International students studying in South Africa may work during their studies. Students may perform part-time work of up to 20 hours a week, provided that it doesn’t interfere with their studies. If you stay within these limits, you do not need a work visa beyond your South African student visa. However, if you plan to work more than 20 hours per week, you must apply for a South African work visa.

Work visas in South Africa for self-employed individuals
South Africa does not currently have visas specific for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or self-employed people. If you are looking for a visa to gain entry to South Africa, consider finding a job through an employer willing to sponsor your visa or checking if you would qualify through any of the critical skills fields experiencing labor shortages.

Volunteering and work experience in South Africa
If you’re hoping to volunteer in South Africa, you must apply for a Volunteer Visa. A Volunteer Visa is a type of visitor visa that is valid for up to three years. Be sure to apply at your local consulate. While volunteering, you may receive a daily food stipend but cannot otherwise receive payment from the organization you volunteer with.

The Volunteer Visa application costs R425 in addition to the R1,550 service fee. The necessary documents for this visa are as follows:
• Completed application form
• A copy of your volunteer agreement with the charitable organization
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
• Police clearance from everywhere you have lived as an adult for longer than 12 months
• Medical report
• Radiological report

South African work visas for family members
If you are seeking a Temporary Residence Visa (e.g., General Work Visa, Critical Skills Visa, Intra-company Transfer Work Visa), then you can include your family members on your visa application. Family members include spouses and dependents. Once approved, your family’s visas will mirror yours in duration. However, family members may not work or study while attached to your Temporary Residence Visa; they must apply for their own visa in order to work or study.

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