The Republic of South Africa introduced a new type of visa in 2024 — the digital nomad visa. Foreigners can apply for a visa immediately for 3 years if their income reaches the minimum required threshold of $37,000 per year.
South Africa is popular with many digital nomads, as they are attracted by the low cost of living, the warm climate and the exoticism of the country. In addition, South Africa is one of the most developed and safest countries on the African continent.
But until now, most of them had to get a visa every three months on a regular basis. Of course, this caused difficulties, so the innovation caused heated discussions among the nomads.
Why did the authorities decide to introduce a new type of visa
The South African authorities, following the rest of the world, have noticed that the attraction of foreign remote workers stimulates the country’s economy. Foreigners spend a lot of money in the country, given their high purchasing power, but they still do not occupy jobs intended for citizens and do not cause a crisis in the labor market.
It was only in October that the latest edits and specific requirements for applicants who are eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa in South Africa were published.
Who can get a digital Nomad visa in South Africa
Like all visas of this type, it is intended for specialists who work remotely for employers from other countries, whether they are sole proprietors or full-time employment. The main thing is that the income should be from a foreign source, and not from South Africa.
Requirements for applicants:
- Working for a foreign employer or having clients in other countries
- The minimum allowable income is 650,976 rand per year, which is about $37,000 at the current exchange rate. That is, a little more than $3,000 per month. In terms of income requirements, South Africa is similar to Hungary, Portugal and Turkey, where they also require about three thousand dollars per month.
- The obligation to register with the South African Tax Service (SARS) is for all applicants, regardless of whether South Africa has signed an agreement with the country to avoid double taxation or not.
