South Africa Digital Nomad Visa
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Nadia Dardón
Freelance writer
Last update
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South Africa Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
3.6
Internet Infrastructure 4.0
Country Stability 2.0
Cost of Living 5.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 4.0
Taxes 3.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length 36 Months
Possible to extend? Yes
Who can apply? Highly qualified workers in the technology sector.
Minimum Income Requirements 650,976 ZAR (about $37,500) - annually
Time for visa applications 2-4 months
Want to know if you can apply?
Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
South Africa Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Update: October 11, 2024
South Africa’s Digital Nomad Visa has officially launched! The Department of Home Affairs has just released the final regulations, and we are ready to assist you with the application process.
While we’re excited to help you move forward, we do want to highlight that, as this is a new visa category, it may take some time for South African missions abroad to be fully ready to process applications. Rest assured, we’ll closely monitor developments and guide you through the steps as smoothly as possible.
The South African government implemented a digital nomad visa on May 20, 2024, allowing eligible foreign nationals to work remotely for a foreign company or as a freelancer in South Africa.
The South African government submitted framework legislation for the visa on March 28, 2024; however, the legislative procedure took longer than expected to enact the visa due to an incomplete public comment period. However, the South Africa digital nomad is closer than ever before, and soon remote workers will be able to enjoy its benefits.
This new visa allows qualified individuals to live and work in the country for a fixed amount of time. To be eligible for the visa, applicants must establish a minimum yearly income of 650,976 ZAR (about $37,500).
Keep in mind that the released regulations do not specify the validity duration of the digital nomad visa; this will be clarified when the official gazette is published in the coming months. A lot of the information regarding this visa is not known yet. The Department of Home Affairs will issue an official gazette with additional information on the initiative in the coming months.
We will update this article as the government provides additional details regarding the requirements and application process.
Who Can Apply for the Start-Up Visa for South Africa?
The new South Africa digital nomad visa focuses on highly qualified workers, particularly those in the technology sector, who wish to live in South Africa while working for a foreign company. There are no other requirements as of now.
If You Are a United States Citizen
If you’re a US citizen, you can visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you wish to stay for longer and work in the country, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
If You Are a US Green Card Holder
US Green Card holders might be required to get a visa in order to visit South Africa. It depends on the type of passport you hold.
If You Are an EU Citizen
If you’re a EU citizen, you can visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you wish to stay for longer and work in the country, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
If You Are a Citizen of Canada
Canadian citizens can visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you want to stay longer and work in the nation, you must apply for a visa.
If You Are a Citizen from Australia or New Zealand
If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you are permitted to visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you want to stay longer and work in the nation, you must apply for a visa.
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Need help applying?
Simon - South Africa Immigration Lawyer
South Africa Visa Requirements
As with any digital nomad visa, you must meet certain standards in order to be able to apply. While the specific requirements for the South African visa are not known yet, this is what we know so far:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid while applying for the visa.
Work Remotely: You must establish that you work remotely using contracts.
Earn $37,500 USD year: Applicants must earn at least 650,976 ZAR per year to qualify for the South Africa digital nomad visa
Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a clean criminal background check from your country of residency within the last three years.
Address of Accommodations: You must have a lease or online booking of where you intend to stay in South Africa.
Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency
In order to apply for the South Africa digital nomad, you need to earn at least 650,976 per year ($37,500 USD approximately). In order to prove this, you’ll have to show proof of financial self-sufficiency with bank statements and other documents that confirm this amount.
Full Health Insurance
There is no information about the health insurance requirements. You’ll likely need to acquire one to cover your full stay.
If you still don’t have one, you can get one with Citizen Remote. Sign up for full health insurance that is perfect for all digital nomads.
Clean Criminal Record
All applicants will need to provide a clean criminal background check from their country of residency within the last three years.
Proof of Accommodations
All applicants must have a lease or online booking of where they intend to stay in South Africa.
How to Apply for the South Africa Visa — Step-by-Step Instructions
While the South Africa digital nomad visa is not currently taking applications, the application process may be similar to the processes outlined below.
