Freelancer Visa In South Africa: Explained
Are you enticed by the cultural diversity and the topography of the Rainbow Nation? Are you eager to discover the routes and the legalities to establish your freelancing ground in the southernmost part of this continent? Worry not! We’ve got you covered!
Our guide on Freelancing Visas in South Africa is exactly what you need to ensure clarity on the road to obtaining this visa, and it will aid you in figuring out the perfect way to do it.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding The Visa Process As A Freelancer
In the age of digital nomads, many countries have been launching their ‘Freelance Visas’- also known as the ‘Digital Nomad Visa’.
The government of South Africa announced the plan to launch this type of visa in April 2022; however, as per the latest update, it is yet to be officially introduced.
Presently, foreigners are already permitted to visit for up to 90 days, but with this type of visa, they will be permitted to stay there longer.
The proposal is for the visa to be valid for a year with a leeway to be renewed.
Currently, individuals from certain countries are exempt from the requirement of a visa if their stay is at most 90 days, but other options must be sought if your intended visit is more protracted.
The routes that you can take to obtain a visa for South Africa that offers the means to work as a freelancer in the country are primarily:
- Work Visa
- General Work Visa
- Critical Skills Work Visa
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa
- Exchange Visa (Work)
- Business Visa
- Visitor’s Visa
- a) Section 11.6 (Reside with SAC and work)
- a) Section 11(2) (Authorization to conduct work for 3 months)
- b) Long-term visitor’s visa (e.g., for purposes of journalism)
- c) Section 11(1)(b)(ii) Volunteer
- Relative’s Visa
- Permanent Residence Permit
As a freelancer, you must accustom yourself to the application process, essential documents, processing times, and potential fees you must pay to apply for the visa types mentioned above.
Navigating Through The Types Of Visa Options For Freelancers
While introducing an official Digital Nomad Visa is still underway, there is no doubt that in a world where digitalization is establishing itself as the norm, a route to obtaining work permits that allow freelance in South Africa is essential.
In this section, we will review some potential options that allow you to work in South Africa as a freelancer. It is essential to identify which route caters to your individual case the most to ensure a smoother transition.
However, it is imperative to note that this article merely serves as a guide, and you must consult with the immigration authorities or immigration consultants for accurate, in-depth, and up-to-date details.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Many countries are exempt from obtaining visas if their intended stay is at most either 30 or 90 days, depending on their nationality.
You may opt for this simple route if you are a freelancer looking for a change in scenery while still working on the side for a shorter time.
However, the legalities must be considered with this option since this option will not grant you the option of opening a bank or granting any official means of obtaining monetary assets.
The work you conduct during this tenure will be unofficial, and any money you earn within the country as a freelance worker will be made via the bank account of an existing resident or through cash only.
Regardless, this route offers an easy and temporary means to freelance in South Africa.
The list of countries permitting individuals to stay in the country for their respective periods with an Ordinary Passport is enumerated below
| 90 days | ||||||||||||||||
| Andorra | Angola | Anguilla | Argentina | Australia | Austria | Belgium | Bermuda | Botswana | Brazil | |||||||
| British Antarctic Territory | British Indian Ocean Territory | British Virgin Island | Canada | Cayman Islands | Chile | Czech Republic | Denmark | Ducie And Oeno Islands | Ecuador | |||||||
| Falkland Islands | Finland | France | Germany | Gibraltar | Greece | Guernsey | Henderson | Iceland | Ireland | |||||||
| Isle Of Man | Israel | Italy | Jamaica | Japan | Jersey | Kenya | Liechtenstein | Luxembourg | Madagascar | |||||||
| Malta | Monaco | Monserrat | Namibia | Netherlands | New Zealand | Norway | Palestine | Panama | Paraguay | |||||||
| Pitcairn Islands | Portugal | Qatar | Russian Federation | Saint Vincent And The Grenadines | San Marino | São Tomé And Príncipe | Saudi Arabia | Seychelles | Singapore | |||||||
| South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Tanzania | Trinidad And Tobago | Tunisia | Turks | Turks And Caicos Islands | United Arab Emirates | |||||||
| United Kingdom | United States Of America | Uruguay | Venezuela | Virgin Islands | Zambia | Zimbabwe | ||||||||||
| 30 Days | |||||||||
| Antigua And Barbuda | Bahamas | Belize | Benin | Bolivia | Cape Verde | Costa Rica | Cyprus | Gabon | Guyana |
| Hong Kong | Hungary | Jordan | Kingdom Of Eswatini | Lesotho | Macau | Malawi | Malaysia | Maldives | Mauritius |
| Mozambique | Peru | Poland | South Korea | Thailand | Turkey | ||||
The details listed above pertain to Ordinary Passports only, and the visa fees, as well as the maximum permitted number of days of stay, vary depending on whether you are a holder of a Diplomatic, Official, Service, or Special Passport holder.
