Digital nomads need 100 points for South Africa’s new Remote Work Visa

South Africa now offers a dedicated Remote Work Visa for digital nomads and remote employees paid from abroad. It allows an initial stay of up to 12 months, with annual renewals for a total stay of up to 3 years. The visa became fully operational in March 2025.

The country has also switched work-visa applications to a points-based system for Critical Skills and General Work Visas. Applicants need at least 100 points, with scores tied to occupation, qualifications, work experience, language ability and whether they have a job offer.

Who the rules affect

The remote-work route is aimed at employees of foreign companies, freelancers with overseas clients and digital entrepreneurs running businesses outside South Africa. Applicants must show annual income of at least ZAR 650,976 and carry international health insurance.

Tourists and short-stay visitors face a separate change through the new Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which is being rolled out in phases. Foreign nationals with South African residence rights or work permits don't need an eVisa.

What applicants need to do

Remote-work applicants must provide a foreign employment contract or freelance contracts, recent bank statements or pay slips, a valid passport, a medical exam and a clean criminal record. If they stay more than 6 months in a 36-month period, they must register with the South African Revenue Service and pay local income tax.

ETA applicants must apply online, capture biometrics and carry the required approval before arrival. Those who show up without an ETA or eVisa will be denied entry.

Read our full South Africa guide for the complete picture.