South Africa
Living or working in South Africa: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for the appropriate visa before arrival if you plan to stay over 90 days or work; otherwise you can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days. Requirements vary by visa type and nationality. Changes in employment status or a new visa type will require a fresh application.
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GuideSouth Africa
Key facts
- Visa-free stay for tourists
- Up to 90 days, depending on nationality
- Long-stay work visa
- Requires job offer and employer sponsorship
- Digital nomad visa (proposed)check
- Status unverified; check with Home Affairs
- Working-holiday visacheck
- Availability unverified; check with Home Affairs
- Application fee
- Varies; verify current fees
- Processing time
- Varies; verify current processing times
Quick answer
If you plan to stay in South Africa for more than 90 days or work, you must apply for the appropriate visa before arrival, depending on your nationality and visa type. Tourists from most countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. The long-stay work visa requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. A digital-nomad visa is being drafted but its status is unverified. Processing times vary, so apply well before travel.
Visa options and requirements
Tourist entry is visa-free for most nationalities for up to 90 days. Exceeding this period or intending to work requires a specific visa.
A long-stay work visa needs a confirmed job contract and employer sponsorship. The applicant applies, with employer documents supporting the application.
The working-holiday scheme is limited to citizens of select countries, but its availability is unverified.
A digital-nomad visa for remote workers earning abroad has been proposed, but its status is unverified.
| Visa type | Max stay | Key requirement | Typical fee (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (visa-free) | Up to 90 days | No work allowed | 0 |
| Long-stay work | check | Job offer & employer sponsor | Varies |
| Working-holiday | check | Eligible nationality | Varies |
| Digital nomad (draft) | Not yet available | Remote work income proof | Varies |
Questions people ask
What should I know about long-stay and working visas in South Africa?
You need a job offer and employer sponsorship for a long-stay work visa; the working-holiday scheme is limited to certain countries, but its availability is unverified; tourists can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
How much does it cost?
Application fees vary; check the Department of Home Affairs for current fees.
When should I plan for it?
Start the application well before travel, as processing times vary.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban on future entry.
Is there a digital nomad visa?
A digital-nomad visa has been proposed but its status is unverified.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about South Africa
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