Eligibility quiz
Do you have a valid employment contract that you and an employer based outside South Africa have both signed?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Africa
You can enter and live in South Africa for the period printed on your visa, up to three years.
Work remotely
You can work remotely in South Africa for your employer abroad.
How to apply
From outside South AfricaFrom outside South Africa
Find your consulate
Find the South African consulate responsible for applications from your country of origin. If South Africa has no diplomatic representative there, find one in a neighbouring country; it may direct you to a visa service provider.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African consulate handles Remote Work Visa applications for someone living in your city?”
Get the application form
Get the temporary-residence application form, DHA-1738, for the Remote Work Visa.
Find the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download South Africa's DHA-1738 Remote Work Visa application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the application form.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in South Africa's DHA-1738 Remote Work Visa application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents required by the consulate or its service provider.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book an appointment with the responsible consulate or its service provider if it requires one. Create an account on the service provider's portal if needed.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a South African Remote Work Visa appointment at the consulate or service provider serving your city?”
Pay the visa fee
Pay the applicable fee using a method accepted by the consulate or service provider. Keep the proof of payment for your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the South African Remote Work Visa fee at the consulate or service provider serving your city?”
Hand in your application
Go in person to the designated consulate or service centre with your completed form, required documents and proof of payment. Hand in your application, give your fingerprints and keep your submission receipt or tracking reference.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit a South African Remote Work Visa application at the consulate or service provider serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Use your tracking reference or contact the consulate through its follow-up channel to find out the outcome. Answer any requests for more information or documents.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track a South African Remote Work Visa application submitted through the consulate or service provider serving your city?”
Travel to South Africa
Once your visa is approved and issued, travel to South Africa using it. You can work remotely under its conditions, but you cannot take employment in South Africa.
Find travel informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I travel to South Africa with an approved Remote Work Visa?”
Once in South AfricaOnce in South Africa
Register for tax
If you are tax resident in a country with a double-taxation agreement with South Africa, register with the South African Revenue Service if you spend more than 183 days in South Africa in any 12-month period. If you are not tax resident in such a country, register with the South African Revenue Service; this meets the visa's tax registration requirement.
Find registration instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register with the South African Revenue Service as a Remote Work Visa holder?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Employment contract
Submit your employment contract, signed by you and your employer based outside South Africa. The contract must require you to do some of your work in South Africa; work for clients alone does not meet this requirement.
Bank statements
Submit three months of your bank statements. They must show a gross salary of at least R650,796 a year.
Your passport
Submit your valid passport. It must be valid for at least 30 days after you intend to leave South Africa.
Return air ticket
Submit a valid return air ticket or proof of a return flight reservation.
Application form
Submit the completed and signed temporary-residence application form, DHA-1738.
Visit purpose statement
Submit a statement or other document explaining why you are visiting South Africa and how long you intend to stay.
Yellow fever certificate *
Submit your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
* Only if you have travelled or plan to travel from or through a yellow-fever area, unless you only pass through it in direct transit.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Work and status limits
You must keep working remotely for an employer abroad; local jobs, freelancing and business activity are not allowed.
You generally cannot change your immigration status while in South Africa, except in special circumstances.
Tax registration
If you are tax-resident in a country with an applicable tax agreement with South Africa, you must register for tax after more than 183 days in any 12-month period.
If you are not tax-resident in such a country, you must register.
Permission can end
Your permission ends on expiry unless renewed or reissued, and can be lost if cancelled or if you break its conditions or immigration law.
To stay, apply for another visa before expiry; otherwise you must leave unless you have other permission.
Overstaying or unlawful activity can lead to criminal penalties, removal and a ban on returning.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Visas and permits sa
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa Applications - Help
English Facebook group for people interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa and Immigration Forum
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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