Breaking news! You’ll soon be able to become a Digital Nomad in South Africa

Digital Nomads: On your marks – get set – CLICK!

South Africa’s government officially signed its Digital Nomad visa regulations into law on 29 March 2024. This means South Africa will be able to compete with other African countries, such as Namibia, Cape Verde, and Mauritius, in attracting remote workers from around the world. The introduction of South Africa’s Digital Nomad Visa also marks the country’s entrance into the dynamic and digital global arena of remote work and international exploration.

So, if you think you’re suited to a life of work and play in beautiful South Africa, find out how to become a Digital Nomad with our tips below!

Can I be a Digital Nomad in South Africa?

Almost! Once bookings open for application appointments, you can stay and work remotely in South Africa on a 1-year Digital Nomad visa. This visa applies to anyone self-employed or employed by a company outside of South Africa.

We’re just waiting for the official papers to be signed before we can book those visa appointments. One reason for this slight delay is that South Africa will have to amend current income tax laws to accommodate the tax exemption offered to Digital Nomads who stay for less than six months in South Africa. 

Do Digital Nomads pay tax in South Africa?

You’ll have to apply for a tax exemption from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) if you plan to live and work in South Africa for less than six months. After six months, you’ll have to register as a tax-payer. Non-residents are liable for South African-sourced income. So, I suggest you chat with a tax expert about double-taxation agreements between South Africa and other countries and how South Africa’s tax laws affect you and your earnings.

Here’s why you should be a Digital Nomad in South Africa

• South Africa has a very affordable exchange rate
• South Africa has many exciting and diverse cultures
• South Africa is famous for its international award-winning restaurants and wines, as well as many delicious local dishes
• South Africa has internationally acclaimed scenery and nature, wildlife and national reserves (like the Kruger National Park)
• English is one of the official languages and is widely spoken throughout the country

What will you need when applying for the South African Digital Nomad visa?

• A valid Passport
• Proof that you work remotely 
• Proof of earnings, showing you earn at least R1 million annually from an employer or through self-employment 
• A clean criminal record
• Health insurance
• Proof of a rental agreement/accommodation

(These details will be finalised when appointments become available)

What’s the process for applying for the South African Digital Nomad visa?

• Provide all the above paperwork
• Make an appointment at your local South African embassy  
• Attend a visa appointment 
• Pay the fee (amount still to be finalised)
• Await approval

(These details will be finalised when appointments become available)

Best cities to live out your South African Digital Nomad dreams

Digital Nomad visas are a win-win work-life-play situation for everyone. You get time to explore the local nooks and crannies of different countries and cultures, and those countries and communities benefit economically from tourism and your foreign income. When it comes to South Africa, these are some of the most exciting cities to settle down in!

Cape Town

Cape Town is affectionately called the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa. It is South Africa’s oldest city and was established in 1652 as a refreshment station for passing Dutch East India Company ships. The locals also indulgently refer to it as the ‘Mother City’ because it sometimes feels like it takes nine months for anything to happen. The pace is slower and more laid-back, the sky is blue, the beaches are sandy, the mountains are magnificent, and the weather is Mediterranean.

Cape Town is a popular destination for holidaymakers and remote workers. It has several bougie cafes and artisanal coffee shops, and it opened its first coworking space in 2010. Fellow South Africans may think of Cape Town as a tad cliquey, but the international crowd would agree that the locals are friendly and very hospitable. Capetonians are very proud of their city and its unique character. Cape Town is more than a city; it’s a vibe. I’m from Cape Town and might be a tad biased, but it remains my favourite city in the world.

Durban

Durban, founded in 1835, is famous for its golden sandy beaches and the Golden Mile, a promenade that stretches from Ushaka Marine World to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. It is also one of the largest Indian-ethnically populated cities outside of India. As such, the Durban curry packs a much meaner punch compared to the Cape’s gentler Malay curries.

Durban is known as South Africa’s surfer town. If you like a place with a bit more of a humid Florida vibe, tropical vegetation, and massive creamy avocados, this is the place for you. Durban is a laid-back cosmopolitan city known for its sandy beaches and year-round sunshine.

Johannesburg

Jo’burg was established in 1886 as a mining town. Within ten years, the population exploded, and the ‘City of Gold’ has remained South Africa’s financial hub. Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city, home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Cape Town’s biggest rival, and a prosperous and powerful corporate hub. 

This prosperous metropolitan city is a fast-paced and thriving creative arts hub. Many actors and musicians move to Jo’burg. and corporations like to splash out on significant corporate events and parties. So, if you consider yourself a big city dweller and like to get lost under skyscrapers, this may be the place for you. 

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is 300 km long and begins in Mossel Bay and ends at Storms River. Most people like to start in Cape Town, drive up along the East coast (Indian Ocean) and finish in Gqeberha (formally known as Port Elizabeth). The Garden Route is famous for its beaches, lagoons, and indigenous rainforests. It is also a prime spot to look for the Southern Right Whales.

Knysna is one of the popular towns along the Garden Route and is often called the “jewel” of the Garden Route. It is famous for its annual oyster festival, picturesque lagoon, and beautiful rainforest. It is also the location of the uniquely elusive and severely endangered rainforest elephants. Additionally, it is a popular destination for nomads seeking excellent biking trails.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, dating from 1679. Established by the Dutch, its architecture is typically Cape Dutch in style. Stellenbosch is also internationally famous for its wine production. 

Stellenbosch is a beautiful old student town nestled amid mountains and vineyards and is only a short drive from Cape Town. Nomads might prefer Stellenbosch to other bigger cities because of its student vibes and more peaceful work environment. This is a predominantly Afrikaans-speaking town, but most people here are at least bi-lingual, and you shouldn’t find communicating too tricky.

Want to explore the southern delights of South Africa before you make your own submission to become a digital nomad here? Jump on a Contiki safari or a Cape Town adventure.