South Africa • Immigration Consulting
Foreign spouses of South African citizens or permanent residents may be entitled to work in South Africa through an endorsement on their spousal visa, granting them the right to seek and engage in employment.
An endorsement under Section 11(6) of the Immigration Act grants the right to seek and accept employment. This provides significant flexibility, allowing the spouse to work for any employer in any occupation.
New World Immigration assists spouses in obtaining the appropriate work endorsement on their visa, ensuring full compliance with immigration regulations.
Spouse working rights are available to foreign nationals who hold a valid spousal visa in South Africa.
We assess your current visa status and confirm eligibility for a work endorsement. A spouse can enter South Africa on a visit visa and change their status to a spouse visa or spouse visa with endorsement. Applications must be made 60 days prior to the visit visa expiry date.
We apply for a Section 11(6) work endorsement on your existing spousal visa, authorising you to engage in employment.
We compile supporting documents including marriage certificate, spouse's ID/passport, and proof of the genuine relationship.
The application for the work endorsement is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
Once approved, the work endorsement is placed on your visa, granting you the right to work in South Africa.
Costs are relatively modest as the work endorsement is an addition to an existing visa.
Government fees are subject to change. The cost assumes a valid spousal visa is already in place.
Work endorsement processing is generally quicker than a standalone work permit application.
No job offer is required for the spouse working rights endorsement. Once endorsed, you are free to seek and accept employment with any employer.
This provides significant flexibility compared to work permits that are tied to a specific employer.
New World Immigration can advise on the best approach to securing your working rights alongside your spousal visa.
Verify that your current spousal visa is valid and endorsed as the spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Gather your marriage certificate, your spouse's proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency, and your own identity documents.
Submit an application for the working rights endorsement at the Department of Home Affairs.
DHA will process the endorsement and update your visa. Retain your acknowledgement receipt while the application is pending.
Once the endorsement is in place, you are authorised to seek and accept employment with any South African employer.
No. Working rights must be specifically applied for as a Section 11(6) endorsement on the spousal visa. Simply holding a spousal visa does not automatically entitle you to work.
Yes. The work endorsement allows you to work for any employer in any occupation in South Africa.
Yes. A spouse can enter South Africa on a visit visa and change their status to a spouse visa or spouse visa with endorsement. The application must be made 60 days prior to the visit visa expiry date.
If the marriage is dissolved, the spousal visa and associated work endorsement may be affected. You would need to apply for an alternative visa to continue working in South Africa.
The work endorsement is typically for employment. Starting a business may require a separate business permit. We can advise on the appropriate route.
If you hold a spousal visa and wish to work in South Africa, obtaining a work endorsement is a straightforward process.
Contact New World Immigration to secure your working rights and make the most of your life in South Africa.