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Hiring in South Africa

Hiring employees compliantly in South Africa means doing it yourself or using an Employer of Record like Global Expansion. You should be careful using independent contractor agreements in South Africa so that you don’t run afoul of employment laws. To hire an employee compliantly and offer them mandatory benefits and compliant agreements, you can:

(a) Establish your own new legal entity, banking, accounting and payroll service in South Africa; or

(b) use an Employer of Record like Global Expansion who can handle all of the details for you.

Need assistance hiring in South Africa? Contact us about our International EOR Service

Labor Laws in South Africa

Employee Probation Period

  • There is no prescribed time limit set for a probation period. 
  • The probation period must be reasonable, given the circumstances of the job.

Annual Leave in South Africa

  • Every employee is entitled to 21 consecutive days’ annual leave on full pay in every leave cycle.
  • This equates to 15 working days per annum if the employee works a five-day week, and 18 working days per annum if the employee works a six-day week.

Holidays in South Africa

New Year’s Day 1st January
Human Rights Day 21st March
Good Friday 10th April
Family Day 13th April
Freedom Day 27th April
International Workers' Day 1st May
Youth Day (in South Africa) 16th June
National Women's Day 10th August
Heritage Day 24th September
Day of Reconciliation 16th December
Christmas Day 25th December
Boxing Day 26th December

 

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Maternity Leave South Africa

  • Female employees have a right to four months’ maternity leave when they are pregnant. 
  • By law your employer is not obliged to give you paid maternity leave, but you are entitled to four consecutive months of maternity leave. 
  • The maternity leave may begin at any time from at least four weeks before the birth of the baby.

Paternity Leave South Africa

  • An employee, who is a parent of a child is entitled to 10 consecutive days of parental leave

Sick Leave in South Africa

  • Section 22(1) to 22(4) of South Africa’s Employment Act stipulates that during each 36-month cycle starting from the first day at work, an employee is entitled to a paid sick leave. 
  • This should be equivalent to the exact number of days that they usually work in a typical 6-week period. 
  • Therefore, in case the employee works five days per week, then they are entitled to a 30-day sick leave on full pay. 
  • On the other hand, if the person works six days per week, then they will have a 36-day sick leave on full pay. 
  • When distributed across the three years, one may have a 10 to 12-days paid sick leave per year on average.

Working Hours in South Africa

  • The maximum normal working time allowed is 45 hours weekly. 
  • This is nine hours per day (excluding a lunch break) if the employee works a five-day week, and eight hours per day (excluding a lunch break) if the employee works more than 5 days per week.

Overtime in South Africa

  • Employees may work a maximum of 3 hours’ overtime per day - or 10 hours in any one week.
  • Overtime remuneration is paid at 1.5x normal rate, and 2x normal rate for Sundays and public holidays

Termination of Employment in South Africa

According to section 37 of the BCEA, an employee may give notice of his resignation, or an employer may give notice of termination of employment, within the following time periods:

  • One week's notice, if the employee has been employed for six months or less.
  • Two weeks' notice, if the employee has been employed for more than six months but less than one year.
  • Four weeks' notice, if an employee has been employed for one year or more.
  • Four weeks' notice, if an employee is either a farmworker or a domestic worker who has been employed for more than six months.
  • These are the minimum time periods allowed by law.
  • The consent of both parties is required to agree to a shorter notice period.
  • A retrenched employee must at least be paid 1 week's pay for each completed year of ongoing service. 
  • However, the employer must pay the retrenched employee the amount specified in any policy or his/her employment contract, if that amount is larger.

Notice Period in South Africa

  • According to section 37 of the BCEA, an employee may give notice of his resignation, or an employer may give notice of termination of employment, within the following time periods:
    • One week's notice, if the employee has been employed for six months or less.
    • Two weeks' notice, if the employee has been employed for more than six months but less than one year.
    • Four weeks' notice, if an employee has been employed for one year or more.
    • Four weeks' notice, if an employee is either a farmworker or a domestic worker who has been employed for more than six months.
  • These are the minimum time periods allowed by law.
  • The consent of both parties is required to agree to a shorter notice period.

Severance in South Africa

  • A retrenched employee must at least be paid 1 week's pay for each completed year of ongoing service. 
  • However, the employer must pay the retrenched employee the amount specified in any policy or his/her employment contract, if that amount is larger.

South Africa Salary and Wages

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13th / 14th Month Salary in South Africa

  • Yes
  • There is no statutory requirement to pay the 13th or the 14th month salary.
  • However there seem to be evidence that the 13th month salary or Christmas bonus is widely paid.

