South Africa•AfricaRemote Work / Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years)
At a Glance
1–2 months
ZAR R 425
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote work OK
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 ZAR/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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