South Africa's new digital nomad visa- for the ultimate workcation

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The long-awaited digital nomad visa is finally here, offering remote workers the opportunity to live and work in South Africa for up to three years. For digital nomads employed by companies outside the country, this visa opens the door to a lifestyle rich in culture, adventure, and affordability, without the constraints of the standard 90-day tourist visa.

Here’s why the new visa is a fantastic opportunity — and how it transforms the downsides of short-term stays into a richer, more fulfilling experience.

The challenges of a 90-day limit

Cost

Short-term stays mean relying on expensive accommodation options like Airbnb, Booking.com, or other rental platforms. These services are convenient for travelers, but they often come with steep premiums, especially in Cape Town’s peak tourism season from November to February.

Longer stays, however, allow you to secure better deals on monthly rentals, or even explore more budget-friendly alternatives like furnished apartments, guesthouses, or co-living spaces.

Time

South Africa is a vast and diverse country. When you’re limited to 90 days, balancing work deadlines with travel plans can feel overwhelming. There’s simply too much to see and experience — whether it’s hiking in the Drakensberg, whale-watching in Hermanus, or exploring the Big Five in one of South Africa’s game reserves. The digital nomad visa gives you the time to immerse yourself without feeling rushed.

Connections

Making meaningful connections with locals takes time, so living here longer changes everything. Joining a coworking space or becoming part of local meetups — whether for hiking, art, or yoga — can fast-track your integration into the community.

The upside of staying longer

Affordability

As a tourist hotspot, Cape Town offers a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost you’d expect in many major cities around the world. While seasonal accommodation rates can be steep, longer stays let you take advantage of off-peak pricing or negotiate discounts with landlords.

Beyond housing, everyday expenses like dining out, transport, and utilities are incredibly affordable for those earning in stronger currencies like the dollar, euro, or pound.

Check out Numbeo to get a rough idea around the cost of living.

More time to explore

The digital nomad visa allows you to dive deeper into what makes South Africa unique. Instead of rushing to tick off major attractions, you can savour the journey.

The Garden Route, for example, is a treasure trove of farm stalls, hidden beaches, and quirky towns like Knysna and Wilderness. A longer stay means you don’t just see the sights; you live the experience.

In Cape Town, there's surfing at Muizenberg to wine-tasting in Constantia - every neighborhood has its own charm. You could spend weeks simply discovering the city’s markets, art galleries, and vibrant food scene.

Building genuine connections

When you stay longer, you’re not just a visitor — you become part of the fabric of the community. Locals are often the best source of insider tips, whether it’s finding the freshest produce at a hidden market or discovering a secret beach far from the tourist crowds.

For digital nomads, coworking spaces are invaluable. These spaces aren’t just about fast Wi-Fi and coffee — they’re hubs for meeting like-minded people, exchanging ideas, and building a sense of belonging in a new city.

What we know about the digital nomad visa

In October 2024, the South African government released updated details for the digital nomad visa. Here’s what we know so far:

- Income requirement: Applicants need to demonstrate an annual income of at least R650,796 (around $34,000).
- Duration: The visa can be issued for up to three years, allowing nomads to enjoy an extended stay without the hassle of renewing short-term visas.
- Eligibility: The visa is open to remote workers employed by companies outside South Africa.

This visa is a significant step forward in making South Africa a top destination for digital nomads.