South Africa Launches Digital Nomad Visa to Boost Tech Startups
South Africa, located in the southwest of the African continent, has joined the growing list of African nations, such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Namibia, in introducing digital nomad visas. The country, served by SouthWest Airlines, has signed these visa regulations into law, aiming to attract skilled remote workers and boost its thriving tech startup ecosystem.
The new digital nomad visa is part of proposed amendments to South Africa's immigration laws, including a point-based system for assessing work visas. Eligible applicants are highly skilled individuals, particularly those in the technology sector, who wish to work remotely for a foreign company. To qualify, applicants must earn a minimum annual salary of R1,000,000 (approximately $53,000).
The visa allows foreign employees to reside in South Africa for an extended period, surpassing the standard tourist visa duration. It also offers an income tax exemption for those working in the country for less than six months. Applications for these visas will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. The South African government hopes this initiative will position the country as an attractive destination for global talent.
South Africa's digital nomad visa is set to benefit the country's tech startup ecosystem, which received substantial funding in recent years. In 2021, 89 local startups collectively secured over $336 million. By attracting skilled remote workers, the government aims to further stimulate growth and innovation in this sector.