Income Tax in South Africa

  • Individuals resident in South Africa are subject to tax on their worldwide income. 
  • Nonresidents are subject to tax on income from a South African source.
  • A person cannot be treated as a South African resident for tax purposes if he or she is considered to be a resident of another country under the “tiebreaker” rules of a double tax treaty applicable to the relevant income item.
  • The basis of employee taxation is remuneration, which consists of salary, leave pay, allowances, wages, overtime pay, bonuses, gratuities, pensions, superannuation allowances, retirement allowances and stipends, whether in cash or otherwise. 
  • These payments, together with the cash value of any fringe benefits received, form part of the gross income of an employee. Fringe benefits are taxed in accordance with a schedule of valuations
  • Remuneration from employment on extended absences outside South Africa is exempt from tax if the employee is outside South Africa for an aggregate of more than 183 full days in any 12-month period and for at least one continuous period exceeding 60 full days during the same 12-month period.
  • Professional fees paid to nonresidents are subject to employees’ tax withholding (if from a South African source), even if the nonresident is an independent contractor.
  • The following rates are for the 2023 tax year: -

Taxable income

Tax on lower amount (ZAR)

Rate on excess

Exceeding (ZAR)

Not Exceeding (ZAR)

  

1

226,000

0

18% of taxable income

226,001

353,100

40 680

26% of taxable income above 226,000

353,101

488,700

73 726

31% of taxable income above 353,100

488,701

641,400

115 762

36% of taxable income above 488,700

641,401

817,600

170 734

39% of taxable income above 641,400

817,601

1,731,600

 239 452

41% of taxable income above 817,600

1,731,601 and above

  

614 192

45% of taxable income above 1,731,600
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Social Security in South Africa

  • South Africa does not have a social security system per se. 
  • However, South Africa does have contributions that are similar to social security contributions, such as Unemployment Insurance Fund contributions and Compensation Commission contributions. 
  • Limited unemployment insurance and accident or illness benefits are provided. 
  • The Unemployment Insurance Fund provides benefits to unemployed people and to dependents of deceased contributors. 
  • Both employers and employees are required to pay a monthly 1% contribution to South Africa's Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
  • The contribution is based on a maximum (i.e. capped) monthly gross remuneration per employee.
  • The employee's 1% contribution is withheld from the employee's salary by the employer.
  • Certain remuneration and certain employees are excluded from the UIF contribution requirements.

Contribution

Group 1083

Unemployment Insurance Fund
Employee Group 1083 1%
Employer Group 1083 1%

Immigration South Africa

  • Work visas fall into the following four categories:
    • Critical skills work visas
    • General work visas 
    • Intracompany transfer work visas 
    • Corporate work visas
Need assistance hiring in South Africa? Contact us about our International EOR Service

Critical skills work visas

  • Subject to any prescribed requirements, a critical skills work visas may be issued to individuals possessing such skills or qualifications determined to be critical for South Africa as per a notice in the Government Gazette.
  • A critical skills work visa is issued for a period not exceeding five years. 

General work visas

  • General work visas are issued to individuals who do not fall in a critical skills category. 
  • The South African employer needs to prove through advertisements and interviews that a suitably skilled or experienced South African citizen or permanent resident could not be found to fill the position offered. 
  • The applicant’s qualifications need to be certified by the South African Qualifications Authority.
  • It is also required that the Department of Labor issue a certificate confirming the following:
    • Despite a diligent search, the prospective employer has been unable to find a suitable citizen or permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicant.
    • The applicant has qualifications or proven skills and experience in line with the job offer.
    • The salary and benefits of the applicant are not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens or permanent residents occupying similar positions in South Africa.
    • The employment contract stipulating the conditions of employment that is signed by both the employer and the applicant is in line with the labor standards in South Africa and is conditioned on the general work visa being approved.
  • Registration with the relevant professional body is required.
  • A general work visa is issued for a period not exceeding five years.

Intracompany transfer work visas

  • Intracompany transfer work visas are issued if an employee is seconded from his or her place of employment abroad to an affiliated company or branch in South Africa for a period of up to four years only and if the foreigner’s employment contract with the company abroad is valid for a period of not less than six months before transfer. 
  • These types of visas are nonrenewable and may be issued for a period of four years. 
  • The intent of this visa category is that the expatriate transfers his or her skills to South African employees and leave South Africa at the end of the four-year secondment. 
  • A plan must be developed for the transfer of skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • The employer’s skills transfer plan must accompany the application. 

