Rank #35 · Feb 2026
South Africa Digital Nomad Visa
Requires an import permit and a rabies titer test.
Key Requirements
- Visa Fee
- $150
- Processing
- 4-8 weeks
- Validity
- 3 years
- Income
- $3,200/mo
- Savings Option
- N/A
- Pet Friendliness
- 7/10
- Tax trigger
- 183 days
- Insurance required
- Yes
Cost of Living (Nomad Premium 2026)
Based on short-term rentals, coworking, and expat amenities—not local long-term rates.
- Cost Tier
- Medium
- Total (est.)
- ~$2,100/mo
- 1BR Center
- ~$850/mo
- Coffee
- ~$2
- Internet
- 55 Mbps
- Coworking
- ~$160/mo
Visa Overview
The new 2026 South Africa nomad visa is finally streamlined. Cape Town is the main draw, offering a world-class lifestyle, coffee culture, and surfing. You must earn 1M Rand annually (~$53k USD).
Pet Entry & Rules
Requires an import permit and a rabies titer test. Cape Town is very dog-friendly, especially the Atlantic Seaboard and Constantia.
Tax Residency
If you stay more than 183 days, you are a tax resident, but if you work for a foreign company, there are significant exemptions to prevent double taxation.