24 Jul How to Apply for South Africa’s Remote Work Visa

Planning to work for an international company while based in South Africa? The government introduced the Remote Work Visa for digital nomads. The visa allows foreign professionals to legally reside in South Africa while employed remotely by clients and employers located abroad. Obtaining a work visa with June Luna Attorneys is a straightforward process.

This opportunity grants remote workers freedom to explore the country’s popular destinations and enjoy a great work-life balance. There are many reasons why South Africa’s digital nomad visa is considered the “most attractive visa” for remote visitors. In this guide, we’ll take you through the necessary information for the application process.

Step-by-step guide through the Application Process of South Africa’s Remote Work Visa

Step One: Eligibility Criteria

• Employment Status: Applicants must work remotely for clients and companies based abroad. It’s important to remember that this type of visa is not applicable for foreign nationals seeking employment in South Africa.
• Valid Visa: You must have a valid passport for at least 30 days after the visa term with two blank pages.
• Income Thresholds: Applicants must prove that they have adequate finances to support themselves while residing in South Africa as a remote worker. You need to provide a contract of employment confirming that your gross salary that is not less than R650,976.00 annually.
• Criminal Record: Applicants should submit a clean criminal background check from the country of residence in the last three years.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: If an applicant plans to or has travelled from a yellow fever area, they must show the vaccine certificate.

Step Two: Gather Required Documentation

1. Valid Passport copies.
2. Passport Photographs.
3. Proof of remote work eligibility, such as an employment contract signed by employer.
4. Proof of income and sufficient finances.
5. Evidence of accommodation in South Africa for the period of your stay.

Step Three: Fill in and Complete the Application Form

Applicants should visit the official Department of Home Affairs website to access and download the remote work visa application form. After the download, you should provide required information and signatures. It’s important to check that the form is accurately completed and go through it to avoid errors that may result in the delay of your application.

Step Four: Submit the Application Form

Applicants should book an appointment before visiting their nearest Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Centre or a South African Embassy to hand in the application form. You might be required to provide biometric data, which consists of fingerprints and photographs. If Applicants should possess original documents and additional copies.

Step Five: Application Fee Payment

Applicants will be expected to pay the visa application fee during submission, and the fee differs based on location. However, if you are using the Visa Facilitation Services Centre, be prepared to pay the additional charges for their assistance.

Step Six: Visa Processing Time

The processing period for South Africa’s Remote Work Visa application typically takes six to eight weeks, with the UK taking 12 weeks and some embassies in Africa taking longer. It’s important to note that the processing time differs, and you are advised to track the visa application through the embassy. During this process, applicants might be requested for interviews or submission of missing or extra documentation.

Step Seven: Receive Your Remote Work Visa

Once your application for a remote work visa is approved and released, ensure that you have the necessary documents and start travelling to South Africa. When it comes to securing the correct work permit in South Africa, we can guide you through your options.

Remote workers need to note that they are not allowed to search for employment in South Africa. If you have any considerations and need clarification on South Africa’s Remote Work Visa, contact June Luna Immigration Attorneys (JLIA). Our team of experts will assist and provide advice to make your application process less complicated.