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Remote Work / Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years)
VisasSouth AfricaRemote Work / Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years)
South AfricaSouth 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

Application Fee

425 ZAR

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Allowed

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 grant3 years

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

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

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

Await decision: Standard processing for visitor's visas

7

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))—

Verified Claims (13)

Last verified Jun 18, 2026
Application StepsSecure foreign employment: Maintain a signed contract with a foreign-based employer for remote work …dha.gov.za
Can Convert To—dha.gov.za
Fee BreakdownVisitor's visa application fee (DHA): 425 ZARdha.gov.za
FormsRemote Work Visitor's Visa application form (Section 11(1)(b)(iv))dha.gov.za
Job Offer Requiredtruedha.gov.za
Min Educationnonedha.gov.za
Min Experience Yearsnulldha.gov.za
Min Income650796dha.gov.za

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