Remote Work / Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years)

South Africa•Africa

Open

Remote Work / Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years)

Work Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 months

Estimated Cost

ZAR R 425

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Visitor's visa under section 11(1)(b)(iv) for foreign remote workers earning at least ZAR 650,796/yr from a foreign-based employer; up to 3 years.

Gazetted on 9 October 2024 by Minister Leon Schreiber under section 11(1)(b)(iv) of the Immigration Act, South Africa's Remote Work Visitor's Visa formalises a long-standing grey area: foreign professionals who live in South Africa while working for non-South African employers. It is a visitor's visa for stays exceeding three months and up to three years.

Applicants must show a signed contract with a foreign-based employer and prove gross income of at least R650,796 per annum via three months of bank statements. Holders cannot take up South African employment and cannot change status in-country except in exceptional circumstances. Tax obligations follow the 183-day rule for treaty residents and immediate SARS registration for non-treaty residents.

This visa is ideal for salaried remote workers and contractors employed by foreign companies who want a stable, multi-year base in South Africa while continuing to work for overseas clients without competing in the local labour market.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid contract of employment signed by both the applicant and the foreign-based employer

Proof of sufficient financial means: gross salary of at least R650,796 per annum (3 months bank statements)

Statement explaining the purpose and duration of the visit

Valid return air ticket or proof of reservation

Valid passport (expires no less than 30 days after intended date of departure)

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if travelling from/through endemic area)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

650,796 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Duly completed and signed application form

Statement explaining purpose and duration of visit

Valid return air ticket or proof of reservation

Three months bank statements showing gross salary of at least R650,796 per annum

Valid passport (expiry 30+ days after intended departure)

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)

Valid employment contract signed by applicant and foreign-based employer

Proof of payment of the applicable fee

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Up to 3 years of residence on a single visa
No South African employer sponsor required
Work for any foreign-based employer permitted
Tax-exempt from SARS registration up to 183 days (DTA countries)
Income threshold below the General Work Visa points cap (R650,796)

Worth Knowing

Cannot take up any South African employment
Status change inside South Africa not permitted except in exceptional cases
Must show 3 months of bank statements proving R650,796+ gross salary
SARS registration required after 183 days (DTA) or immediately (non-DTA)
Yellow fever certificate required if travelling from/through endemic areas
Income below R650,796 per annum gross
No valid contract with a foreign-based employer
Intent to take up local South African employment

Application Process

Secure foreign employment: Maintain a signed contract with a foreign-based employer for remote work in South Africa

Demonstrate income: Obtain 3 months of bank statements proving gross salary of at least R650,796 per annum

Prepare documents: Compile passport, return ticket, statement of purpose, employment contract, and yellow fever certificate (if applicable)

Apply at SA mission or VFS: Submit application at a South African diplomatic mission abroad or VFS centre

Pay the prescribed fee: Pay visitor's visa fee at submission

Await decision: Standard processing for visitor's visas

Register with SARS (post-arrival, if applicable): Register with South African Revenue Service if present 183+ days in any 12-month period (DTA countries) or immediately (non-DTA)

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Remote Work Visitor's Visa application form (Section 11(1)(b)(iv))

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Verified Claims (13)

Last verified Jun 18, 2026

Application Steps

Secure foreign employment: Maintain a signed contract with a foreign-based employer for remote work …

dha.gov.za

Can Convert To

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dha.gov.za

Fee Breakdown

Visitor's visa application fee (DHA): 425 ZAR

dha.gov.za

Forms

Remote Work Visitor's Visa application form (Section 11(1)(b)(iv))

dha.gov.za

Job Offer Required

true

dha.gov.za

Min Education

none

dha.gov.za

Min Experience Years

null

dha.gov.za

Min Income

650796

dha.gov.za

Apply Now Official Information

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Overview

Visitor's visa under section 11(1)(b)(iv) for foreign remote workers earning at least ZAR 650,796/yr from a foreign-based employer; up to 3 years.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid contract of employment signed by both the applicant and the foreign-based employer

Proof of sufficient financial means: gross salary of at least R650,796 per annum (3 months bank statements)

Statement explaining the purpose and duration of the visit

Valid return air ticket or proof of reservation

Valid passport (expires no less than 30 days after intended date of departure)

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if travelling from/through endemic area)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

650,796 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Duly completed and signed application form

Statement explaining purpose and duration of visit

Valid return air ticket or proof of reservation

Three months bank statements showing gross salary of at least R650,796 per annum

Valid passport (expiry 30+ days after intended departure)

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)

Valid employment contract signed by applicant and foreign-based employer

Proof of payment of the applicable fee

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Up to 3 years of residence on a single visa
No South African employer sponsor required
Work for any foreign-based employer permitted
Tax-exempt from SARS registration up to 183 days (DTA countries)
Income threshold below the General Work Visa points cap (R650,796)

Worth Knowing

Cannot take up any South African employment
Status change inside South Africa not permitted except in exceptional cases
Must show 3 months of bank statements proving R650,796+ gross salary
SARS registration required after 183 days (DTA) or immediately (non-DTA)
Yellow fever certificate required if travelling from/through endemic areas
Income below R650,796 per annum gross
No valid contract with a foreign-based employer
Intent to take up local South African employment

Application Process

Secure foreign employment: Maintain a signed contract with a foreign-based employer for remote work in South Africa

Demonstrate income: Obtain 3 months of bank statements proving gross salary of at least R650,796 per annum

Prepare documents: Compile passport, return ticket, statement of purpose, employment contract, and yellow fever certificate (if applicable)

Apply at SA mission or VFS: Submit application at a South African diplomatic mission abroad or VFS centre

Pay the prescribed fee: Pay visitor's visa fee at submission

Await decision: Standard processing for visitor's visas

Register with SARS (post-arrival, if applicable): Register with South African Revenue Service if present 183+ days in any 12-month period (DTA countries) or immediately (non-DTA)