Remote Work “Nomad” Visa South Africa
Remote work visa, aka “digital nomad” visa, South Africa
Remote work in South Africa.
With the publication of 9 October 2024 of the Third Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, 2014, applications can now be submitted and will be processed for long-term visitor visas issued with endorsement to work remotely.
This visa is issued in terms of section 11(1)(b)(iv) of the Immigration Act for up to 3 years at a time.
The remote work visa relies on a foreign employment agreement pursuant to which the applicant can demonstrate receipt of a gross annual remuneration of no less than the equivalent of R650,796.00.
Holders of a remote work visa residing in South Africa for more than 183 days a year are subject to the fiscal residence test based on physical residence as any other foreigner.
Read more on the digital nomad visa in South Africa here.
Do I need a visa to work remotely in South Africa?
In terms of the South African Immigration Act the only visas that takes into account a foreign contract of employment are the intra-company transfer work visa and visitor visas issued in terms of sections 11(2) and 11(1)(b)(iv). The latter long-term visitor visas are issued to a foreigner to conduct certain prescribed activities whilst in South Africa. These endorsements inter alia may relate to foreign journalists seconded to the Republic and tour leaders or hosts. As of 9 October 2024 this visitor visa can be issued for “remote work” but only applicants whose gross annual remuneration (aboard) meets the minimum threshold qualify for it.
Does South Africa have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, with the publication of 9 October 2024 of the Third Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, the South African immigration system has extended to allow for digital nomads that earn a minimum annual remuneration of no less than the equivalent of R650,796.00 to obtain long-term multiple entry visas to South Africa. The digital nomad visa for South Africa refers to a remote work long-term visitor visa.
Can my family live in South Africa with me if I have a remote work visa to South Africa?
Yes, the spouse and children of a foreigner who qualifies or hold a valid remote work visa, qualify to apply for long-term visas to accompany him/her in South Africa.
I do not know if I will be in South Africa more than 183 days a year. Is this a problem?
No. The issue raised relating to the fiscal obligations as raised in the Amended Regulations pertains to a physical test of presence in South Africa as applies by SARS and applicable to all individuals. How these requirements will be dealt with in terms of compliance in terms of the Immigration Act is yet to be established. We assume, at this time, that any fiscal registration obligation would become relevant at the time of a renewal of the remote work visa.