These details can be found on the official website of The Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Work Visa
If your intended visit is to exceed the maximum amount of time your nationality can afford on the Visa-exempt checkbox, or if your country of origin cannot be found in the tables above.
The ideal option to work as a freelancer long-term is to obtain a Work Visa.
There are primarily four different types of Work Visas that you can obtain in South Africa:
- General Work Visa
- Critical Skills Work Visa
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa
- Exchange Visa (Work)
New From 2023: The Trusted Employer Scheme
The Trusted Employer Scheme is an initiative catered towards streamlining the course of employing foreign workers for corporations in South Africa.
Such a scheme permits a country to draw in skilled labor and handle immigration more smoothly, mainly when large applications are being processed.
Operation Vulindlela suggested that South Africa announce a trusted employer scheme to enable potential employers to be assessed and approved beforehand and decrease the administrative burden for visa applications.
Under this structure, eligible employers can benefit from hastened processing and diminished difficulties in hiring foreign talent.
This initiative is directed by the Department of Home Affairs and the Office of the Presidency, beckoning a substantial drive toward a more effective foreign labor market.
This scheme offers enormous potential for foreign workers and freelancers alike to look out for opportunities once the scheme becomes up and running, with a deadline for these employers to register before November 20, 2023.
General Work Visa
The South African General Work Visa is for anybody aiming to work in South Africa for a particular employer. You are required to have an existing job offer in hand prior to applying for this type of visa.
Before this type of visa can be permitted, your employer must display that no befittingly qualified South African candidate could be found; that is the validation for granting the job to an immigrant.
Unfortunately, conforming to this standard can be unpredictable and may be influenced by the immigration officer working on the case.
Fortunately, most employers have operated with immigration authorities for a considerable period to establish ideal application methods.
These visas are valid for the duration of the employment contract or a period not greater than 5 years.
The applicant and employer must submit proof of employment annually to ensure that the applicant’s permit continues to be applicable.
Freelancers looking for a particular employer in South Africa part-time for the long term may benefit from this type of visa.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| General Work Visa | R1520 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Critical Skills Work Visa
The Critical Skills Visa is for applicants qualified in specific employment fields undergoing a labor shortage in South Africa.
The Minister of Home Affairs publishes the employment fields in the Government Gazette.
As of February 2022, South Africa has listed 101 assorted vocations on the critical skills list, principally in information technology, engineering, life sciences, and earth sciences.
For disciplines with professional associations or bodies, you must arrange for authorization from the concerned professional body that your credentials and skills are appropriate.
Freelancers may benefit more from this type of visa, especially if their qualifications align with the skills above, as they do not need to provide proof of employment to obtain this visa.
With this type of visa, a one-year visa is provided to look for work in South Africa.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Critical Skills Work Visa | R1520 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Sometimes, multinational companies may transfer a current employee from a foreign branch to a branch in South Africa.
These employees are required to register for intra-company transfer work permits. In these cases, no evidence of steps taken to acquire the amenities of a South African citizen/permanent resident is required.
Freelancers will benefit from such a visa if their current employer can operate in this manner.
