About the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa
South Africa offers the Remote Work Visitor Visa (Section 11(1)(b)(iv) Immigration Act) for non-resident remote workers and self-employed professionals. The program lets eligible applicants live in South Africa for 1 year initially, renewable annually up to 3 years total. Holders staying 6+ months within 36-month period must register with SARS (South African Revenue Services). while working remotely for clients or employers based outside the country.
Applicants typically need to demonstrate stable monthly income of at least ZAR650,976 per month, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record. It is renewable, allowing nomads to extend their stay.
Tax-wise, South Africa treats digital nomad visa holders distinctly from local residents — see the Taxes section below for the full picture.
Requirements & Eligibility
Income
Minimum ZAR 650,976/year gross (~USD $35,000–$37,000/year). Reduced from ZAR 1,000,000 in October 2024. Must be earned from employer or clients based outside South Africa.
Documents needed
- DHA-1738 application form (Visitors Visa Section 11(1)(b)(iv))
- Valid passport (30+ days validity beyond departure
- 2+ blank pages)
- 2 recent passport photos
- Cover letter explaining purpose, duration, and remote work arrangement
- Valid employment contract signed by applicant and foreign employer (or client contracts if self-employed)
- Bank statements for last 3 months showing min ZAR 650,976/year gross income
- Private health insurance valid in South Africa for full stay
- Clean criminal record certificate (apostilled if required)
- Proof of accommodation in South Africa
- Return/onward flight evidence
- Yellow fever certificate if applicable.
How to Apply for the South Africa DNV
Processing time: 4–8 weeks standard; up to 10–12 weeks in some regions. In-person application required — cannot apply from within South Africa.
- 1Confirm eligibility: employed by or contracted to employer/clients outside South Africa; gross income min ZAR 650,976/year; no local South African work.
- 2Must apply OUTSIDE South Africa — in person at South African embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center in country of residence.
- 3Complete DHA-1738 application form (Visitors Visa Section 11(1)(b)(iv)).
- 4Provide biometrics.
- 5Pay DHA fee (ZAR
- 6+ VFS service fee.
- 7Wait 4–8 weeks.
- 8Collect passport with visa sticker.
Application fees: Department of Home Affairs fee: ZAR 425 (~USD $23). VFS Global service fee: ZAR 900–2,000 (~USD $50–$110). Total approx: USD $75–$135 plus in-country costs.
Official sourceVisa Duration & Renewal
Initial duration: 1 year initially, renewable annually up to 3 years total. Holders staying 6+ months within 36-month period must register with SARS (South African Revenue Services).
Renewal: Yes — the Remote Work Visitor Visa (Section 11(1)(b)(iv) Immigration Act) can be renewed beyond the initial period.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in South Africa
Tax residency triggered after 183 days/year. Residence-based taxation — tax residents taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents (under 183 days): taxed only on South Africa-sourced income. Holders staying 6+ months within 36-month period must register with SARS. Tax treaty countries generally exempt for stays under 183 days.
Living in South Africa as a Digital Nomad
See allVerified coworking, cafés and remote-friendly stays in South Africa.
