From Cape Town and Johannesburg to Durban and Pretoria, South Africa is like no other country. From the beautiful coastline to the impressive mountains, it’s definitely a must-visit destination for any traveler.
And with the launch of the South Africa digital nomad visa in May 2024, remote workers can spend up to three years living and working in the country. The idea is to bring international workers (with a minimum annual income of R1,000,000 to the country to boost the local economy. Theoretically, it’s a win-win – but how does it play out in reality?
In this article, we’ll discuss the new digital nomad visa for South Africa. We’ll share who is eligible, the personal and professional requirements, and how to apply for the visa. We’ll then move on to the alternatives to the South African digital nomad visa, finishing up with what makes the country special for digital nomads.
What is the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa?
Announced in May 2024, the South African digital nomad visa allows foreign nationals to live in South Africa and work for a foreign company or as a freelancer with overseas clients.
The digital nomad visa allows applicants to live and work in South Africa for a maximum of three years, with renewal options available. Spouses and dependents can be included on the visa, although further requirements must be met and additional fees paid.
Who is Eligible for South Africa’s Digital Nomad Visa?
All eligible applicants must satisfy a range of both professional and personal requirements for a successful application. The following professional criteria must be satisfied:
- Occupation: You must be employed by a recognized foreign employer in a remote work position or must be able to prove income as a freelancer with foreign clients.
- Income Thresholds: You must satisfy the minimum annual salary requirement of R1,000,000.00.
- Tax Clearance: If you exceed a 6-month stay within a 12-month period, you must register with the South African Revenue Service. They will then be liable to pay income tax in South Africa (further details below).
In addition to the range of professional requirements, all applicants must satisfy the following personal requirements:
- Medical Record: Applicants must provide a medical certificate proving good health. Medical insurance is not required, but we do recommend this for all digital nomads.
- Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record.
Further terms, conditions, and eligibility checks may apply.
What Are the Requirements for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa?
The following documents must be provided for a successful application:
- Valid passport
- Digital nomad visa application forms
- Proof of employment at a foreign company or proof of foreign freelance clients
- Medical certificate of good health
- Police clearance over the last 6 months
Follow any additional steps provided by the local embassy before attending the visa appointment.
How To Apply For South Africa’s Digital Nomad Visa
Looking to apply for South Africa’s digital nomad visa? Check out and follow the below step-by-step guide to find exactly what you need for a successful application.
Step 1: Gather All Required Documentation
First, gather all of the documentation required. The following must be compiled and supplied for a successful application:
- Valid passport
- Digital nomad visa application forms
- Proof of employment at a foreign company or proof of foreign freelance clients
- Medical certificate of good health
- Police clearance over the last 6 months
Step 2: Create an Appointment with the Local Embassy
Schedule an appointment to apply for the digital nomad visa at the local embassy. Ensure to follow the instructions provided before attending the appointment.
Step 3: Submit the Application
With all required documents compiled, applicants must submit their application forms to their local embassy or Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) in their home country.
Step 4: Await the Outcome
After applying, simply await the outcome of the digital nomad visa. This typically takes between 8 and 10 weeks for a successful application.
South Africa’s Digital Nomads Visa Fees
The specifics surrounding the South Africa digital nomad visas are not yet confirmed. We know of the following fees at the time of writing:
- Application fee: R1,750
Additional fees may be charged. We will update this post as soon as further information becomes available.
How Long Does It Take for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa to Process?
Most applicants will receive a verdict on their digital nomad application within 8-10 weeks of submission.
What Are the Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in South Africa?
South Africa has quickly become one of the top destinations for digital nomads. With a low cost of living, stunning landscapes, diverse population, and coworking infrastructure – it’s a fantastic place for nomads to call home.
Cost of Living
Compared to the United States, for example, the cost of living in South Africa is – on average 57.2% lower. Rental prices are also much lower than in the United States with a difference of 70.9%.
The low cost of living, however, does not impact the quality of life in the country. Comparing New York City with Cape Town, according to Numbeo data we find Cape Town boasts a higher quality of life index than New York City. The only areas in which Cape Town performs poorly are in the Safety Index (Low) and in the Traffic Commute Time Index (High).
Remote Work Culture
Cape Town and Johannesburg are the two obvious cities for digital nomads to call home in South Africa – but Durban should be on the radar for remote workers.
Cape Town takes the lion’s share of remote workers, and it’s easy to see why. From the penguins of Boulders Beach to the view from Table Mountain – the city has it all. There are plenty of coworking spaces, cool cafes, and private workspaces to work from alongside a booming expat community full of like-minded people.
Food and Drink
South Africans are big foodies – a fact that’s easy to see when walking in the center of town. Be sure to feast on potjiekos, bunny chow, and chakalaka during your stay. Your tastebuds will be shouting out for more.
The nightlife in South Africa is fantastic. There’s always something to do, somewhere to go, or someone to meet. The big cities have an electric feel that’s hard to beat elsewhere in the world.
Healthcare
South Africa is ranked 129th out of the 167 nations included in the Legatum Prosperity Index for healthcare. Although towards the lower end, private healthcare is available in the country and (especially for high-earning applicants) is comparatively affordable.
Although medical insurance is not a requirement for the digital nomad visa, we do recommend that all remote workers invest in coverage. We use and recommend Genki as an insurer specializing in insurance for digital nomads.
Are There Any Tax Implications For Digital Nomads Living In South Africa?
Any digital nomad conducting more than six months of work within 12 months must register with the South African Revenue Services. Visas issued for six months or less must apply for an exemption as a registered taxpayer. The following rate of taxation applies to digital nomads in South Africa:
| Income (South African Rand) | Taxation Rate |
| Up to R226,000 | 18% of taxable income |
| R226,001 to R353,100 | R40,680 + 26% of taxable income above R226,000 |
| R353,001 to R488,700 | R73,726 + 31% of taxable income above R353,000 |
| R488,701–R641,400 | R115,762 + 36% of taxable income above R488,700 |
| R641,401–817,600 | R170,734 + 39% of taxable income above R641,400 |
| R817,601–R1,731,600 | R239,452 + 41% of taxable income above R817,600 |
| R1,731,601 and above | R614,912 + 45% of taxable income above R1,731,600 |
Table: Income Tax Rate in South Africa for Digital Nomads (Visa of More Than Six Months)
Tax can be a tricky subject area for digital nomads. Where possible, we use and recommend Heavnn – a tax optimization company specifically tailored to digital nomads. It’s a great way for both individuals and companies to optimize their tax strategies and find tips and tricks that work best for them.
Other Visa Options Available to Digital Nomads for South Africa
In addition to the digital nomad visa, there is a range of alternative visas available for individuals wishing to visit South Africa. These include:
- Medical treatment visa
- Temporary residence visa
- Study visa
- Exchange visa
- Retired persons’ visa
Additional visa options are available. Visa exemptions are possible from a range of countries including the USA and the UK.
Other Digital Nomad Visas in Africa
Looking for alternatives to the South African digital nomad visa? Check out the other visa options available in Africa below:
Ready to Apply for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa?
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