dependants work or study in South Africa?

Not automatically. Dependents on an accompanying visa do not receive work or study rights by default. Separate applications for a work visa or study permit must be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs if dependants wish to pursue employment or education during their stay.

Does participation in the Trusted Employer Scheme ensure faster approval?

Participation in the Trusted Employer Scheme prioritises processing and reduces administrative requirements, but it does not guarantee visa approval. Each application is still evaluated on its own merits by the Department of Home Affairs and must comply fully with eligibility and documentation standards.

Summary and Next Steps

The Intra-Company Transfer Visa provides a structured immigration pathway for transferring skilled personnel within global companies to South Africa.

It is governed by the Department of Home Affairs and processed through VFS Global, with strict adherence to compliance frameworks designed to support national workforce development.

Applicants and employers should:

• Review the visa eligibility criteria and confirm that the foreign employee meets the six-month employment requirement at the parent company.
• Prepare and submit a detailed Skills Transfer Plan outlining measurable outcomes for local staff development.
• Book and attend a VFS Global appointment to lodge the application and capture biometric data.
• Understand and fulfil all employer obligations after visa issuance, including Skills Transfer Plan implementation and compliance reporting.
• Explore eligibility for the Trusted Employer Scheme to benefit from expedited processing and strategic alignment with immigration authorities.