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Labor Laws in South Africa

  • Annual Leave: 15 - 18 days
  • Public Holidays: 12
  • Maternity Leave: 4 months
  • Workweek: Maximum 45 hours per week.

Income Tax in South Africa

South Africa has progressive income tax rates from 18% to 45%.

Value Added Tax (VAT) in South Africa

The standard VAT rate is set at 15%.

Social Security in South Africa

In South Africa, social security contributions are primarily focused on the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Skills Development Levy (SDL).

Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)

  • 1% (employee) + 1% (employer)
  • All employees earning above the threshold

Skills Development Levy (SDL)

  • 1% of total payroll
  • Employers with an annual payroll exceeding R500,000

Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)

  • Varies based on risk
  • Employers based on industry risk

Work Visas in South Africa

Here are the main work visas available in South Africa:

General Work Visa

  • Issued to foreign nationals for positions that cannot be filled by South African citizens or permanent residents.
  • Requires proof that local candidates were not available.
  • Up to 5 years, renewable

Critical Skills Work Visa

  • For highly skilled professionals in occupations listed on the critical skills list.
  • Applicants do not need a job offer at the time of application but must secure employment within 12 months to renew.
  • Up to 5 years with a job offer; 12 months without.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

  • Allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a branch or affiliate in South Africa without needing to prove that local candidates are unavailable.
  • Up to 4 years.

Corporate Visa

  • Granted to corporations allowing them to employ a specified number of foreign nationals for specific roles.
  • Not issued to individuals but rather to companies. Varies based on the corporate needs.

Business Visa

  • For individuals intending to establish or invest in a business in South Africa, allowing them to work within that business.
  • Duration varies based on business plan.

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