South Africa Digital Nomad Visa (2025 Guide): How to Apply, Tax Rules & Requirements

Planning to work remotely from South Africa? The new digital nomad visa offers remote workers and digital nomads the opportunity to stay and work in South Africa for up to 36 months—legally and with tax clarity. In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply, what income you need, and whether you can bring your family.

What Is the South African Digital Nomad Visa?

The digital nomad visa is a new permit introduced by the Department of Home Affairs to support remote workers who wish to live and work in South Africa without transferring their employment locally. This visa is designed for foreign nationals earning income abroad and allows them to stay in the country for extended periods.

Key Features:

• Duration: Initially issued for 12 months, renewable up to 36 months

• Eligibility: Must work for a foreign company or be self-employed, with remote work capability.

• Application Authority: Managed by the Department of Home Affairs, with processing via embassies or VFS Global centres

• Income Requirement: A minimum annual foreign income of ZAR 650,976 is mandatory.

This visa is ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote employees seeking a longer stay in South Africa without local employment restrictions. Unlike a traditional business visa, this visa allows one to work remotely for a foreign employer or run an online business while enjoying the lifestyle of Cape Town or other parts of the country.

Who Qualifies to Work Remotely in South Africa?

To qualify for South Africa’s digital nomad visa, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. The visa is open to a wide range of remote workers—from full-time remote employees to self-employed consultants and digital freelancers.

Qualification Checklist:

• Income Threshold: You must earn at least ZAR 650,976 per year from a foreign employer or self-run online business.

• Remote Employment: Must be able to work remotely; employment must be non-South African

• Valid Passport: Must have a passport with at least 30 days of validity after your intended stay.

• Criminal Background Check: A clean record from your country of residence

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical insurance covering your stay in South Africa

• Accommodation Proof: Rental agreement, hotel booking, or property title to show place of residence

Who is Considered a Digital Nomad?

A digital nomad is typically a person who:

• Works remotely using internet-connected devices

• Earns income from clients or employers outside South Africa

• Has no local employment contract

• Intends to reside temporarily in South Africa without immigration for permanent residence.

Tip: If you’re currently on a tourist visa, you are not allowed  to switch to a digital nomad visa, provided. Check with your nearest embassy or VFS centre.

How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (Step-by-Step)

Applying for the digital nomad visa in South Africa involves several key steps, including document collection, embassy or VFS Global submission, and biometric verification. Below is a detailed guide to help you apply correctly the first time.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare Required Documents:

   • Completed DHA-1738 (if applicable)

   • Passport with at least two blank pages and 30+ days’ validity after your intended stay

   • Proof of foreign income meeting the ZAR 650,976 requirement (salary slip, contracts)

   • Bank statements (last 3–6 months)

   • Proof of accommodation in South Africa

   • Certified criminal record check

   • Certified medical insurance policy

   • Proof of employment or self-employment

• Schedule an Appointment:

  • Book a visa appointment with the South African embassy or a VFS Global centre in your country.

  • Submit your biometric data and documents during the appointment.

• Pay the Application Fee:

  • Visa application fee: approx. ZAR 425–ZAR 1,750

  • Additional costs: document translation, medical reports, apostille, courier

• Wait for Processing:

  • Processing period: typically 6–10 weeks

  • May vary based on your location or consular backlog

Processing times and steps may differ slightly between embassies and VFS offices. It’s advised to check local procedures.

Can I Bring My Family on a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, South Africa’s digital nomad visa allows you to bring your spouse and dependants with you. However, they must apply for accompanying permits, and specific documentation will be required for each dependant.

Who Can Join You?

• Spouse or life partner

• Children under 18

• Dependent adult children (with proof of dependency)

Documents for Family Applications:

• Marriage certificate (for spouse)

• Birth certificates (for children)

• Affidavits confirming guardianship or cohabitation (if applicable)

• Proof of sufficient income to support dependants

• Health and travel insurance for each family member

• Accommodation proof with enough space for all applicants

Family Considerations:

• Children may not attend school on a dependant visa but must apply for a study permit if required.

• Healthcare access is allowed under private insurance plans.

• Each dependant has their own visa application process, but these are submitted jointly.

Bringing family increases your financial and document obligations, so ensure your plan meets Home Affairs criteria.

Tax Obligations for Digital Nomads in South Africa

If you’re planning to work remotely from South Africa as a digital nomad, understanding your tax obligations is essential. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) applies specific rules based on your duration of stay, income source, and legal residence status.

Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in South Africa?

Yes—potentially, depending on your presence and earnings:

You may be liable for South African tax if:

• You stay in South Africa for more than 183 days in any 12-month period.

• You earn income from a foreign employer but work while physically present in South Africa.

• Your home country does not have a favourable double-taxation treaty with South Africa.

