Africa: visit, move, invest
South Africa guide 2026: ETA, remote work visa, taxes and buying property
South Africa in 2026: the new Electronic Travel Authorisation, the remote work visa and points-based work visas, tax rates, Kruger fees, safety and property.
Many visitors can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. A new Electronic Travel Authorisation launched in August 2026 (R500). Remote workers earning at least R650,976 a year from abroad can apply for the remote work visa, and foreigners can generally buy property.
South Africa at a glance
| South Africa | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Pretoria (executive) |
| Population | 64.7 million |
| GDP per person (2025) | US$6,598 |
| Growth (2025) | 1.1% |
| Currency | Rand (ZAR) |
| Languages | 12 official, incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sign Language |
| Time zone | UTC+2 |
| Drives on the | Left |
World Bank data (2025) and official references. Compare all 54 countries in the Africa comparison tool.
South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein. Inflation was 4.4% in August 2026, and the Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.25% in September 2026. The rand was about R16.5 per US dollar in early October 2026.
Visiting
- Visa-free: up to 90 days for many nationalities, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most of Western Europe and Brazil.
- ETA: launched on 12 August 2026 at eta.dha.gov.za, with a R500 fee. It's being phased in as compulsory for visa-required nationalities.
- Passport: needs two blank pages and 30 days' validity after you leave.
- Parks: Kruger's daily conservation fee for international visitors is R602 per adult until 31 October 2026, rising from 1 November 2026 under SANParks' new fees.
- Health: yellow fever certificate only if arriving from a risk country. There's malaria risk in parts of the north-east, including the Kruger area.
- Safety: the US rates South Africa Level 2. Violent crime is high in some areas; the UK advises care around airports and quiet hiking spots, and visiting townships only with a trusted guide.
Moving and working
- Remote work visa: for people earning at least R650,976 a year from a foreign employer, valid up to 36 months.
- Critical Skills and General Work visas: a points system (100 points) applies since October 2024; being on the Critical Skills List earns 100 points on its own.
- Tax: residents are taxed on worldwide income. The top rate is 45% on income above R1,878,601 (2026/27).
Business and investing
Companies register with the CIPC. Corporate tax is 27% and VAT is 15%. Some sectors have ownership or empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements, so take local advice for your sector.
Buying property
Foreigners can generally buy property in South Africa on the same freehold basis as citizens, using a conveyancing attorney. Banks usually lend non-residents only part of the price. Test the numbers against renting with our rent vs buy calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. A new Electronic Travel Authorisation (R500) launched in August 2026 and is being phased in for visa-required travellers.
Does South Africa have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, the remote work visa, for people earning at least R650,976 a year from a foreign employer.
What is the top tax rate in South Africa?
45% on taxable income above R1,878,601 for the 2026/27 tax year.
Can foreigners buy property in South Africa?
Yes, foreigners can generally buy freehold property, though bank lending to non-residents is limited.
Sources
- Engineering News — South Africa launches Electronic Travel Authorisation
- RSM South Africa — Remote work (digital nomad) visa
- EY — South Africa's points-based work visa system
- PwC Tax Summaries — South Africa
- PwC Tax Summaries — South Africa tax residence
- SANParks — Daily conservation fees 2026/27
- US State Department — South Africa travel advisory
- World Bank Open Data — indicators API
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.