Corporate work visas

  • Corporate work visas may be issued to a corporate applicant to employ foreigners to conduct work for the applicant in South Africa.
  • No corporate visa may be issued or renewed with respect to any business undertaking that is listed as “undesirable” by the Minister of Home Affairs.
  • The corporate work visa application requires a certificate from the Department of Labor confirming the following:
    • Despite a diligent search, the prospective employer has been unable to find a suitable citizen or permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicant.
    • The job description and proposed remuneration for each foreigner. 
    • The salary and benefits of any foreigner employed by the corporate applicant is not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens or permanent residents occupying similar positions in South Africa. 
  • An applicant for a corporate visa must provide proof that at least 60% of the total staff employed in the operations of the business is citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions.
  • This proof is also required during the duration of the visa. 
  • To qualify, the corporate applicant must conduct business in certain sectors, as published in the Government Gazette. 
  • The immigration authorities determine, in consultation with prescribed departments, the maximum number of foreigners to be employed under a corporate visa. 
  • The corporate applicant must undertake that it will take prescribed measures to ensure that foreign employees comply with the provisions of immigration legislation and the conditions of the corporate visa. 
  • In certain circumstances, the corporate applicant may be required to post financial guarantees to defray deportation or other costs in the event that the corporate visa is withdrawn.

Type of Visa/ Permit

Documentation

Validity

Eligibility

Critical skills work visas
  • Passport
  • A medical report not older than 6 months
  • A radiological report not older than 6 months
  • Marriage certificate
  • Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category
  • Proof of evaluation of the foreign qualification by SAQA
  • Proof of payment of the applicable fee

Maximum 5 years
  • Subject to any prescribed requirements, a critical skills work visas may be issued to individuals possessing such skills or qualifications determined to be critical for South Africa as per a notice in the Government Gazette.

General work visas
  • A duly completed application form
  • A valid Passport
  • The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) application
  • Police Clearance Certificates (for all applicants older than 18 years of age)
  • Contract of employment
  • Proof of medical wellbeing 
  • CV

Maximum 5 years
  • General work visas are issued to individuals who do not fall in a critical skills category. 
  • The South African employer needs to prove through advertisements and interviews that a suitably skilled or experienced South African citizen or permanent resident could not be found to fill the position offered.

Intra-company transfer work visas
  • A completed temporary visa application form
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of financial means to cover living expenses until you receive a salary in the form of:
  • bank statement;
  • cash available, or travelers’ cheques.
  • A medical and radiological report.
  • A vaccination certificate, if required.
  • A police clearance 
  • A letter from the employer/company abroad confirming that the you will be transferred to a branch/affiliate company in South Africa
  • A letter from the South African company where you will work, confirming the transfer from the parent/affiliated company abroad
  • An employment contract with the company abroad

4 years
  • Intracompany transfer work visas are issued if an employee is seconded from his or her place of employment abroad to an affiliated company or branch in South Africa for a period of up to four years only and if the foreigner’s employment contract with the company abroad is valid for a period of not less than six months before transfer.

Corporate work visas
  • Duly completed application forms signed by the applicants
  • A certificate by the Department of Labor
  • Proof of registration of the corporation with the:
  • The South African Revenue Service 
  • Unemployment Insurance Fund 
  • Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries 
  • Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission, where legally required
  • Applicants must have valid passports

Maximum 3 years
  • Corporate work visas may be issued to a corporate applicant to employ foreigners to conduct work for the applicant in South Africa. 
  • An applicant for a corporate visa must provide proof that at least 60% of the total staff employed in the operations of the business is citizens or permanent residents employed permanently in various positions.
  • To qualify, the corporate applicant must conduct business in certain sectors, as published in the Government Gazette. 
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Value Added Tax (VAT) in South Africa

  • The standard rate of VAT is 15%. 
  • Exports, certain foodstuffs and other supplies are zero-rated, and certain supplies are exempt (mainly certain financial services, residential accommodation and public transport).

VAT

Standard Rate

Group 1083

15%
Zero Rate Group 1083 0%

Mandatory Benefits in South Africa

  • These are mandatory benefits as postulated by law
  • These include annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, overtime pay, notice period, and severance pay
  • Statutory benefits also include social security benefits
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Mandatory Benefits overview