Step 1 — Acquire All The Necessary Documents
As we wait for an official list of paperwork for the South African digital nomad visa, we can assume that you will require the following documents based on previous visa applications:
Copy of passport.
Passport photographs
Proof of remote work.
Proof of Income
Certified criminal background check.
Address of Accommodations in South Africa
Keep in mind that all documents must be supplied in English and apostilled if necessary.
Step 2 — Make An Appointment With The South African Embassy
To apply for the South African digital nomad visa, you must visit a South African embassy or VFS office in your country of residence.
Depending on appointment availability, you may have to wait up to a few months for your visa appointment.
Step 3 — Submit Your Application
The next step is to submit your application at the appointment previously scheduled. You must bring your completed visa application and any required documentation. It is recommended that you bring both the original and copy of your documents.
It is important to know that you’re unable to apply in South Africa. You must submit the application in your country of origin. However, once you’re there you can extend it in South Africa
Step 4 — Pay the Fees
As of now, there is no information about the visa’s cost. We will update this article as soon as new information is available from the South African government.
Step 5 — Wait for Approval
After your visa appointment, you will have to wait a few weeks before your South Africa digital nomad visa application is approved. Once accepted, you can go to South Africa.
Need help applying?
Simon - South Africa Immigration Lawyer
Timeline for Applying for the South Africa Visa
The official timeline for the application is not available yet. The South Africa digital nomad came into law just recently, so there’s still a lot of information unknown to the public. The Department of Home Affairs will issue an official gazette with additional information on the initiative in the coming months. We will update this article as the government provides further details regarding the requirements and application process.
How Much Does Apply for a Visa for South Africa Cost?
This information is not available yet. We will update this page as soon as we know more!
Taxes for South Africa Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa holders who work for more than six months in a 36-month period must register with the South African Revenue Services and pay South African taxes on their earnings. Applicants with visas valid for less than six months may petition for an exemption from registering as taxpayers.
South Africa Visa Denial
There’s still no information regarding the denial of the South Africa digital nomad visa. However, it is likely you’ll get the chance to submit an appeal or re-submit your application, depending on the reason behind the denial.
Living in South Africa as a Digital Nomad
South Africa has been capturing the attention of many travelers for years now. It has breathtaking landscapes and unique ecosystems. It’s also the perfect place to explore classic African scenery. You’ll see golden savannahs, stunning coastlines, enormous gaping gorges, and beautiful deserts. South Africa has something for everyone looking to satisfy their wanderlust.
South Africa is also an attractive place for digital nomads and remote workers. Not only will you get the chance to explore the many natural wonders the country has to offer, but you’ll also get the chance to discover many different cultures and languages.
Capital Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein
Form of Government Parliamentary republic
Population 59.31 million (2020)
Climate Desert, semi-desert, and subtropical
Language Afrikaans, Southern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Swati, Xhosa, Tswana, Ndebele, Zulu, Northern Sotho, and English
Currency South African Rand (ZAR)
17 people in South Africa!
Join the community of remoters!
Attractions and Best Places to Visit
Kruger National Park
Head towards Kruger National Park, one of the best game reserves in Africa. It is a 4-hour drive away from Johannesburg. Here you can see lions, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. As well as a vast diversity of other wildlife. The Kruger National Park is also home to San (indigenous) rock paintings and archaeological sites.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
You must also visit Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of the largest wilderness areas in the world. It is located in Northern Cape and is the first officially declared transfrontier park in Africa. You’ll get the chance to see camel thorn trees, red sands, golden grasslands, deep blue skies, and a huge diversity of wildlife. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is home to the famous black-maned Kalahari lions, gemsboks, weavers, meerkats, and many birds of prey.
Cape Town
Of course, if you want to visit a city then Cape Town is a must-go place for you. In fact, it is known as one of the world’s most breathtaking cities. Cape Town is surrounded by nature since it is situated between a rugged range of mountains and the sea. Cape Town is a multicultural paradise. You’ll get to explore the best things about South African culture, taste the delicious food, and befriend the locals.
