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Six African Nations Granting Online Worker Visas

Remote professionals may not typically consider Africa as their first choice, but it could prove to be the wisest decision. Discover the reasons.

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Six African Nations Implementing Remote Work Visas for Digital Nomads
Six African Nations Implementing Remote Work Visas for Digital Nomads

Six African Nations Granting Online Worker Visas

Digital nomad visas in Africa offer unique opportunities for remote workers to explore the continent while maintaining their careers. Here's a focused analysis of Mauritius, Cape Verde, Seychelles, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya.

Mauritius

Mauritius introduced a Premium Travel Visa in 2020, allowing remote workers, freelancers, retirees, and students to stay for 12 months, with the option to extend for another year. The application is free, and if you stay under 183 days, you're exempt from local income tax. To qualify, you need to show a minimum monthly income of $1,500 or $18,000 per year, plus an additional $500 per month for each dependent. The island offers an attractive lifestyle with good infrastructure for remote workers, but the cost of living is moderate, with rent and utilities not very cheap compared to some African countries.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde rolled out its Remote Working Programme in December 2020, allowing a 6-month stay with one possible renewal. Digital nomads are exempt from income tax and not considered residents for tax purposes. The programme offers scenic beauty with a low cost of living, but there's limited data on visa uptake and processes, and possible infrastructural and internet reliability issues in some areas.

Seychelles

Seychelles does not have an official digital nomad visa, but it offers a Workation Retreat Programme targeting Europeans, North Americans, Portuguese-speaking countries, and ECOWAS members. The programme allows a 12-month stay, with reapplication possible but not directly renewable. No specific income requirements are mentioned, but financially, one needs $1,620 over the past six months for individuals, or $2,920 for families.

Namibia

Namibia's Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 6 months, with a simple online application process and a reasonable fee ($124). The visa requires a minimum $2,000 monthly income for individuals, $3,000 for spouses, and $500 per dependent. The visa is more restrictive, as it's a single-entry visa, and you cannot leave and re-enter during its validity. There are no options to extend the visa; re-application is only possible after 1 year. Taxable if staying over 180 days, medical and clean criminal record certificates are required, including radiological reports, which may be burdensome.

South Africa

South Africa, as of 2025, does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers must rely on standard work or visitor visas, which may limit duration and legal work. Potential tax complexities arise if working remotely with local income.

Kenya

Kenya's Class N Digital Nomad Permit allows stays of up to 12 months, with the option to renew. Applicants must show a minimum annual income of $24,000. The application goes through the eCitizen portal, and the fees range $100-$200, depending on specifics. The permit signals Kenya's intent to attract skilled remote professionals to its cities and co-working spaces, but the digital nomad visa program is still emerging, and details are not fully established or widespread.

Summary of Pros:

  • Many African digital nomad visas, notably Mauritius and Cape Verde, offer tax exemptions or favourable treatment.
  • Mauritius offers a free, extendable visa with a straightforward process and good living conditions.
  • Namibia’s visa is more restrictive but clear and focused on serious remote workers.
  • Tropical island options (Mauritius, Seychelles) provide attractive lifestyle benefits.

Summary of Cons:

  • Many African digital nomad visas have limitations on duration and single-entry policies (Namibia).
  • Income thresholds and medical or legal requirements may be high or cumbersome.
  • In some countries like Seychelles and Cape Verde, lack of data and unclear program details reduce transparency.
  • In South Africa and Kenya, formal digital nomad visas are not fully developed, creating legal work uncertainties.

This gives remote workers a variety of options balancing lifestyle, bureaucratic ease, tax considerations, and visa flexibility across these African countries.

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