South Africa's Remote Work Visa allows digital nomads to live and work in the country while enjoying its diverse culture and natural beauty.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
Work remotely from South Africa's diverse landscapes with growing tech hubs and affordable quality of life
Overview
A three-year visa for remote workers to live and work in South Africa's diverse and multicultural environment
Eligibility Requirements
Proof of employment with a company or business ownership outside of South Africa
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
-
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
3 year visa
Months to Visa
3 months
Physical Presence Requirement
None
Availability
Online application available
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application to the Department of Home Affairs + Apply through VFS Global service center
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
Can I work for South African companies with this visa?
How long is the processing time for applications?
What type of health insurance is required?
Can my family join me on this visa?
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
benefits
Access to vibrant startup ecosystem and established business infrastructure in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg
Flexible visa terms with potential extensions and access to private healthcare system
Growing digital nomad community and networking opportunities with local tech talent
Long term program (compared to other Digital Nomad Visas)
Fast Processing Time
.svg)
Online Submission Allowed
Visa-Free Travel Countries
96
Passport Validity
10 years, 5 for children
Overview
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
Can I work for South African companies with this visa?
How long is the processing time for applications?
What type of health insurance is required?
Can my family join me on this visa?
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Remote Work Eligibility: Applicants must prove they can perform their job remotely as: An employee of a foreign company; A freelancer with clients outside South Africa; An entrepreneur with a business registered outside South Africa
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Complete remote work verification
• Confirm minimum income requirements
• Verify eligible employer/business structure
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review specific program requirements
• Verify visa duration and renewal options
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income documentation
• Prepare employment/business verification
• Obtain health insurance coverage
• Complete background check
Submission
• Submit online application
• Pay program fees
• Book accommodation (if required)
Approval
• Receive digital nomad visa
• Complete registration process (if required)
• Set up local utilities/services
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Proof of accommodation in South Africa
Applicants need to provide a clean criminal background check from their country of residency within the last three years
Bank Account statement for the last three months proving that the minimum income requirement is met
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
68
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
.svg)
Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
.svg)
Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
.svg)
Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
.svg)
Program Stability
Based on years of activity
.svg)
Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
.svg)
Rankings
Safety
142
Cost of Living
78
Quality of Life
57
.svg)
Healthcare Quality
125
Internet Speed
98
.svg)
Human Freedom
73
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
Need help?
get started
.svg)
.svg)