Drakensberg
If you’re looking for a mountainous landscape, then the spectacular Drakensberg is the perfect place for you. They’re known as the "Dragon Mountains”, and they’re located in KwaZulu-Natal. This region hosts the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage site with jagged basalt buttresses and San rock art. It is also home to Royal Natal National Park, with its jaw-dropping Amphitheatre, which is a cliff face and source of South Africa's main rivers.
Durban’s Golden Mile
Also in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban’s Golden Mile is a great place if you want to explore the city. It has long blond beaches, high-rise hotels, shops, restaurants, and flashy entertainment complexes. This place is perfect for surfers, swimmers, and anglers.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
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Cape Town
Capital of South Africa
Cape Town is an up-and-coming digital nomad destination. It has beautiful architecture and culture, and plenty of tourist attractions nearby. Plus, there are many co-working spaces, nightlife, a vast coffee culture, and an established and diverse ex-pat community.
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Johannesburg
City in South Africa
Another city great for digital nomads is Johannesburg. It’s a developing business center, so there are many business investing opportunities. The ex-pat community is also growing tremendously. Johannesburg now offers multiple co-working and meeting spaces for remote workers. Sadly, Johannesburg is not the safest place, so you might want to take that into consideration before settling there.
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Pretoria
Capital of South Africa
Pretoria is another place that has caught the attention of some digital nomads. The lifestyle there is more laidback, and the ex-pat community isn’t too big, but if you’re looking to explore something different then definitely give Pretoria a chance.
Need help applying?
Simon - South Africa Immigration Lawyer
Benefits Of Working In South Africa as a Digital Nomad
Cost of Living
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (R). R1 = $0.054 USD.
The average salary in South Africa R31,100 per month (approximately $1695 per month).
Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay per month for Cape Town
One-bedroom apartment R12,585 ($682 USD)
Three-bedroom apartment R26,241 ($1,422 USD)
Monthly electricity, water, and related bills R1,767 ($95 USD)
Meal at a simple restaurant R150 ($8 USD)
Meal for two at a restaurant R700 ($37 USD)
Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay per month in Johannesburg:
One-bedroom apartment R7,378 ($400 USD)
Three-bedroom apartment R14,250 ($772 USD)
Monthly electricity, water, and related bills R2,046 ($110 USD)
Meal at a simple restaurant R170 ($9 USD)
Meal for two at a restaurant R800 ($43 USD)
Digital Nomad Essentials
Internet (speed) 36.46Mbps
Time Zone (GMT+2)
Socket Type Type N
Calling Code +27
How to get a phone (SIM card)
Did you know you can purchase an eSim card with our digital nomad app?
Our all-in-one app has everything you need. It has a huge range of regional and global provider options that cover all countries, including South Africa! Plus, the prices are accessible, and the purchase process is easy.
Coworking Spaces
Ready To Go To South Africa?
South Africa is an excellent destination for digital nomads and remote workers. You will get the opportunity to not only see the country's many natural wonders, but also to learn about many different cultures and languages.
So what are you waiting for? Start planing your trip to South Africa!
FAQs About South Africa Visa
Does South Africa Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes! The South African government implemented a digital nomad visa on May 20, 2024. This visa allows eligible foreign nationals to work remotely for a foreign company or as a freelancer in South Africa.
How Much Money Do You Need Per Month in South Africa?
You should aim to have at least R31,100 per month (approximately $1695 per month).
The minimum income you’ll need in order to apply for the visa is 650,976 ZAR (about $37,500) - annually.
Is There a Digital Nomad Community in South Africa?
Yes! Many digital nomads and other remote workers have made South Africa their home. You’ll find other like-minded people. Plus, the locals are warm and welcoming, so you won’t have any issues meeting people in South Africa.
What South Africa Neighboring Countries Issue Visas for Digital Nomads?
Mauritius
Seychelles
Namibia
Cabo Verde
Egypt
MoroccoAuthor
Nadia Dardón is a freelance writer from Guatemala. In early 2022 she embarked as a digital nomad, traveling through Europe, focusing mostly on the literary history of each country. She has worked fully remotely for the past four years as a reader, writer, and content creator with experience creating pieces for different industries. She also has a personal blog where she writes about her cultural and literary travels.
