How to get a south Africa Digital Nomad Visa

South Africa is now opening its doors to digital nomads. In recent years, the country has seen a significant increase in remote workers and digital nomads, and to cater to this growing demand, the South African government has introduced a digital nomad visa.

What is a digital nomad? You may ask. A digital nomad is a remote worker with in-demand digital nomad skills like graphic design, web development, and writing, who leverages technology to work from anywhere globally. Those are actually some of the best digital nomad jobs to look out for, too.

A digital nomad visa, on the other hand, helps these remote workers maintain a location-independent or digital nomad lifestyle.

Now, let’s talk about everything you need to know about South Africa’s digital nomad visa.

Does South Africa offer a digital nomad visa?

South Africa is currently in the process of implementing a digital nomad visa program. The visa is also known as a “remote work visa“, “digital nomad permit,” or ” South Africa visitor’s visa” and it allows individuals to work remotely while living in South Africa.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in South Africa

Working as a digital nomad in South Africa offers numerous benefits, including:

A unique blend of urban and rural experience.
Access to stunning natural beauty: From the beautiful beaches to the stunning mountains and wildlife.
South Africa has a thriving expat and digital nomad community, with many groups and events for remote workers.
A relatively low cost of living: Compared to many other countries, South Africa has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
South Africa has a growing startup and tech scene, with many opportunities for networking and collaboration.
The weak exchange rate also stretches your dollar further.

Requirements for South Africa Digital Nomad Visa

The specific requirements for South Africa’s digital nomad visa are still being finalized, but the draft regulations indicate that you will:

Be a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter South Africa
Have a valid passport
Provide proof of sufficient funds (at least R1 million per annum)
Have health insurance that covers you in South Africa
Provide proof of employment or a contract with a company outside of South Africa
Meet the necessary language requirements (English or Afrikaans)
Be earning a minimum of R1 million ($55,000) annually to qualify for South Africa’s critical skill set.

How to apply for a digital nomad visa

The South African government is still finalizing the details of the digital nomad visa program. The draft regulations were published in February 2024 for public comment, and the final version is awaited. This means the exact application process and launch date are yet to be determined.

However, there’s a general application process for a South African digital nomad visa:

Complete the online application form
Submit all required documents, including your passport, proof of funds, and health insurance
Pay the application fee (R1,750)
Wait for your application to be processed
Attend an interview at a South African embassy or consulate (if required)

How long does it take to process a South African digital nomad visa?

The processing time for a South African digital nomad visa can vary, but it typically takes around 6-8 weeks.

You can apply for the visa online or through a South African embassy or consulate.

South Africa digital nomad visa cost

The cost of a South Africa digital nomad visa has not been revealed yet, but you can expect to pay around R1,750, which should include the application fee and any additional costs.

Also, you’ll need to pay for health insurance and any additional documents or services.

How long can I work in South Africa as a digital nomad?

A South Africa digital nomad visa allows you to work in South Africa for up to three years, with the option to renew for an additional two years. You’ll need to apply for a renewal before your current visa expires.

10 things to know about South Africa digital nomad visa:

South Africa has published draft regulations for digital nomads visas, inviting the public to share feedback and comments.
The digital nomad visa will target nomads earning at least R1 million (~$53,000) annually.
The visa can be issued for up to three years, subject to certain conditions.
Foreign employees working in South Africa for less than six months in a 12-month period will be exempt from income tax.
The Draft Regulations propose the introduction of a points system for adjudicating work visa applications, considering age, educational background, language proficiency, work experience, and job offers among the evaluation criteria.
The digital nomad visa is a step in the right direction in implementing an effective remote working scheme in South Africa.
There are still potential obstacles and employers should remain mindful of the potential tax, corporate, and employment law consequences.
The tax implications for digital nomads in South Africa depend on the length of stay. Stays under six months are likely exempt from SARS registration, while stays over six months may require registration and tax liability on South African income.
The Department of Home Affairs emphasized that to qualify for South Africa’s critical skills list, aimed at attracting jobs in demand, candidates must earn a minimum of R1 million ($55,000) annually.
The proposed draft regulations would implement a points-based system for critical skills visas, considering age, educational background, language proficiency, work experience, and job offers among the evaluation criteria.

Conclusion

South Africa’s digital nomad visa is an exciting opportunity for remote workers and digital nomads to experience the best of South Africa while working remotely. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and friendly people, South Africa is an ideal destination for digital nomads.

10 Things To know About South Africa Digital Nomad Visa