South Africa

Remote Work Visitor Visa

South Africa's Remote Work Visitor Visa is a visitor's visa sub-category under Section 11(1)(b)(iv) of the Immigration Act that allows foreign nationals employed by a foreign employer to reside in South Africa while working remotely, without taking up local employment. Introduced through the Immigration Regulations amendments and refined by the Third Amendment published on 9 October 2024, the visa is administered by the Department of Home Affairs. The October 2024 amendments reduced the income threshold from ZAR 1,000,000 to ZAR 650,976 per annum. The visa is available for up to 36 months and targets remote workers, digital nomads, and professionals who earn their income from employers or clients based outside South Africa.

• Foreign national employed by a foreign-based employer
• Valid employment contract signed by both the applicant and the foreign employer
• Minimum gross income of ZAR 650,976 per annum
• Proof of income via the latest three months of bank statements
• Valid passport with at least 30 days validity beyond intended departure date and minimum two blank pages
• Must not take up local employment in South Africa
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed DHA-1738 application form
• Valid passport (at least 30 days validity beyond intended departure, minimum two blank pages)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Valid employment contract signed by both applicant and foreign employer
• Latest three months of bank statements showing minimum income
• Proof of residential address in South Africa (hotel booking, lease agreement, or host invitation letter)
• Police clearance certificate from each country where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in the past 5 years (not older than 6 months)
• Medical report on prescribed form BI-811 (not older than 6 months)
• Statement detailing purpose and duration of visit
• Valid return air flight ticket or proof of reservation
• Proof of payment of visa fee

The visa is typically issued for an initial period of up to 12 months. It can be renewed within South Africa for a total stay of up to 36 consecutive months (3 years), provided the holder continues to meet all requirements including the income threshold and a valid foreign employment contract.

Spouses and children may accompany the visa holder by applying for a separate Spouse Visa or Accompanying Minor Visa. Dependants do not receive work or study authorisations under these accompanying visas. Supporting documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates must be submitted. The validity of dependant visas is tied to the main applicant's visa duration, and application fees are separate from the main applicant's fee.

Visa holders from countries with a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with South Africa must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) if present in the country for more than 183 aggregate days in any 12-month period. Holders who are not tax residents of a DTA country must register with SARS regardless of duration of stay. Those present for 6 months or less within a 36-month period may apply for exemption from SARS registration. Remote workers who meet the physical presence thresholds may become South African tax residents and be subject to worldwide income taxation.

Applications must be submitted in person at a South African embassy, consulate, high commission, or through a VFS Global visa facilitation centre in the applicant's country of residence. Applications cannot generally be submitted from within South Africa. The process is as follows:

1. Complete Form DHA-1738 and gather all required supporting documents
2. Schedule an appointment at the relevant embassy, consulate, or VFS Global centre
3. Submit documents and pay the ZAR 425 application fee (approximately USD 23); an additional VFS Global service fee of approximately USD 50-100 may apply
4. Biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) may be collected during the appointment
5. Processing takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks, though some regions may take up to 10 weeks
6. Upon approval, the visa is endorsed in the passport

Visa holders may not take up employment in South Africa. All work must be conducted remotely and exclusively for a foreign employer. Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and independent contractors are not directly eligible under the current criteria, as the visa requires a valid employment contract with a foreign-based employer. The visa does not directly lead to permanent residency or citizenship, and holders cannot change their visa status while in South Africa unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Overstaying the visa results in being declared an undesirable person under the Immigration Act. An overstay of up to 30 days results in a 12-month re-entry ban, while an overstay exceeding 30 days results in a 5-year ban. A second offence within 24 months may result in a ban of up to 10 years. Fines ranging from ZAR 2,500 to ZAR 3,000 may also be imposed.

Links

• https://www.dha.gov.za/images/notices/8october24/Remote_Work_Visa_-_requirements_-_9_Oct_2024.pdf
• https://www.saembassy.org/types-of-visas-and-requirements/
• https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/south-africa.html

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Africa