  • Probationary period

  • Public Holidays

  • Maternity Leave

  • Paternity Leave

  • Sick Leave

  • Overtime Pay

  • Notice Period

  • Severance Pay

  • Social Security Benefits

Payments And Invoicing

  • The year of assessment in South Africa is from 1 March to 28 (or 29) February. 
  • Nonresidents are subject to the same requirements for filing tax returns as residents. 
  • If an individual (resident or nonresident) earns less than ZAR500,000 during a tax year, he or she is not required to file a tax return (subject to certain conditions). 
  • Under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system, resident employers or agents for nonresident employers must deduct tax monthly from the remuneration of their employees and must pay these amounts to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). 
  • If a nonresident employer does not have a place of business in South Africa or an agent who is authorized to pay remuneration, no PAYE liability is likely to arise. 
  • However, the foreign employer effectively has an obligation to pay the statutory contributions described above. 
  • Annual tax returns must be submitted to the Commissioner for SARS within the period specified in the annual “Notice to Furnish Returns” (this deadline is confirmed annually by the SARS).
  • Persons deriving income, excluding exempt income, of ZAR30,000 or more a year from sources other than remuneration or having taxable income in excess of the tax threshold are considered provisional taxpayers and are required to make provisional tax payments each year on 31 August (first payment) and in the following year on 28 February (second payment) and 30 September (third payment). 
  • The second provisional tax estimate must be at least 80% of the taxpayer’s actual income (90% if less than ZAR1 million) for the year to avoid penalties. 
  • The third payment must bring the total amount paid to 100% of actual liability, to avoid an interest penalty

Payroll Accrual in South Africa

Country Accruals Additional Information

Unemployment insurance contributions ZAR 212,539 1.00%
Maternity leave 12 weeks
Christmas Bonus  8.33%
Vacations 7.40%
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Description

South Africa does not have a comprehensive social security system or a national healthcare program; consequently, no significant social security taxes are levied. Employees and employers are each obligated to make contributions to an unemployment insurance fund at the rate of 1% of gross remuneration. The employee's contribution is withheld by the employer. However, both the employer and employee's contributions are limited to a remuneration of ZAR 212,539 per annum per employee.

Payroll Accruals Additional Information

 

 

Employment Accruals
Annual Leave Every employee is entitled to 21 consecutive days’ annual leave on full pay in every leave cycle.
This equates to 15 working days per annum if the employee works a five-day week, and 18 working days per annum if the employee works a six-day week.		 This equals 5.75% (21/365 days) of annual income
Maternity Leave Section 22(1) to 22(4) of South Africa’s Employment Act stipulates that during each 36-month cycle starting from the first day at work, an employee is entitled to a paid sick leave.
This should be equivalent to the exact number of days that they usually work in a typical 6-week period.
Therefore, in case the employee works five days per week, then they are entitled to a 30-day sick leave on full pay.
On the other hand, if the person works six days per week, then they will have a 36-day sick leave on full pay.		 This equals 8.22% (30/365 days) of annual income
Overtime Employees may work a maximum of 3 hours’ overtime per day - or 10 hours in any one week.
Overtime remuneration is paid at 1.5x normal rate, and 2x normal rate for Sundays and public holidays		 Normal hourly rate is around 194 ZAR. Overtime is paid at an additional 97 ZAR.
Severance A retrenched employee must at least be paid 1 week's pay for each completed year of ongoing service. This equals 1.92% (1/52 weeks) of annual income
Social Security Employers and employees each contribute to the fund at a rate of 1% of the employee’s remuneration up to a remuneration limit of ZAR14,872 per month.
Employers are required to make contributions to the Compensation Fund, which was created under the Compensation for Injuries and Diseases Act to insure employees against industrial accidents or illnesses that result in death or disability.
Contributions to the Compensation Fund are payable on annual remuneration of up to ZAR458,520		 This equals 1% of annual income

Accrued Benefits in South Africa

Christmas Bonus %

Based on one month bonus

 8.33%
Christmas Bonus Over Vacations % 0%
Severance per Year%

Employees are entitled to severance pay that equals to 1 week of pay after one year of service (1.37% of annual salary)

 1.37% of annual salary
Vacations %

Employees are entitled to 15 days of annual leave (4.28% of annual salary)

 4.28%
Of annual
salary
Notice %

Employees are entitled to a 1 month of notice period for one year of service or more (8.33%)

 8.33%
Christmas Bonus Over Notifications % 0%
Vacations Plus % 0%

Total percentage of Salary (yearly)

The total employment accruals as a percentage of salary per anum are equal to 22.31%

22.31%

Why use Global Expansion to hire in South Africa

Establishing a branch office or subsidiary in South Africa can be time-consuming, expensive and complex. With such a robust labor market in place, one must pay great attention to detail when structuring employment because South Africa labor laws are complex.

The company also has a responsibility to comply with specific employment practices dictated by South Africa law to maintain its good standing as an equal opportunity employer.

Global Expansion makes it easy for you to expand into South Africa. We'll help you hire your candidate of choice, handle HR matters and payroll, and ensure that you comply with local laws without the burden of setting up a foreign branch office or subsidiary. In addition, you'll have complete control and direction over your employees.

We enable you to stay in control of everything. Our South Africa Global Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Employer of Record (EOR) solution provides you with peace of mind to focus on running your company and the security to enter new markets.

 

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