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South Sudan Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in South Sudan? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Juba

Currency

South Sudanese Pound

(

SSP

)

Timezone

CAT

(

GMT+2

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

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Hiring Foreign Talent in South Sudan: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in South Sudan? Navigating South Sudan’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in South Sudan, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must be registered with the Ministry of Labor to sponsor foreign workers.

The work permit process can take 2 to 6 weeks.

The most common work permits are the Temporary Work Visa and the Permanent Work Visa, with fees ranging from $50 to $100.

Independent contractors follow a separate application process and do not need employer sponsorship.

Work permits are location-specific, and approval is required for any job changes or moves.

Who Needs a Work Permit in South Sudan

In South Sudan, work permits are required for foreign nationals who intend to work in the country, whether on a temporary or long-term basis. This includes expatriates, specialists, and employees who are not citizens or permanent residents of South Sudan. Employers hiring foreign workers must ensure they apply for the appropriate work permit to legally employ them. South Sudan has specific regulations in place to protect local job markets, and foreign nationals must meet certain criteria to obtain a work permit.

Workers on short-term assignments or those with specialized skills that are not available locally may also be eligible for work permits, provided they fulfill the necessary requirements. Foreigners who intend to take up employment with South Sudanese companies or governmental bodies must go through this process before starting work.

Types of Work Visas in South Sudan

South Sudan offers several types of work visas depending on the nature of the employment and the duration of stay. These include visas for long-term work, temporary assignments, and other special cases. Below is a list of common work visa types for employers in South Sudan:

Visa Type	Description
Temporary Work Visa	This visa is issued to foreign nationals working in South Sudan for short-term assignments, typically lasting under one year.
Permanent Work Visa	Issued to expatriates or foreign workers employed on a long-term basis in South Sudan. This visa is for those who intend to reside and work in the country for extended periods.
Specialized Worker Visa	This visa is for foreign workers with specialized skills or expertise not readily available within the local workforce, typically in sectors like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Investor Visa	Granted to foreign nationals who invest in businesses or enterprises in South Sudan, allowing them to reside and work in the country.

Common Hiring Scenarios for South Sudan

When hiring talent in South Sudan, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in South Sudan. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 2 to 6 weeks), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in South Sudan.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in South Sudan

Independent professionals in South Sudan can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Sudanese Pound (SDG) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in South Sudan.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to South Sudan

Transferring an existing team member to South Sudan? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Africa, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in South Sudan? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements For a Work Permit in South Sudan

The requirements for obtaining a work permit in South Sudan are designed to ensure that foreign workers are legally qualified for employment and that their roles align with the country's economic needs. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their employees fulfill these requirements before they apply for a work permit.

Valid Passport: The applicant must hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay in South Sudan.
Employment Contract: The employee must present a signed employment contract from the South Sudanese employer detailing job responsibilities and salary.
Proof of Qualification: Depending on the job, the applicant may need to provide proof of professional qualifications or work experience.
Health Clearance: A medical certificate may be required to ensure that the employee does not pose any health risks to the local population.
Police Clearance: A criminal background check may be requested to ensure the applicant does not have a criminal history that would disqualify them from working in South Sudan.
Employer’s Business Registration: The employer must provide evidence of their business registration and compliance with South Sudanese labor laws.

South Sudan Work Permit Application Process

The process of applying for a work permit in South Sudan typically involves several key steps. Employers should be prepared to submit detailed documentation and adhere to specific timelines for approval.

Submit the work permit application to the Ministry of Labour. The employer must provide all necessary documentation, including the employee’s passport and employment contract.
Review by Ministry of Labour. The Ministry will review the application to ensure all requirements are met and that the job aligns with the country's labor market needs.
Await approval. The processing time for a work permit can vary, but employers should plan for several weeks.
Pay applicable fees. After approval, the employer must pay the required fees for the work permit.
Final issuance of work permit. Upon payment, the work permit is issued, and the foreign employee can begin work in South Sudan.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In South Sudan

In South Sudan, visa sponsorship is a vital part of the work permit process. Employers are required to act as sponsors for their foreign employees. This involves providing proof of employment and the employee’s qualifications to support the visa application. The employer must also ensure that the employee complies with the health and background check requirements. Once sponsorship is confirmed, the work visa can be processed, and the employee can enter South Sudan to begin work.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in South Sudan

The fees for obtaining a work permit or visa in South Sudan depend on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Employers should budget for these fees as part of the hiring process.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Temporary Work Visa	$100
Permanent Work Visa	$250
Specialized Worker Visa	$200
Investor Visa	$300

Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in South Sudan

The processing time for work permits and visas in South Sudan typically ranges from two to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and the type of visa being applied for. It is essential for employers to plan ahead and submit applications well in advance of the anticipated start date of the employee.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in South Sudan

Work permits in South Sudan are usually issued for a period of one year, although this can vary depending on the visa type and the terms of the employment contract. Upon expiry, work permits must be renewed. Employers are responsible for ensuring that work permits are renewed in a timely manner to avoid any lapses in legal employment status.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in South Sudan

Currently, South Sudan does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. However, foreign nationals intending to live and work remotely from South Sudan must apply for a standard work visa if they plan to stay for extended periods. Employers should be aware that visa regulations may change as the country develops its tourism and digital economy sectors.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in South Sudan

Employers looking to hire in South Sudan may face several challenges related to the country’s developing legal and regulatory environment. Challenges include navigating complex visa and work permit requirements, dealing with bureaucratic delays, and understanding the limited local labor pool in specialized sectors.

Challenge 1: Bureaucratic delays. Visa and work permit processing can take longer than expected, which can affect project timelines.
Challenge 2: Limited local talent. Employers may need to hire foreign workers for roles that require specialized skills, creating a higher demand for work permits.
Challenge 3: Changing regulations. As South Sudan's legal and regulatory framework continues to evolve, employers need to stay informed about changes in immigration policies.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in South Sudan

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in South Sudan?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in South Sudan — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in South Sudan, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in South Sudan?

A work permit is an authorization that allows a foreign national to legally work in South Sudan, while a work visa is the entry clearance that permits the individual to enter and stay in South Sudan. Both are required for foreign employees.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in South Sudan?

The processing time can take between two to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the visa type and the workload of the relevant authorities.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in South Sudan?

Employers must provide a signed employment contract, proof of business registration, and sponsorship guarantees. They must also ensure that the employee meets the health and background check requirements.

What types of work permits and visas are available in South Sudan?

The main work permits and visas include the Temporary Work Visa, Permanent Work Visa, Specialized Worker Visa, and Investor Visa. These are issued based on the employment duration and the nature of the job.