The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in South Africa.
This permit is designed for senior managers, executives, and specialists who are being transferred within the same corporate group. The employee must have been employed by the company abroad for a qualifying period before the transfer. SAQA evaluation is not required for ICT applications.
Applications are submitted through the South African mission in the applicant's home country of residence, not directly to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.
Who is this permit for?
The ICT Work Permit is for employees of multinational companies being transferred to a South African branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
You are employed by a multinational company with operations in South Africa
You are being transferred in a managerial, executive, or specialist capacity
You have been employed by the company for a qualifying period (typically 6-12 months)
The South African entity is a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of your current employer
Your qualifications and experience are relevant to the position in South Africa
You have no criminal record and meet health requirements
Common reasons for rejection
The employee has not been employed by the foreign company for the qualifying period required before transfer
The legal relationship between the foreign entity and the South African branch, subsidiary or affiliate is not adequately evidenced
A skills transfer plan showing how local employees will be trained is not provided
The confirmation of transfer does not clearly state the position, duration and terms of the assignment
The application is lodged from within South Africa rather than through the mission in the applicant's country of residence
Application process
1. Corporate Assessment
We assess the corporate structure to confirm the relationship between the foreign and South African entities and determine eligibility.
2. Position & Role Documentation
We document the transferee's role, seniority, and the business case for the transfer.
3. Application Preparation
We compile the complete application including corporate documents, employment records, qualifications, and supporting letters.
4. Submission to Mission Abroad
The application is submitted through the South African mission in the applicant's home country of residence.
5. Processing & Outcome
The mission processes the application. Once approved, the ICT permit is issued for up to 4 years.
Key considerations
The corporate relationship between the foreign and South African entities must be clearly documented.
The transferee must hold a senior or specialist position, junior or entry-level transfers are unlikely to qualify.
The permit is tied to the specific employer and South African entity.
The maximum validity is typically 4 years, with renewal possible in certain circumstances.
No labour market test is required for genuine intra-company transfers.
SAQA evaluation is not required for ICT applications.
Applications are submitted through the South African mission abroad, not directly to DHA.
Spouses and dependants can apply for accompanying visas.
Costs
Costs are typically borne by the employer and include government fees and professional service fees. SAQA evaluation is not required.
Government Application Fee: ± ZAR 3,070 (varies by submission office)
Police Clearance Certificates: ZAR 195 - 600 per country
Medical Report: ZAR 800 - 1,500
Professional Service Fees: Contact for quote
Costs are generally borne by the sponsoring employer. Government fees are subject to change.
Processing timeframes
ICT permit processing times depend on the completeness of the corporate documentation and the mission's workload.
Document Preparation: 2 - 4 weeks
Mission Processing: 8 - 16 weeks
Total (Straightforward): 3 - 6 months
Job offer requirements
An intra-company transfer letter from the employer is required, detailing the position, duration, and terms of the transfer to South Africa.
The transfer must be a genuine internal company movement, not a new recruitment arrangement.
New World Immigration assists employers in preparing transfer documentation that meets the requirements.
How to apply — step by step
1. Confirm the Corporate Relationship
Establish that the South African entity is a registered branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the foreign company sending the employee.
2. Confirm Employee Eligibility
Verify that the employee has been employed by the foreign entity for a minimum of 6 months prior to the transfer.
3. Obtain a SAQA Evaluation
Submit the employee's foreign qualifications to SAQA for evaluation, allow 12–18 weeks for this process.
4. Prepare the Transfer Letter
Draft a formal company letter confirming the transfer, the nature of the relationship between entities, the role, and the intended duration.
5. Compile All Documents
Assemble the full application pack including the transfer letter, proof of corporate relationship, SAQA evaluation, qualifications, CV, and supporting documents.
6. Submit to DHA or Mission Abroad
Lodge the application with the Department of Home Affairs or the nearest South African embassy or consulate.
7. Await Processing and Collection
Once approved, the ICT permit is issued, typically valid for up to 4 years per transfer.
Quick tips
The South African entity must be demonstrably related to the foreign employer, vague or unsubstantiated links are refused.
The 6-month pre-employment requirement with the foreign entity is strictly enforced; document it clearly.
ICT permits are not tied to a specific role but to the company structure; however, duties must match the stated position.
The maximum permitted stay under an ICT is generally 4 years; thereafter a new application or change of permit type is required.
Ensure the transfer letter clearly states the nature of the relationship (branch/subsidiary/affiliate) and references corporate documents.
SAQA evaluations can delay the process significantly, start this step as early as possible.
Documents needed
Valid passport (minimum 30 days validity beyond intended permit period)
Completed BI-1738 application form
Formal transfer letter from the multinational company (on official letterhead)
Proof of the legal relationship between the foreign entity and the South African branch or subsidiary
SAQA evaluation certificate for the employee's foreign qualifications
Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
Detailed CV / résumé
Proof of a minimum of 6 months' employment with the foreign entity
Police clearance certificate(s) from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 18
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of payment of the government application fee
Frequently asked questions
How long must I have worked for the company before transferring?
You typically need to have been employed by the company for at least 6 to 12 months before the transfer, though requirements may vary.
Does the employer need to do a labour market test?
No. Genuine intra-company transfers are exempt from the labour market test requirement.
Is a SAQA evaluation required?
No. SAQA evaluation is not required for Intra-Company Transfer applications.
Where is the application submitted?
ICT applications are submitted through the South African mission in the applicant's home country of residence, not directly to DHA in South Africa.
Can I change employers while on an ICT permit?
No. The ICT permit is tied to the specific employer and corporate group. Changing employers requires a different type of work permit.
Can my family accompany me?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can apply for accompanying visas.
Get expert help
If your company is planning to transfer you to South Africa, our team ensures a smooth and compliant process.
Contact New World Immigration for expert guidance on intra-company transfers to South Africa.