South Africa Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply in 2025

The southernmost country in Africa has officially launched its long-awaited official welcome to remote workers the new South Africa digital nomad visa. 

As of March 3, 2025, the South Africa digital nomad visa is accepting applications!

Already a favorable destination amongst digital nomads, especially during the winter months, South Africa is working to attract more foreigners and tourists to enjoy the country. After the effects of travel restrictions, there has been a sharp decline in visitors. 

So, the country is turning its focus on digital nomads, who tend to stay in destinations longer than a traditional tourist, therefore better boosting the local economy. 

The South Africa digital nomad visa will allow digital nomads to live in the country for one year, with the opportunity to renew for a maximum of three years.

Digital nomads granted a six-month visa will not be taxed in South Africa if they are from a country with a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA). However, digital nomads from countries with a DTA with South Africa staying longer than 183 days in a 12-month period must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and pay local income tax. Digital nomads from countries that do not have a DTA with South Africa must automatically register for SARS regardless of how long they intend to stay in the country.

South America joins other African countries such as Namibia, Kenya, and Seychelles in welcoming remote workers and their family members to come and live in these beautiful countries.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers who are location independent of residing in a foreign country on a temporary residence permit. 

In order to be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must either be employed by or own a company established outside of the country where you hold a visa. You may also be a freelancer or self-employed with clients located outside of the country. 

Most digital nomad visas last for one year, but offer options to renew. This means you could potentially live abroad in the same country for two or three years. 

South Africa Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

As with every digital nomad visa, there is a set of requirements you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the South Africa digital nomad visa.

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the visa term
• Work Remotely – You must prove that you work remotely through contracts
• Earn $35,700 USD per year – Applicants must earn at least R650,796 annually to qualify for the South Africa digital nomad visa
• Clean Criminal Record – You must present a clean criminal background check from your country of residence from the last three years
• International Health Insurance – You must have comprehensive health insurance coverage in South Africa for the duration of your stay
• Yellow Fever Vaccination – If you have traveled or plan to travel in a destination with a high risk of yellow fever, you must present proof of vaccination
• Address of Accommodations – You must have a lease or online booking of where you plan to stay in South Africa

Steps to Apply

While the South Africa digital nomad visa is not accepting applications yet, the application process may look something like the steps below.

Step 1: Gather Documents

As we wait for an official list of documents for the South Africa digital nomad visa, we can assume that you will need the following documents based on other visa applications.

Documents will need to be submitted in English and apostilled when necessary.

Step 2: Attend Visa Appointment

To apply for the South Africa digital nomad visa, you must visit a South African embassy or VFS office in your country of residence.

Depending on the availability of appointments, you could wait up to a couple of months before attending your visa appointment.

You will need to bring your completed visa application along with the required documents. It’s recommended to bring original and copies of documents.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

After attending your visa appointment, you will have to wait a few weeks to receive approval of your South Africa digital nomad visa application. Once approved, you may travel to South Africa.

Information about next steps after arriving in South Africa are yet to be released. With many digital nomad visas, visa holders must also apply for a residence permit, but we are unaware if this will be the case for the South Africa digital nomad visa.

South Africa for Digital Nomads

How would you like to watch penguins playing on a beach? Or hike up the infamous Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town? Maybe you just want to experience a unique new culture and country with an important history. South Africa is the place for you, then! 

Modern cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg have long welcomed remote workers and digital nomads. With plenty of cafes with free wifi and coworking spaces popping up, you’ll find comfortable places to set up your laptop. It’s important to note that the wifi isn’t always the best in the area, so it’s a good idea to bring a mobile hotspot with you. 

If it’s nature and wild animals you’re looking for, then South Africa has it all for you. Hop on a genuine safari and hike some of the most gorgeous trails this world has to offer. 

The cost of living in South Africa is also fairly affordable. You can live comfortably on just $2,000 per month, including rent. You’ll also find a large expat community to make friends and grow your network. 

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