South Africa has officially announced the introduction of its new digital nomad visa, inviting remote workers to live and work in the country.
As of March 29, 2024, the South African government has signed the digital nomad visa into law. Although there is still little information about the exact application process, on October 9, 2024, the government released a detailed list of requirements, which we have added to our guide below.
Take a look at our guide to How Expensive is Cape Town
(Updated October 2024)
What is the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa?
The Cape Town Digital Nomad Visa in South Africa is a specialized visa program designed to attract remote workers and digital nomads to the country. It permits individuals to reside in South Africa while engaging in remote work for their employers or managing their own businesses. Take a look at our Cape Town Digital Nomad Guide.
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Why is South Africa introducing a Digital Nomad Visa?
In the same way as other countries worldwide, South Africa is experiencing growth in the travel industry stemming from remote workers and digital nomads coming to the country for extended working holidays.
The South African government has launched this visa to stimulate economic growth and counteract the losses incurred in the tourism sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attracting digital nomads is seen as a means to invigorate local economies and create a fresh source of revenue.
The digital nomad visa will permit remote workers to reside in South Africa for up to one year, renewable up to three years. Digital nomads who are granted a six-month visa will not be subject to South African taxes. However, those who stay longer than six months within a 36-month period will need to register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and pay local income tax.
The exact duration of the initial term of the South Africa Nomad Visa and the process for renewals are still unclear. As we await further details on the application process, digital nomads are encouraged to explore South Africa.
We will continue to update this article as the government releases more information about the requirements and application process.
Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa South Africa (October 2024)
As of October 2024, the government has released the following list of documents as requirements for the visa application:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid at the time of application, with at least 30 days validity remaining after your intended departure from South Africa
- Remote Work: You must provide proof of remote work through contracts or similar documentation.
- Annual Income of $37,000 USD: Applicants must earn at least R650,976 per year to qualify. (Reduced from the original requirement of R 1million).
- Valid Return Ticket: You must provide proof of a return flight, or valid reservation.
- Statement of Intent: As well as proof of employment, you will need to provide a letter outlining the purpose and planned duration of your trip.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: If you plan to travel through a yellow fever endemic area, you will need to provide a certificate of vaccination.
- Application form: A completed application form and proof of payment of the application fees.
Please stay tuned for more updates as the South African government website gives more details about this exciting opportunity for digital nomads.
Candidates may also be asked to provide proof of travel insurance, and details of their accommodation in South Africa. If you plan to arrive in Cape Town, you can choose from many Airbnb properties and Coliving Spaces designed for digital nomads and remote workers.
What are the primary advantages of working as a digital nomad in South Africa?
Working as a digital nomad in South Africa offers several advantages, including cost-effective living expenses, an array of cuisine influenced by diverse cultures, stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventure activities and the opportunity to immerse yourself in various cultures and languages.
How long is the validity of the South Africa Remote Work Visa?
The South Africa Remote Work Visa is anticipated to have a validity ranging from three months to one year, with the possibility to extend up to three years.
How can I apply for a South Africa Digital Nomad Visa? (Coming Soon)
While the official application process is yet to be finalized, you can expect the following general steps: assemble the necessary documents (such as your passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, proof of income, and evidence of employment), schedule an appointment at a South African embassy or consulate, submit your application, pay the requisite fees, and await approval.
What documents do I need to apply for a South Africa Digital Nomad Visa?
The required documents include a valid passport, proof of income, and documents verifying your employment status or self-employment, and possibly proof of insurance and accommodation.
Do I need to pay taxes as a digital nomad in South Africa?
Individuals working in South Africa or conducting business activities there may be subject to taxation. South Africa follows a resident-based tax system, and non-residents, like digital nomads, may be liable for taxes on income sourced from South Africa. Tax rates vary depending on income levels.
If you are from a country that has a relief from double taxation agreement with South Africa, you will be only required to register in South Africa if you spend more than 183 days there per year. If you are not a resident of one of these countries, you will be required to register with the South African Revenue Services.
How much will the Digital Nomad Visa South Africa cost?
The specific fees for the remote working visa South Africa have not been disclosed. Be prepared to pay the required fees when you submit your application.
The government have explained that such a visa doesn't just mean getting another income stream from Digital Nomads who come and settle for no less than 3-6 months all at once, it's likewise about teaching new skills and abilities to workers in the country.
South Africa For Digital Nomads
South Africa is a tremendous country with various societies and cultures to expèrience. Cape Town especially in December and the summer months is perfect for people working remotely. The country is pursuing the option of presenting an advanced digital migrant visa which will be the first African central area country to offer such a visa, as up to this point, just African islands like Cabo Verde, Seychelles and Mauritius offer an extraordinary visa for digital travellers.
Cape Town's summer kicks off in December, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads from the northern hemisphere. Its combination of superb weather, breathtaking natural landscapes, outdoor adventure activities, cultural diversity, cost-effective living, and a thriving digital nomad community makes it a standout choice. Moreover, the advantage of Cape Town sharing a time zone with Europe and the growing number of Cape Town coliving and coworking spaces simplifies remote work, allowing you to enjoy an extended stay throughout the summer season, which concludes in March.
Discover Cape Town coliving spaces for digital nomads, complete with convenient coworking spaces catering to remote working professionals throughout the city. Stay connected, collaborate, and socialize through our digital nomad community events, enhancing your enjoyment of the city.
Whether you're in search of fully furnished accommodations, comprehensive coliving and coworking spaces, or considering a coliving retreat for a few months or the entire summer season in Cape Town, There are a variety of options situated in different areas of the city, catering to everyone's needs.
South Africa is also a nature lover's paradise, for instance, it's one of only a handful of exceptional nations in reality where you can kayak with crocodiles, go on photograph safari, investigate mountains and caves that supported early human existence, go turtle-watching, and appreciate many nature and safari parks including the world-famous Kruger National Park.
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Can You Find Wifi While Travelling On Safari?
If having WIFI while travelling on safari is a priority, you'll be pleased to know that staying connected is indeed possible. We've crafted this Kruger Park WIFI Guide to assist you in your planning, and you can also get 10% off a global eSim by using the COWORKINGDAYS10 discount code.
Our Other Useful Guides:
- Cape Town Digital Nomad Guide
- How To Get The Best Flight Price To Cape Town
- How Expensive Is Cape Town (Updated October 2024)
- 6 Digital Nomad Adventures in South Africa
- Cape Town in Summer
- What are Coliving Spaces for Digital Nomads
- The Best Neighbourhoods in Cape Town
To connect with other digital nomads and remote workers to cowork in different locations around Cape Town - Join the local FREE CoWorking Days community or join us on our next Cape Town Coliving Retreat.
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