Namibia, which opened its doors to digital nomads in 2022 — two years before South Africa — has so far accepted only 33 out of 57 applications, but hopes the number will grow.
Through the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB) and the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety & security, the country will provide visas on arrival from April 1. Board CEO Nangula Uaandja told Bloomberg the initiative is intended to give Namibia a competitive edge over its neighbours. Yet tourism stakeholders expressed concerns about the platform's functionality and the efficiency of data protection, especially given the recent cybersecurity breaches in Namibia.
South Africa recently issued visa reforms, though one of its biggest attractions for digital nomads, Cape Town, is considering a tax on short-term rental properties, according to mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. He says it is to level an uneven playing field where some landlords effectively run small hotels without the same regulatory and tax burdens.
The NIPDB’s Margareth Gustavo says the visa is designed to complement the local workforce, allowing local entrepreneurs to grow their networks, learn from international peers and explore new collaboration opportunities. She says a digital nomad in Namibia must demonstrate that income is sourced from outside the country and that it meets the monthly requirement of $2,000.
“One cannot use the digital visa to seek employment with Namibian-registered businesses or for studying in Namibia,” says Gustavo.
The top five countries of origin for applicants to Namibia are Germany, South Africa, the UK, Canada and France.
Andreas Krensel, who owns an immigration firm in Joburg, says to qualify for South Africa’s digital nomad visa, applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income of R650,976, or about $3,125 a month.
“This income threshold ensures that digital nomads have the financial means to support themselves during their stay in South Africa. If they were to stay for the visa’s maximum duration [three years], this would be R1,952,928,” he says.
Krensel says statistics on the number of nomads who have visited South Africa since the inception of the digital nomad visa are not available. General tourist statistics, however, provide some insights, he says. In 2024, South Africa had a 5.1% increase in international tourist arrivals, compared with the previous year.
“According to an April 2024 report from Stats SA, the largest number of tourists came from the US, with 27,864 visitors. This was followed by the UK, with 24,991, and Germany, with 14,131,” Krensel says.
Danish Soomro, who has been a digital nomad for nine years, builds AI agents for small businesses and has worked in about 45 countries.
It’s not just about escaping the 9 to 5, but rather choosing where your 9 to 5 takes place
— Danish Soomro
“Africa is often underrated, but on the rise. With fast internet, a vibrant culture, and affordable living in cities like Cape Town [the largest nomad hub in Africa], Dakar and Nairobi, the continent is becoming increasingly appealing,” he says. “Though infrastructure is still developing, more digital nomads are choosing to swap Bali for Durban.
“It’s not just about escaping the 9 to 5, but rather choosing where your 9 to 5 takes place,” he says. “Every owner of a coffee shop with fast Wi-Fi loves us.”
Maximilian Llistosella y Bischoff, who works in private equity, moved to Namibia in March last year with his wife and two-month-old daughter. They lived in a golf resort near Swakopmund where he says he found a larger home and better value for his money than his flat in London.
He says the quality of life, with physical and digital infrastructure, safety, affordable living and a favourable climate all year round, were the reasons for his decision.
However, responses from residents have not always been as positive.
“My overseas visitors find dining out affordable but daily groceries can now be equally or more expensive than at home,” says tour operator Tertius Jordaan, who is based in Cape Town.
“It’s complicated. In some cities like Lisbon, Bali and Mexico City, rent has increased significantly, but nomads are not the main culprits. The primary issues are short-term rentals that benefit local landlords, property speculation and weak government regulations,” says Soomro.
The reason for Namibia’s growing appeal for nomads is obvious: there’s more space.
Llistosella y Bischoff says he appreciates Namibia’s natural beauty, vast space and lower population density compared with Germany, where he has also lived.
The visa allowed the family to stay for six months. He says they travelled 2,000km in two weeks on mainly tarred roads. “The only challenge was the required medical check-ups which are extensive and time-consuming. Even chest X-rays are required. Full medical insurance is compulsory.”
