Remote Work Visa
Up to three years for people employed abroad earning at least ZAR 650,796 a year.
Visitor's visa for remote work (section 11(1)(b)(iv))
South Africa's remote work visa is a visitor visa for people employed by companies outside South Africa who want to work remotely from the country. The revised regulations set the income bar at ZAR 650,796 a year gross, roughly USD 36,000. It can be issued for up to three years, and holders staying more than 183 days in twelve months must register with SARS. Taking up employment with a South African company is prohibited.
At a glance
Initial stay
1,095 days
Per entry, before extension
Entries
Multiple
Application fee
1,520 ZAR
Processing
30–112 days
Apply
At an embassy
Valid for
36 months
3 years
Income required
650,796 ZAR/yr
Gross annual income, per the Minister of Home Affairs' 2026 parliamentary reply.
Who can apply
Broadly open, but consulates assess each application case by case.
Requirements
- ZAR 650,796 annual gross incomeRequiredGross income of at least ZAR 650,796 a year from a foreign employer, evidenced by three months of bank statements.
- Employed by a company outside South AfricaRequiredThe visa is limited to people employed by foreign companies. Self-employed applicants and work for South African employers do not qualify.
- Clean criminal recordRequiredPolice clearance certificates from every country where you lived for more than a year since the age of 18.
- Passport valid for at least 6 monthsRequiredYour passport should be valid for at least six months from arrival.
Documents to prepare
- Passport
- Letter from your foreign employer confirming remote work
- Three months of bank statements
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of accommodation
- Medical and radiological reports
How to apply
Last verified 2026-10-12
Apply through VFS Global
~1 daySubmit the application at a VFS centre or South African mission.
Wait for the decision
~60 daysHome Affairs adjudicates the application.
Register with SARS if needed
~14 daysIf you stay more than 183 days in twelve months, register for tax.
Extending the stay
Extendable
No
Issued for the period granted by Home Affairs, up to three years.
Tax and health
Tax
Holders present for more than 183 days in twelve months must register with SARS.
Insurance
Not required. Not formally required, but private medical cover is strongly advised.
Healthcare
Medical and radiological reports are usually requested.
Immigration and tax rules change without notice and depend on your nationality and circumstances. Confirm with the official source below or a qualified adviser before acting on anything here.
Good to know
- Start police clearances early: they take the longest
- Keep employer letters specific about remote work
- Freelancers do not qualify
- Processing times through VFS can be long
Official source
medium confidenceOther ways into South Africa