However, this visa option is limited for freelancers as most multinational companies/employers hire permanent employees, limiting the leeway for other freelance opportunities.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Intra-Company Transfer Visa | R1520 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Exchange Visa (Work)
Exchange permits may be allotted to foreigners, not above the age of 25 and who aspire to partake in cultural, economic, or social exchange programs managed by an organ of the State or a public higher educational institution in conjunction with an organ of a foreign state.
Similar to Intra-Company Transfer Visas, options with this type of visa are also quite limited as most exchange programs operate on the level of an educational institution and may require foreigners to study in a particular program.
This type of exchange may benefit freelancers who are open to continuing their education simultaneously, significantly, if work hours exceed 20 hours per week.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Exchange Visa | R1520 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Business Visa
A South African business visa allows you to inaugurate or capitalize on a business in South Africa where you may be hired.
South Africa offers two types of business visas:
- Visitor Visa For Business Purposes: You can stay in South Africa with a visitor’s visa for 90 days. With this visa, you can attend conferences, deliver training, or manage consultancy work.
- Long-Stay Business Visa: This business visa is valid for 3 to 5 years and will enable you to build or launch a new business in South Africa and, over time, attain a permanent residence permit.
You may apply for a long-term South Africa business visa if you plan to launch a business you own in its entirety or partly in South Africa.
You must provide evidence for financial means and agree to tax regulations. You will be intimated to invest a prescribed financial capital contribution as an applicant.
Still, specific industries, including the following, may be considered for waivers and exemptions:
- Information and Communication Technology
- Clothing and textile manufacturing
- Chemicals and biotechnology
- Agro-processing
- Metals and minerals refinement
- Automotive manufacturing
- Tourism
- Crafts
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Business Visa | R1520 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Visitor’s Visa
Certain types of Visitor’s Visas permit visitors to work during their stay in the country. These include:
- Section 11.6 (Reside with SAC and work)
- Section 11(2) (Authorization to conduct work for 3 months)
- Long-term visitor’s visa (e.g., for purposes of journalism)
- Section 11(1)(b)(ii) Volunteer
Visitor’s Visa: Section 11.6 (Reside With SAC And Work)
This type of visa permits freelancers with spouses who are citizens of South Africa to work and reside in the country.
This visa is intended to permit you to work, study, or commence a business in South Africa. This visa is solely for spouses or life partners and cannot be extended to other family members.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Visitor’s visa section 11(6) | 0 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Visitor’s Visa: Section 11(2) (Authorization To Conduct Work For 3 Months)
This type of visa applies to applicants who plan to conduct short-term or urgent work in the Republic of South Africa.
This type of visa is only applicable for a period not exceeding 3 months.
It is imperative to note, however, that section 11(2) is not a work visa and should not be used for ongoing regular work activity. It may benefit freelancers who only intend to conduct their work briefly.
This visa is mainly used by individuals who are, but are not limited to, service technicians, trainers/ instructors, and film crews.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Visitor’s visa section 11(2) | R425 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Long-Term Visitor’s Visa
This type of visa applies to those intending to stay longer than 3 months but not exceeding 3 years.
Freelancers could opt for this visa where applicable. As per the regulations, this visa is applicable when:
- You have been accepted to teach at an international school;
- Your educational institution has supported you to take an academic sabbatical;
- You are accompanying your spouse or life partner who holds or qualifies for a valid Work Visa, Study Visa, Business Visa, Retirement Visa, Relatives Visa, Treaty Visa or Crew Visa;
- Your job is involved in film or advertisement produced in South Africa, including, but not restricted to, an actor, cameraman, hairstylist, makeup artist, or sound and lighting crew;
- A foreign news agency that is requesting a journalist to cover a story in South Africa;
- Conducting research activities with proof of financial support;
- If you are an artist who wishes to perform, write, paint, and sculpt,
- You are a tour leader or host of such tour;
- You are the spouse or life partner of a South African citizen/permanent resident and have been offered a job, registered to study, or have opened and conducted your own business;
- You, as parents, are both foreign nationals on Temporary Residency Visas and have had a child born in South Africa (please note that one cannot work on this Visa).
