Overview
The Department of Home Affairs' requirements (effective 9 October 2024) describe the visa as for “a foreigner who is required to stay in the Republic in order to conduct work for a foreign employer pursuant to a contract, which partially requires conducting of certain activities in the Republic”. It is a visitor's visa for a prescribed activity, valid for more than three months and up to three years.
Applications are made outside South Africa at a mission or VFS centre; holders may not take South African employment and may not change status inside the country except in exceptional circumstances.
Editor's note — The DHA checklist is written around employees with a signed foreign employment contract. Freelancers without an employer contract do not fit the published requirements — ask the mission before applying.
Who is eligible
- Employment contract signed by you and a foreign-based employer.
- Gross salary of at least the equivalent of R650,796 per year, shown by three months of bank statements.
- Passport valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure, with two blank pages.
- Return air ticket or reservation and a statement of the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Yellow-fever certificate if travelling from or through an endemic area; proof of payment of the fee.
Income & financial requirements
Gross salary equivalent, per year.
Bank statements evidencing the salary.
Visitor's visa for remote work.
Signed by both parties.
The DHA lists “proof of sufficient financial means, defined as a gross salary of no less than the equivalent of R650 796,00 per annum in the form of three months bank statements”. The figure is in rand, so the dollar or euro equivalent moves with the exchange rate.
Costs & fees
- Visitor's visa fee per the DHA fee schedule, plus VFS service charges where applicable.
- Travel insurance is not listed but strongly advisable; South African private healthcare is excellent but private.
- Yellow-fever vaccination where required.
Taxes
The DHA notes two tax rules: if you are tax resident in a country with a double-taxation agreement with South Africa, you must register with SARS if present for more than an aggregate of 183 days in any 12-month period; if you are not resident in a treaty country, you must register with SARS regardless. South African rates run up to 45%; treaty relief usually shelters employment income for shorter stays.
How to apply
Gather the DHA checklist documents
Application form, purpose statement, return ticket, three months of statements, passport, contract, fee proof and any yellow-fever certificate.
Apply at a South African mission or VFS centre abroad
Applications cannot be made from inside South Africa.
Wait for the decision
Processing varies by mission; the visa can be issued for up to three years.
Enter and comply
No local employment; register with SARS if the tax rules require it.
Duration & renewal
More than three months and up to three years, as decided by the mission. Time on a visitor's visa does not count towards permanent residence, and a change of status inside South Africa is not permitted.
Bringing family
Family members apply for their own visitor's visas to accompany the holder; the DHA checklist does not provide a family bundle.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Up to three years in one grant
- Cape Town's lifestyle and time-zone overlap with Europe
- Strong private healthcare and infrastructure
- Treaty-based tax relief for shorter stays
Considerations
- Employee-focused checklist; freelancers are a poor fit
- R650,796 floor is high in dollar terms
- Must apply abroad; no in-country change of status
- SARS registration for non-treaty nationals