The D-type visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe in other Schengen states. This indicates that you can remain legally in the Schengen area as long as your stay does not exceed 90 days within the past 180 days. The validity of the D-type visa is capped at one year.
The submission of visa application forms must be done in person. The diplomatic mission does not accept application forms sent through fax, regular mail, or email.
How to book an appointment?
To apply for work visas, you must schedule an appointment through the e-Konsulat system. Navigate to the link, switch the language option to English, and choose "R" for Republic of South Africa, then "Pretoria." Next, select "register form" from the menu, and follow the system's prompts for further instructions. Appointment slots are generated automatically on a weekly basis. Visa applications are only accepted during specific hours: Mondays from 13:00 to 16:00, and Tuesdays to Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00.
Documents required:
- Visa application form
- Photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)- It should be sharp, taken against a white background, and printed on quality paper. It must be no older than 6 months, taken facing forward, showing the full face and eyes clearly, with the face covering 70-80% of the photo. No headwear or glasses are allowed.
- Passport
- Copy of passport page
- A copy of an ID document is required to verify residency within the consular district where the application is being submitted.
- Flight booking
- Proof of accommodation
- A document verifying the purpose and conditions of your intended stay in Poland.
- Employment proof
- Proof of finances
- Travel medical insurance
Here is a list of approved insurance companies that meet the criteria: Absa, ACE, AIG, AXA, Bryte, Hollard, IMG, Old Mutual, Santam, Swiss Care, Tokio Marine, Wiener
Waiting time:
Visa decisions are typically finalized within 15 days from the date of application fee payment. However, if further examination of documents is necessary or if any required documents are missing and need to be provided by the applicant, the processing period may be extended to 30 days.
Document collection:
Once the application has been approved by the Visa Officer in the Consular Section, the applicant will receive a receipt indicating the passport collection date. The processing time for national visas is 15 calendar days. Passports can be collected by a courier or representative, who must present a signed authorization letter from the passport holder. No appointment is necessary for passport collection, but it must be done within consular office hours:
- Monday: 12:00-13:00
- Tuesday to Friday: 13:00-14:00
How to appeal?
If a visa application is denied, the consul will provide a written decision outlining the reasons. If you disagree with the decision, you can request a reconsideration within 14 days of receiving the decision, at the same office where the decision was issued. The fee for this application is identical to that of the original submission. Visa appeals can be submitted from Tuesday to Friday between 13:00 and 14:00.