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Long-Term Visitor’s Visa | R425 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Visitor’s Visa: Section 11(1)(b)(ii) Volunteer
This visa permits applicants to stay in the country for 3 months to 3 years to conduct voluntary or charitable activities.
Freelancers can opt for this visa while conducting charitable work and conducting their freelance work on the side.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Visitor’s visa section 11(1)(b)(ii) | R425 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Relative’s Visa
While this type of visa permits applicants to stay for periods of 24 months at a time, it does not permit individuals to work officially in the country.
Therefore, this type of visa could be opted for if you are not working in South Africa officially but will be working online or on other unofficial jobs. Thus, you are not permitted to work legally.
Any money you earn within the country as a freelance worker will be made via the bank account of your existing resident relative or through cash only.
This type of visa is preferable when a change in scenery is required for individuals whose primary source of earning is freelance work.
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Relatives Visa (Spouse) | 0 | R1550 |
| Relative’s visa (Brother / Sister) | R425 | R1550 |
| Relative’s visa (Major Child) | R425 | R1550 |
| Relative’s Visa (Minor) | 0 | R1550 |
| Premium Lounge (Optional Service) | R500 |
Permanent Residence Permit
This allows workers, dependents, relatives, spouses, retired persons, and individuals with extraordinary skills to obtain a permanent residence permit.
If you are a freelancer that fits the criteria, you could apply for this type of visa.
Requirements: Worker
- A 5-year continuous work permit in the Republic of South Africa
- An offer of permanent employment (i.e., a sponsor)
- Applicants who fall under specific categories (teachers, lecturers, etc.) must have proof of registration with a professional body, board, or council in the republic, if applicable.
Requirements: Dependent (Under 18 Or Over 21)
- Consent (letter, bank statement, salary advice, proof of residence, and identity documents) of both parents or guardians
- Undertaking of guardians to provide financial support to the applicant
Requirements: Relative
- Proof of kinship
- Undertaking to provide financial support to the applicant
- Proof of financial support to each other.
Requirements: Financial Independent Applicant
- Proof that the applicant has a prescribed minimum net worth (R12 Million)
- Written undertaking to make payment in the amount (R120 000) upon approval of the application
Requirements: Critical Skills
- Proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category
- Offer of employment
- A letter from your employer confirming your current employment, which is not older than six months
- Proof of application for a certificate of registration with the professional body, council, or board recognized by SAQA
- Proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority
- Proof of post-qualification experience of at least five years
- Testimonials from previous employers
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae
- A letter of motivation indicating the critical skills possessed by the applicant will be to the benefit of the South African environment in which they intend to operate and which relates to the critical skill in question
| CATEGORY | DHA APPLICATION FEE | VFS SERVICE FEE |
| Worker | R2870 | R1550 |
| Dependent (under 18) | R1350 | R1550 |
| Dependent (over 21) | R2870 | R1550 |
| Relative | R2870 | R1550 |
| Financial Independent | R1520 | R1550 |
| Critical Skills | R2870 | R1550 |
Documents That You Will Require For Your Application
As with most visa applications, you must ensure that your essential documents are complete to apply.
Generally, you must apply through a Visa Facilitation Service such as VFS Global, which manages the Visa Application Centre for the South African Embassy.
You submit your finalized visa application form, supporting documents, and biometric data here.
The list of documents includes:
- VFS Appointment Letter
- A duly completed DHA-947 form online
- BI-1738 Form
- Visa Application Form
- Valid National Passport
- Biometric Photographs
- Application Fee Payment Proof
- Travel Insurance
- Recommendation Letters
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Portfolio of Previous Work
- Professional Authorization
- Certificates of Earlier Education
- Proof of Means of Sustenance
- Bank Statement
- Medical Reports
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Marriage Certificate, if applicable
- Government-issued identification as proof of kinship, if required
All of the documents issued by the issuing authority of your country of origin must be original or attested copies and, where applicable, should be translated into the English language by a certified translator.
How To Proceed With Your Application?
This section will highlight the application process’s significant sequence, which may vary depending on the visa option selection.
