South Africa digital nomad visa

What Is the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa?

South Africa's Remote Work Visitor's Visa allows foreign nationals to live in South Africa for up to three years while working remotely for employers based outside the country. Commonly referred to as the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa, it was gazetted in March 2024 and began accepting applications in March 2025.

This guide covers who is eligible, what the visa allows, how to apply, and what to expect throughout the process.

Who Is the Digital Nomad Visa For?

The digital nomad visa is available to any foreign national who meets the following requirements:

• Employment: You must be employed by a company registered outside South Africa under a valid employment contract signed by both parties. The regulations are written around a traditional employer-employee relationship, which creates uncertainty for freelancers and the self-employed. Some freelancers have applied successfully by presenting long-term client contracts and consistent bank statements as equivalent documentation, but this route is not officially supported and remains contested.

  
  

• Income: You must earn a minimum gross income of ZAR 650,976 (~$38,200) per year. This requirement applies for the duration of your stay, not only at the time of application.

  
  

• Character: You must have a clean criminal record.

What the Digital Nomad Visa Allows

The visa gives you the following rights during your stay.

• Residency: Legal residency in South Africa for up to one year, renewable annually up to a total of three years. You may live anywhere in the country and enter and exit freely during the visa's validity.

  
  

• Remote work: You may work for foreign employers or clients. You may not take up employment with or perform services for any South African employer or client.

  
  

• Local services: As a legal resident, you can open a local bank account, sign lease agreements, and access private healthcare, which are not available on a tourist visa.

  
  

• Dependents: A spouse and dependent children can accompany the main applicant, each requiring their own visa application.

Documents You'll Need to Prepare

All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Some documents may require an apostille depending on the issuing country.

• Application form: Form DHA-1738, completed and signed.

  
  

• Passport: Valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure from South Africa, with at least two blank pages.

  
  

• Proof of income: Three months of bank statements showing a minimum gross income of ZAR 650,976 (~$38,200) per year.

  
  

• Employment contract: A signed contract with a foreign-based employer.

  
  

• Police clearance certificates: From every country in which you have lived for 12 months or more in the past five years. Must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.

  
  

• Medical certificate (form BI-811): A general health examination completed by a registered medical practitioner. The form must be completed in English, signed, and stamped with the doctor's official practice stamp. The VFS Global website for your country may list recommended providers. Must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.

  
  

• Radiological report (form BI-806): A chest X-ray completed at a licensed radiology facility to screen for tuberculosis. The report must be completed, signed, and stamped by the radiologist. Not required for children under 12 or pregnant applicants. Must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.

  
  

• Health insurance: A comprehensive medical insurance policy valid for the full duration of your stay. Standard travel insurance is not accepted. It must be a long-term plan recognized for residency purposes.

  
  

• Proof of accommodation: A lease agreement or a hotel booking. A tentative booking is acceptable at the time of application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Prepare your documents

Gather all required documents well in advance. Police clearance certificates can take several weeks depending on your country, and medical and police clearance documents expire after 6 months, so time them close to your submission date.

Step 2: Book an appointment

Contact the South African embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center in your country of residence to schedule an appointment. You must apply in the country where you are legally resident and cannot apply from within South Africa. Wait times can extend to several months, so book as early as possible.

Step 3: Attend your appointment

Attend in person with your completed application form and all supporting documents, both originals and copies. Fingerprints and a photograph will be taken. Pay the application and VFS service fees at this stage.

Step 4: Wait for a decision

Processing typically takes between 4 and 10 weeks. You can track your application through the VFS Global portal using the reference number provided at submission. If approved, you will be notified to collect your passport. If rejected, you will receive your passport back along with a written reason for the decision.

Step 5: Travel to South Africa

You may travel to South Africa at any point during the visa validity period stated in your passport. You do not need to enter immediately after collection.

Costs and Fees

The visa fee is approximately ZAR 425 (~$25). VFS Global charges a separate service fee of roughly $50-90, depending on where you apply. Beyond the visa fee, budget for police clearance certificates (typically $10-50), a medical examination and chest X-ray (typically $150-250 combined), and any required translations or apostille certifications.

Good to Know

Tax: South Africa uses a residence-based tax system, meaning tax obligations are tied to how long you physically spend in the country. If you stay for more than 183 days in any 12-month period, you will be considered a tax resident and must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and declare all worldwide income. Given the complexity of legislation, consulting a tax advisor is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to renew the visa?

Yes. The visa can be renewed annually up to a total of three years. Renewal follows the same application process as the initial application. There is no simplified renewal track.

Do I need to have accommodation arranged before I apply?

Yes, but a provisional lease is acceptable. You do not need a confirmed long-term accommodation at the time of application.

Can I switch to this visa from a tourist visa while already in South Africa?

No. The application must be submitted in person at a South African embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center in your country of residence.

Can I bring dependents?

Yes. A spouse and dependent children can accompany the main applicant, each requiring their own visa application.

What if my income drops below the threshold during my stay?

The income requirement applies for the duration of your stay, not only at the time of application. Falling below the threshold could affect your renewal and potentially your current visa status.