Section 11(1)(b)(iv) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (as amended)
Remote Work Visa
The Remote Work Visa (often called the digital nomad visa) allows a foreign national to live in South Africa while working remotely for an employer or clients based outside South Africa. It was added to the Immigration Regulations in 2024 (gazetted 8 October 2024) and became fully operational in March 2025. You must earn a gross income of at least R650,976 per year from foreign sources. You may not work for a South African employer on this visa.
Processing time
6–8 weeks
Validity
Up to 3 years (commonly issued for 12 months initially), renewable
Last verified
6 July 2026
This visa only covers work performed remotely for employers or clients outside South Africa. Taking up employment with a South African employer on a Remote Work Visa is a violation of your visa conditions. If you spend more than 183 days in South Africa in a 12-month period, you must register with SARS and may become liable for South African income tax.
Phase one
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet all the requirements below before gathering any documents. A missing eligibility criterion means a refused application.
Minimum Income of R650,976 per Year
You must earn a gross income of at least R650,976 per annum (roughly USD 37,000, subject to exchange rates) from an employer registered outside South Africa, or from foreign clients if you are self-employed or freelancing. The income must be proven with bank statements and your employment contract or client agreements.
Tip: Provide 3–6 months of bank statements showing consistent salary deposits that annualise above the threshold. A single large deposit is weaker evidence than a regular salary pattern.
Employer or Clients Outside South Africa
Your employment contract must be with a company registered and operating outside South Africa, or your freelance clients must be based abroad. Work for South African companies or clients is not permitted on this visa.
Tip: If your employer has a South African subsidiary, get written confirmation that you are contracted to and paid by the foreign entity — ambiguity here causes refusals.
Understand Your SARS Tax Position
If you spend no more than 183 days in South Africa in any 12-month period and your home country has a double taxation agreement with South Africa, you are generally exempt from registering with SARS. Longer stays require SARS registration and may make your income taxable in South Africa.
Tip: If you plan to use the multi-year validity and stay beyond 183 days per year, budget for SA tax compliance and consider advice from a cross-border tax practitioner before you arrive.
No Criminal Record
You must have no unspent criminal record in any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Police clearance certificates are required from each relevant jurisdiction.
Tip: Order police clearances early — for many applicants they are the longest-lead document.
Medical Fitness and Health Cover
A medical certificate from a practitioner (and a radiology report where applicable) is required, along with proof of medical insurance or travel medical cover valid in South Africa for your stay.
Tip: International health insurance with in-hospital cover in South Africa is acceptable — confirm the required scope with the mission or VFS before purchasing.
Phase two
Gather Your Documents
Start with the longest lead times. Police clearances and foreign qualification evaluations typically take the longest. Begin those immediately.
Phase three
The Application Process
Follow these steps from eligibility check through to receiving your visa or permit.
Confirm Eligibility and Tax Position
1–2 daysVerify that your income clears the R650,976 threshold from foreign sources and understand the 183-day SARS registration rule before committing to travel plans.
- 1Annualise your gross foreign income and confirm it exceeds R650,976
- 2Confirm your employer or clients are registered outside South Africa
- 3Check whether your country has a double taxation agreement with South Africa
- 4Decide your intended length of stay — over 183 days in 12 months triggers SARS registration
Gather Your Documents
4–8 weeksStart with police clearances (the longest-lead item), then collect income proof, contracts, insurance, and accommodation evidence.
- 1Order police clearances from all required jurisdictions
- 2Collect 3–6 months of bank statements and your employment contract
- 3Request a remote-work authorisation letter from your employer
- 4Arrange medical insurance covering South Africa
- 5Book your medical examination and radiology
- 6Secure proof of accommodation
Submit at a SA Mission or VFS Global
1 dayBook and attend your appointment at the South African embassy/consulate in your country of residence, or the VFS Global centre where applicable. Applications opened in March 2025.
- 1Book your appointment (mission or VFS, depending on your country)
- 2Attend in person with all originals and copies
- 3Pay the DHA application fee (R425) plus any VFS service fee — confirm current amounts
- 4Keep your receipt and reference number for tracking
Await the Decision
6–8 weeksProcessing typically takes 6–8 weeks for complete applications. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
- 1Track your application through the mission or VFS
- 2Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is issued
- 3Respond immediately to requests for further documents
Arrive and Stay Compliant
OngoingOn arrival, keep to the visa conditions: foreign-source remote work only, and register with SARS if your stay exceeds 183 days in a 12-month period.
- 1Check the visa endorsement in your passport for correct dates and conditions
- 2Track your days in South Africa against the 183-day threshold
- 3Register with SARS (https://www.sars.gov.za) if you exceed the threshold
- 4Apply for renewal well before expiry if extending within the 3-year maximum
Book your VFS Global appointment
Applications are submitted through VFS Global South Africa. Book your appointment and upload your documents online.
Visit VFS Global SASummary
Cost overview
All fees are estimates and subject to change. Verify current amounts directly with VFS Global, DHA, and relevant authorities before submitting your application.
Facts last verified against official sources: 6 July 2026
Sources: Immigration Act 13 of 2002, section 11(1)(b)(iv); Immigration Regulations (GN R413 of 2014, as amended — remote work provisions gazetted 8 October 2024); Department of Home Affairs (https://www.dha.gov.za); VFS Global South Africa (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha); SARS (https://www.sars.gov.za) for tax registration rules. Verify all fees and current requirements with the South African mission in your country or VFS Global before applying.
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Ready to start your application?
Use the checklist to track documents, or the Application Assistant to pre-fill your DHA forms.