This new visa will allow qualified individuals to live and work in the country for a set period.

To qualify for the visa, applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income of R1 million (approximately $53,000).

There’s also good news for short-term stays which will see foreign workers present in South Africa for less than six months not subjected to income tax.

Digital nomads with this visa will enjoy benefits similar to residents, including access to healthcare and education.

This aligns with the growing trend across Africa, with countries like Cape Verde, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Namibia already offering similar programs.

The new law follows a public consultation period held in February 2024 by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

The proposals included the introduction of digital nomad visas alongside a point-based system for work visas.

The initiative specifically targets highly skilled individuals, particularly those in the technology sector. These remote workers can continue working for their foreign employers while residing in South Africa.

While the program offers exciting prospects, there are also potential challenges.

One concern is the implication for foreign companies, which may need to register and comply with South Africa’s PAYE tax system.

Additionally, proposed copyright law amendments could affect software development nomads by potentially jeopardizing copyright protection.

Despite these considerations, South Africa is optimistic that the digital nomad visa will stimulate the economy and strengthen its tech talent pool.

This aligns with the country’s growing tech startup scene, which has seen consistent funding since 2015, with 89 startups collectively securing over $336 million in 2021 alone.