South Africa digital nomad visa (2026)

Who can apply

• Employed by a foreign-based employer under a valid contract
• Gross salary of at least R650,796 a year
• Passport valid for at least 30 days after planned departure
• Not taking up employment in South Africa

Income requirement

You need to show at least R650,796 gross salary per year (about US$3,287 a month at rates from 11 Nov 2026). The applicant must earn a gross salary of at least R650,796 a year, shown with three months of bank statements; the official checklist sets no extra amount for family members.

Documents you need

• Completed and signed application form
• Statement explaining the purpose and length of the stay
• Return air ticket or reservation
• Three months of bank statements showing the salary
• Employment contract signed by applicant and foreign employer
• Yellow fever certificate if coming from or via an endemic area
• Proof of fee payment

How to apply, step by step

1. Collect the documents on the DHA remote work checklist
2. Submit the application at a South African mission or the DHA service provider (VFS Global)
3. Pay the visa fee and any service charges
4. Wait for the decision before travelling

Cost and processing time

The fee is r425 visa fee (DHA fee schedule, August 2026); service-provider charges extra. Processing takes not stated officially. Budget extra for translations, certified copies and health insurance.

Tax

The DHA checklist says holders from countries with a double-tax treaty must register with SARS if present for more than 183 days in any 12-month period, and holders from other countries must register with SARS regardless.

Good to know

• Many secondary sites still quote R1 million; the DHA checklist effective 9 October 2024 uses R650,796
• You cannot switch to another visa type from inside South Africa except in exceptional cases

Visiting first?

86 passports can enter South Africa visa-free for a short stay, a common way to try the country before applying. Check South Africa visa requirements for your passport.

Official source

Department of Home Affairs – Remote Work Visa requirements

Not yet confirmed on an official source: processing time, renewal, rules for accompanying family. Check these with the consulate before you apply.