For as long as I can remember the only way to spend time in Africa was to go on a safari to see all the wonderful animals or volunteer to save the animals or teach children. But now, if you want to live and work in Africa you are in luck. A number of African countries have introduced a digital nomad visa. Yep, so if you run a business online and are looking for your next digital nomad destination, consider a move to Africa.

 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

 

I am presuming if you are reading this you know what a digital nomad visa is, but let me give you a quick recap. A digital nomad visa is a visa that allows remote workers the opportunity to live and work online in another country. 

Each country has their own regulations you must meet to get the visa like earning a certain amount, having health insurance and no criminal record. And if you qualify for said visa, you can legally live and work for 6+ months in the country. What a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture.

Digital nomad visas also are called freelance visas, remote worker visas, expat visas, online worker visas, and a number of other unique names. But they work similarly – allowing you to live and work online for an extended period.

 

Why Live and Work in Africa?

 

Choosing an Africa digital nomad visa provides a number of advantages. Key reasons to choose an African digital nomad visa:

• Affordable Lifestyle. Yep, the cost of living in many African nations is cheaper and can provide a better lifestyle than your own country. This allows a better quality of life. The technical term for this is geoarbitrage.
• Unique Cultural and Adventure Opportunities. This is my favourite part of any visit to Africa. Africa is known for its vibrant cities, natural wonders and wildlife so there is plenty to see and do in Africa. Living and working in Africa means you can travel extensively and immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Thriving Tech Scene. Many African cities such as Cape Town in South Africa and Nairobi in Kenya are major tech hubs with a growing network of co-working spaces. Plus there is infrastructure to help digital nomads continue to work online efficiently. And there are plenty of digital nomad jobs you can do.
• Proximity and Time Zone. Africa is on a similar time zone with European countries making work and collaborations seamless. No getting up in the middle of the night to take a conference call!

All very good reasons, don’t you think?

 

Countries in Africa with a Digital Nomad Visa

 

If you want to move abroad to live and work in Africa, there are several African nations offering digital nomad visas. Luckily, all countries have websites with information about the visa and an online application process. This makes the process so much easier. They are listed in alphabetical order:

 

Cape Verdi (Remote Working Cabo Verde)

 

The Cape Verdi Digital Nomad Visa offers a 6-month visa (extendable) targeting digital nomads. Applicants must show an average bank balance of €1,500 over the previous six months. Find out more about Cape Verde’s digital nomad visa here.

 

Kenya

 

Kenya introduced a digital nomad work permit, aiming to attract high-earning remote workers (targeting roughly $55,000+ annual income). Get the details and apply online here.

 

Mauritius (Premium Visa)

 

Mauritius’ Premium Visa is a free, one-year, renewable visa for stays up to 12 months. It requires proof of funds ($1,500 monthly income) and is ideal for those seeking a tropical, stable environment. So If you want to live, work and play in paradise, get the details and apply here.

 

Namibia (Digital Nomad Visa)

 

 Launched to attract skilled professionals, Namibia’s digital nomad visa allows for a 6-month stay.

 

Seychelles (Workcation Visitor Permit)

 

Tailored for remote workers, the Seychelles Workcation Visitor permit allows individuals to live and work on the islands for up to a year. Learn more about the Seychelles digital nomad visa and to apply online here. 

 

South Africa (Remote Work Visa)

 

Launched in March 2025, South Africa’s Remote Work Visa allows remote workers to stay for one year, with options to renew for up to 3 years. It requires a minimum annual income of 1 million South African Rand (approx. $50,000+ USD). Get more details and visa requirements for digital nomads in South Africa here. And discover more about being a digital nomad in South Africa in our South African digital nomad guide.

 

Zanzibar

 

Zanzibar is an island lying 35 km (22 miles) off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa in the Indian Ocean and it doesn’t actually have a digital nomad visa at this time. Remote workers are being attracted to Zanzibar for the beach lifestyle it offers. Most will enter Zanzibar on a tourist visa and stay for up to 90 days before heading elsewhere. Get more details about spending time in Zanzibar living and working.

 

Where to Live when You Move to Africa

 

Initially you will want some short-term accommodation until you find somewhere long-term to live. Check out Booking.com for short-term accommodation in a hostel or hotel. You could also consider house and pet sitting opportunities at Trusted Housesitters. Having a couple of weeks in short-term accommodation will help you to get your bearings and allow you to set up your tech gear to continue your online work.

 

Don’t Work Online or Don’t Qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa?

 

Not everyone works online and not everyone qualifies for a digital nomad visa. And that doesn’t mean you can’t live and work abroad. There are other visas available that allow you to move abroad or help you travel full-time.

 

Are you ready to discover Africa on a digital nomad visa?