You may avoid South African tax if:

• You stay fewer than 183 days and maintain tax residency in your home country.

• You pay taxes in a treaty country and provide tax residency certificates.

SARS Registration & Compliance

If your stay exceeds the tax threshold, you must:

• Register with SARS for tax purposes.

• Submit income declarations

• Possibly pay provisional tax

Consult a tax advisor to avoid permanent establishment (PE) triggers, which could expose your foreign employer to corporate tax liabilities in South Africa.

Legal Risks for Remote Work in South Africa

While the digital nomad visa allows legal residence, working from South Africa under a foreign employer can raise legal and business exposure risks. Understanding these is vital for both workers and companies.

What Is a Permanent Establishment (PE)?

A PE is a fixed business presence that may subject a foreign company to corporate tax in South Africa. Remote workers could inadvertently create a PE if:

• They’re managing key business functions from within the country.

• They’re negotiating or signing contracts while residing in South Africa.

• They perform revenue-generating activities on behalf of their employer.

Business Exposure Risks:

• Foreign companies could face unexpected tax assessments.

• Digital nomads may unknowingly breach visa conditions by performing “controlled” business functions.

• Misclassifying a visa type (e.g., using a tourist visa for work) may result in bans or fines.

How to Reduce Risk:

• Clarify job duties and avoid activities seen as creating a commercial nexus.

• Maintain a registered business location outside of South Africa

• Use employment contracts that specify jurisdiction and tax accountability.

Companies sending remote staff to South Africa should review international tax treaties and PE exposure policies with legal counsel.

Living in Cape Town as a Digital Nomad

Cape Town has become one of Africa’s top destinations for digital nomads, thanks to its scenic beauty, infrastructure, and growing remote work community. But while the city offers perks, nomads should understand local dynamics—including cost, safety, and cultural integration.

Why Cape Town Appeals to Digital Nomads

• Strong internet infrastructure and coworking spaces

• English-speaking, globalised urban culture

• Close access to beaches, mountains, and nature

• Diverse nomad community and networking hubs

Cost of Living Overview (Monthly Averages)

Note: Costs are rising, especially in popular neighbourhoods like Sea Point, Gardens, and Green Point.

Local Pushback & Gentrification Concerns

• Housing shortages and rising rents linked to short-term rentals and nomad influx

• Some local residents express concern over displacement and affordability.

• Consider living in less saturated suburbs or participating in community-based housing platforms.

Safety Tips for Nomads

• Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas.

• Use verified ride-sharing services (e.g., Uber, Bolt).

• Stay informed about current local safety alerts.

Cape Town is vibrant and welcoming, but nomads should be respectful of local socio-economic dynamics while enjoying the lifestyle.

Visa Denials, Refusals & Appeals

While the South African digital nomad visa offers a streamlined path for remote work, applications may be refused or denied based on specific issues. Understanding these risks helps applicants prepare stronger submissions.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:

• Insufficient or unverified income proof

• Missing documents (e.g., outdated bank statements, incorrect BI‑84 form)

• Failure to meet accommodation or insurance requirements

• Criminal record issues or undisclosed legal history

• Employment that appears locally based

Appeal Process Overview:

1. You’ll receive a refusal letter detailing the reasons for rejection.

2. You may submit a written appeal or reapply with corrected documents.

Pro Tips:

• Use official checklists from embassies or Home Affairs

• Double-check income verification rules—submit in both original and translated formats.

• Include cover letters or affidavits for any unusual application scenarios.

Unlike tourist visas, nomad visa rejections may impact future applications if not appealed or corrected properly.

How South Africa Compares to Other African Digital Nomad Visas

South Africa’s digital nomad visa stands out in Africa, but several other countries also offer competitive options. If you’re considering multiple destinations, here’s how South Africa compares with Namibia, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

Digital Nomad Visa Comparison Table

Why Choose South Africa?

• Longest visa duration (up to 36 months)

• Strong urban infrastructure (Cape Town, Johannesburg)

• Access to private healthcare, co-working spaces

• Large expat and remote worker community

Considerations:

• Higher income threshold than most African alternatives

• More complex tax compliance (SARS)

FAQs

Here are direct answers to the most common questions people search for before applying:

Does South Africa offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes. As of 2024, South Africa officially launched a remote working visa category for digital nomads, governed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Who qualifies for a digital nomad visa?

Anyone with a valid passport, foreign income over ZAR 650,976, and remote work arrangements—either as an employee or freelancer.

Do digital nomads pay tax in South Africa?

Only if you stay more than 183 days in any 12-month period. In such cases, SARS may require registration unless covered by a double-tax treaty.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Spouses and dependants are eligible with additional documents and visa submissions.

How long does it take to get approved?

Processing typically takes 6–10 weeks, depending on your local embassy or VFS centre.