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Option
- Since The Digital Nomad Visa has yet to be made official, you must carefully select the visa option listed above to ensure the smooth transition of your visa processing.
Step 2: Fill Out The Online Application Form
- It is mandatory to fill out the online application form
- It is important to double-check that you are selecting the correct visa option/permit
- Select your location of the Visa Facilitation Centre during the online process, depending on the location from where you are applying
- Ensure all mandatory supporting documents are available before you start filling out the form
Step 3: Pay Your Fees
- Identify the amount you need to pay
- Pay your visa application fee to secure and schedule your appointment
Step 4: Book An Appointment
- Choose a Visa Application Centre and make your appointment
- Download the application form along with the checklist and appointment confirmation to bring to the Visa Application Centre
Step 5: Visit The Visa Application Centre
- Submit your completed visa application form in person
- Submit your biometrics
Step 6: Track Your Application Process
- Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to track your application online.
- Make sure to check emails/SMS for updates periodically.
Understanding The Essentials Of Freelancing In South Africa
As mentioned, the need for an official Digital Nomad Visa limits the legalities of freelancing in South Africa.
Carefully considering a visa that gives you enough space as a freelancer to earn, co-work, and maintain an adequate work-life balance is essential.
Some of these considerations have already been discussed in the relevant sections, but here are some things you must consider when applying for any of the abovementioned visas to freelance.
Residence
Depending on whether your visa is a temporary one limited to 90 days, a permanent residence permit, or an appeal for an extension visa, you must acquire a place to live while you freelance.
| Residence Option | Temporary Visa | Permanent Residence Permit |
| Hotel | ✔ | ✔ |
| Friend/Relative | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spouse | ✔ | ✔ |
| Legal Residence | N/A | ✔ |
| Apartment on Rent | Variable | ✔ |
Proof of residence is a requirement for most visa applications. It is something you must consider when applying.
Certain types of visas require periodic check-ins and proof of accommodation annually.
Permanent residence will require the applicant to register their residence legally.
Financial Income
Since specific visa options do not allow the liberty of opening a bank account or working in the country legally, it is imperative to consider the type of work you are offering as a freelancer and to consider the primary source of attaining your income wisely.
If you work legally, you can open a bank account with the required documentation.
However, you are not permitted to work legally, your options are generally but not only limited to
- e-banking through the bank account of your country of origin,
- Using your spouse/relative/friend’s bank account for any earnings
- Obtaining income in person (often limited to freelancing opportunities that involve skills such as photography, art, etc).
Tax Regulation
Permanent residence, work visas, and business visas are examples of visas where tax regulations must be abided by when living in the country.
You must go through these regulations in detail per your chosen visa and carefully assess the steps required to ensure you are fulfilling the obligations on your end.
Health And Travel Insurance
Regardless of whether you have applied for a temporary or permanent visa, health insurance must be considered when assessing unforeseen circumstances such as illness and trauma.
Permanent permit holders may opt for Health Insurance within the country, and for temporary visa applicants, comprehensive travel insurance plans often include medical coverage.
Visa Extensions
Always assess, plan, and stay updated on all of the requirements and procedures that may be indicated regarding visa extensions to prevent any difficulties in your freelancing journey abroad.
Financial Management
You should not only take into account your income but also your expenses.
Apart from your fixed expenses, which include rent, taxes, and insurance, you should also make allowances for the adaptable expenses and attempt to control them.
Freelance income trackers also help in this regard, alongside proper budgeting.
Networking
Working in a remote setting offers the incentive of networking and building your circle within a diverse array of cultural inter-mixing. This adds to your existing skills and potential transition into permanent residence.
Interacting and engaging with other freelancers in co-working spaces, workshops, conferences, and other networking events is incredibly beneficial.
Conclusion
Securing a freelancer visa in South Africa is a crucial step towards embracing the freedom and opportunities of a freelance lifestyle in an exciting environment.
With the insights and guidelines provided in this article, you’re well-prepared to navigate the application process with confidence. Embrace the journey, and let South Africa be the backdrop to your freelance success story.
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