South Africa's digital nomad visa struggles

South Africa’s much-anticipated digital nomad visa hasn’t taken off as hoped. Launched in May 2024 after being delayed due to tax issues, the program was meant to draw remote workers to the country for up to 12 months, boosting tourism and injecting fresh spending into the economy. Visa holders from countries with a Double Taxation Agreement even get a break on local income tax if they stay less than six months.

But so far, the response has been underwhelming. By late April 2025, only 24 visas had been issued, far fewer than officials expected. The sluggish uptake may come down to lingering confusion around the rules. For one, it’s still unclear whether the $50,000 minimum income requirement refers to gross or net earnings. There’s also uncertainty about how long the initial visa lasts and how renewals work, leaving potential applicants hesitant.

Meanwhile, the global competition for digital nomads is heating up with mixed results. Croatia and Taiwan are reportedly extending their programs, while Bermuda recently announced it would scrap its digital nomad visa altogether. At the same time, newcomers like El Salvador and Cyprus have just entered the race, rolling out their own remote work visas in hopes of attracting location-independent professionals.

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