South Africa has it all—strong social and political movements, diverse cultures and languages, and an energy that will make you never want to leave. Whether you are looking to hike, dance, safari, or swim, South Africa offers an abundance of possibilities for work-life balance.
Do the drum beats of South Africa call to you when you dream of living and working in South Africa? Follow the beat and follow these tips on how to get a job in South Africa.
From Table Mountain and Lion’s Head in Cape Town, to dance festivals such as Dance Umbrella, to Kruger National Park and the beaches of Muizenberg, you’ll constantly have the opportunity to connect with others, move your body, and learn about the vibrant and diverse cultures within South Africa.
Can I work in South Africa?
Before you ask about how to get a job in South Africa as a foreigner, it is important to explore if there are jobs in South Africa for foreigners. Jobs are advertised nationally within the country. Although jobs may not specifically be advertised as expat jobs in South Africa, if there aren’t any South African citizens available or able to take on the role, international workers may be considered. However, South African citizens will be considered over foreign workers.
As such, it is important to consider if you have any of the skills that are considered critical in South Africa or if you can find an organization open to working with foreigners. Other options for living and working in South Africa include finding a company with a South African branch you can transfer to, or (if you are of an entrepreneurial mind!) starting a business in South Africa.
Which career has the most job opportunities in South Africa?
When looking for expat jobs in South Africa, you will likely find most opportunities in the major urban cities such as Cape Town (an exciting tech city), Johannesburg, and Durban. Each city has its own vibe and energy, so you have options to find a place that may suit you best.
South Africa has many robust industries including mining and mineral processing, manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, banking, as well as legal, energy, and transport sectors. Other industries looking for critical skills include accounting, architecture, bookkeeping, web design, higher education, and management consultancy.
These fields may be more in-demand for skilled workers, so you may have more luck finding jobs in South Africa for foreigners in these fields.
Is it easy to get a job in South Africa?
Time to think long and hard to craft a resume that lists the skills you need for the job.
It might not be easy to find jobs in South Africa for foreigners, but it is certainly not impossible to land your dream expat job in South Africa.
There are a lot of in-demand professions, so if you have the right skills, you may find the perfect fit. As an increasingly popular destination for tourists and expats, South Africa also offers opportunities for shorter term work or temporary roles in industries such as hospitality.
Although teaching English is often a popular job abroad, English is one of South Africa’s main languages. Local South Africans typically teach English, especially in rural areas.
There are South African recruitment agencies that are familiar with helping foreigners looking to work in South Africa, as well as organizations who are more comfortable with foreign employees. It may take some time, but your dream job in South Africa is out there!
If you are still completing your degree or if you are early in your career, some alternative opportunities in South Africa with easier access points include internships, gap year programs, and volunteering—just be sure to keep ethical engagement in mind!
READ: 9 Reasons Why You Should Intern in South Africa
What are the requirements to work in South Africa?
It’s important to pay close attention to the requirements to work in South Africa, while also considering certain basic requirements to find your dream job abroad:
- Language skills: Whether you are a linguaphile or solely an English speaker, you are in luck. South Africa has 11 official languages (plenty to learn if that’s your vibe!). That list includes English, which is widely used in education, media, and some businesses. If you also have a basic understanding of Afrikaans, you may have more opportunities to find a job in South Africa as a foreigner. Learning about the history of languages and their use in South Africa will also open up opportunities to learn about the legacy of colonialism and apartheid.
- Education and work skills: There are more opportunities for qualified and experienced expats in South Africa since many South African industries are looking for foreigners who are skilled in the in-demand critical areas. Your education will help you be considered for various roles. The more work experience you have, the better.
- Visa requirements: In order to work in South Africa, you are required to obtain a work visa. Typically, you will need a job offer in order to secure your visa. There are four work visas to know: general work visa, critical skill visa, intra-company transfer (ICT) visa, and business visa. These four options cover finding work at South African organizations, working within the critical skills that are in-demand, transferring from your current branch to a South African branch of your company, or beginning an entrepreneurial journey in South Africa.
READ: GoAbroad’s Pre-departure Checklist for Working Abroad
How to get a job in South Africa as a foreigner
Researching the requirements to work in South Africa in your chosen field positions you to land your dream job.
1. Confirm if you qualify to work in South Africa
The first step to getting a job as a foreigner is to confirm your eligibility to work in South Africa. In order to live and work in South Africa, you will need a visa. Once you confirm you qualify for a South African work visa, you can share this confirmation in your job application materials to increase your consideration by South African organizations.
2. Research companies and organizations
Your next step is to begin to research organizations and companies in your field of interest within South Africa. Learn about the work these companies are doing, and pay attention to job vacancies. It is acceptable to reach out directly to South African organizations about job vacancies, but you can also search for jobs in South Africa on GoAbroad, LinkedIn, or other job search engines.
3. Gain some understanding of the work culture and expectations
Working in South Africa may have similarities and differences to the work culture in your home community. Work weeks typically run Monday through Friday, with typical business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some companies are influenced by international work environments and have a more formal business vibe, while others may have more informal work environments. Pay attention to company culture during your research, application, and interview processes.
4. Customize your CV and LinkedIn profile
Once you have identified organizations and jobs that interest you, it’s time to create your online presence and customize your story through your CV and LinkedIn profile. South African companies may be curious about your social media accounts, so be mindful of the information you have available online.
Your CV and LinkedIn profiles are your opportunity to share your experience, who you are, and what you will be able to contribute. Use your creativity and storytelling to wow the hiring committees!
5. Apply for jobs and nail your interviews
Now that you’ve customized your application materials for the jobs postings you are interested in, you are ready to apply. The interview process will vary depending on the industry, but you should prepare to answer questions about your experience and what you will bring to the table.
Make a good first impression and share all those awesome qualifications that make you the best person for the job.
This is your opportunity to share what makes you uniquely qualified for this role—don’t be afraid to confidently share about yourself. They say to dress for the job you want, so make sure you dress to impress and arrive on time. First impressions are important!
6. Secure your visa
Now that you have landed your dream job in South Africa, you will need to apply for the corresponding work visa for your position based on the requirements to work in South Africa. More than likely, you will be applying for the general work visa or the critical skills visa depending on the role you landed.
You will need to submit your application, which will include an application fee, a valid passport, passport photos, proof of employment, and details of your accommodations and financial arrangement. Plan to submit your application at least 6 weeks before your departure at your local South African embassy or consulate.
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 job programs in South Africa—it’s free!
Live (and work) the dream in South Africa
Go ahead, jump for joy. You’re well on your way to getting a job in South Africa.
You are on your way! By following these steps on how to get a job in South Africa, you will open the doors of possibility to live and work in the Rainbow Nation. South Africa offers so many opportunities to learn about past and present social justice movements, the impact of power imbalances and inequality, and the resilient spirit of South Africans who have fought hard for change. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the many languages and cultures in South Africa—local braais with your coworkers may be the perfect place to unwind and connect!