South Africa's Digital Nomad visa application process explained for 2025

South Africa has joined the ranks of countries welcoming digital nomads, as it launched a dedicated digital nomad visa on March 3, 2025. This visa allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to a year, with the opportunity to renew for an additional three years.

The South African digital nomad visa comes with specific requirements, designed to ensure that applicants are eligible and capable of supporting themselves financially while in the country. To qualify, individuals must either be employed by or own a company established outside of South Africa, or be a freelancer or self-employed with clients located outside of the country.

To apply for the South Africa digital nomad visa, applicants will need to gather the necessary documents. These include a valid passport, proof of remote work, annual income of at least R650,796, a clean criminal record, comprehensive health insurance coverage, proof of yellow fever vaccination if necessary, an address of accommodations, and relevant documents for the application process.

Digital nomads from countries that do not have a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with South Africa must automatically register for SARS regardless of how long they intend to stay in the country. Those staying longer than 183 days in a 12-month period must also register with SARS and pay local income tax.

South Africa has become a popular destination among digital nomads, particularly during the winter months. The country's diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities make it an attractive choice for those seeking a change of scenery while working remotely.

It's worth noting that South Africa currently does not have an officially established digital nomad visa with specific publicized requirements like some other countries. As such, the requirements listed above may be subject to change as the visa programme is further developed and refined.

Applicants seeking to work remotely from South Africa typically need to explore general work permits or visas applicable for self-employment or remote work, but a dedicated digital nomad visa and its criteria have not been formally defined or published.

As the digital nomad movement continues to grow, it's exciting to see more countries embracing this trend and providing opportunities for remote workers to live and work in new and exciting locations. South Africa's digital nomad visa is just one example of how the country is adapting to meet the needs of this growing community.

Whether you're a digital nomad looking for a new destination or simply curious about the latest developments in the world of remote work, the South Africa digital nomad visa is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Stay tuned for updates as the programme continues to evolve and grow.