Dream of moving to Africa? This vast continent has a lot of variety to offer from highly unique landscapes, animals not found anywhere else, and a chance to get off the typical digital nomad path in Europe and Asia.
I've been working online since 2019 and although it's top of my list, I haven't yet tried working remotely from Africa. Friends of mine have warned that the internet and power outages in certain areas can make things spotty but in general, so long as you're not dealing with super heavy files, you should be good to.
Although there are 54 countries in Africa, as of 2025, only 4 have a digital nomad visa that they offer for remote workers.
This leaves a lot of empty space and hope that more countries will start to offer these visas as well. In the meantime though, the 4 countries that do have digital nomad visas are 4 great options for those who work remotely.
Short on time? Here's the cheat sheet:
💻These visas go by a handful of names but all target remote workers.
✨Each visa has their own set of requirements so be sure to read the fine print of each to make sure you qualify before you start planning too much.
🤕Most of these visas require health insurance. I’ve used SafetyWing for years and highly recommend it.
💸Visas are fluid, not fixed, so be sure to double check the requirements - especially the amount of income required - before you apply.
✈️The best source of up-to-date information is either an immigration lawyer or the consulate nearest your address of residency.
We’re not a regular travel blog; we’re a collection of women living around the world, all with different backgrounds, jobs, desires, & nationalities. What do we have in common? A passion for life abroad. Each article is written from the 1st-hand perspective of a woman who has actually done or experienced what she writes about.
Learn more about the author by clicking her bio pic at the start or end of each article.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Before we go too far into this article, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what a digital nomad visa actually is and what it'll offer you.
Keep in mind that each country's visa is unique and will have a different set of requirements and rights. That said, in general, these things ring true for all:
- A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in a foreign country for an extended period.
- Digital nomad visas typically last longer than a normal tourist visa and usually offer the same benefits as a temporary resident visa, such as access to healthcare and education systems.
- Digital nomad visas are ideal for remote workers who want to settle down in a foreign country temporarily without worrying about overstaying a tourist visa.
- Digital nomad visas also are called freelance visas, remote worker visas, online worker visas, and a number of other unique names under the same umbrella.
Just as a heads up, there's a lot of incorrect information floating around out there when it comes to digital nomad visas. The best way to get actual information is always by going to the source of truth. In this case, that'd be either the nearest consulate or embassy from your residence or on their official websites.
Luckily, in the case of these African visas, all countries have websites and an online application process, making it even easier to get real information quickly.
Want more visas than just these 4 in Africa? Read our full article on all the digital nomad visas in the world.
What Isn't a Digital Nomad Visa?
Although digital nomad visas are fantastic opportunities for people to take their remote work abroad with them legally, it's just as important that you realize what they don't offer as what they do.
In general, don't expect all digital nomad visas in Africa to:
- Come with residency or a path to residency.
- Give you full rights to come and go as you please. Some visas will require you to stay in-country for a certain amount of time each year in order to be able to apply for a renewal.
- Always stay the same. Visas are fluid and subject to change, especially how much money you'll need to make in order to apply.
Digital Nomad Visas in Africa
Let's dive into the 4 countries that currently offer digital nomad visas. Keep in mind that more might pop up and some might get cancelled but as of publication these are the only 4 live digital nomad visas in Africa.
Today we'll cover the visas for:
- Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Seychelles
Let's dive in.
Cabo Verde Remote Working Program
Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde, is a string of 10 islands floating off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania in the Atlantic Ocean. For those that dream of a remote escape, Cabo Verde is likely just what you're looking for.
The official language is Kriol, a creole language based on Portuguese.
Although most people assume that there's not much going on in Cape Verde, it really depends on which island you choose. The capital city, São Vicente, is known for its arts and culture scene, whereas other islands are known for history, others for hiking, and pretty much all of them for incredible beaches and views.
Getting between the islands is possible by flight or ferry so even if you choose to base yourself in one, your weekends can be spent exploring the others.
A big kicker to this visa when compared to others is that it's only valid for 6 months. After 6 months, you can renew for another 6. The application process is divided into 2 parts: the first part you'll do online from home and the 2nd part you'll finish up upon arrival.
Requirements for Cabo Verde's Remote Working Program
In order to apply for Cabo Verde's digital nomad visa, you'll need:
- To be from Europe, North America, Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, or Economic Community of West African States
- At least 6 months of validity left on your passport
- Income requirement of €1,500/month for the last six months (€2,700 if you're moving with your family)
- Travel and health insurance coverage
The processing time for the visa is about 2 weeks and costs €20/person. Cabo Verde also has an airport tax of €34/person.
You can learn more about Cabo Verde's digital nomad visa on their official website.
Mauritius Premium Visa
Mauritius is another African island that now offers a visa for foreign remote workers, but in their case they call it the "Premium" visa. This island is one I've been dreaming of visiting for many, many years. Located in the Indian Ocean, the landscape is dramatic and the ocean looks so, so inviting.
I've actually been hosting a tournament on Instagram stories this week of all the countries in the world that offer a digital nomad visa. Of all 32 countries I put in the tournament, Mauritius made it to the finals against Italy and actually won the entire tournament by just a single vote. Seems like I'm not the only one that thinks this island is worth a stay.
Mauritius' digital nomad visa is valid for 1 year and is renewable. Luckily for anyone who knows the stress of making appointments at consulates or embassies, this application process is done completely online.
The visa is also free, making it even more enticing.
Requirements for Mauritius' Premium Visa
To live out of your dreams of tropical paradise in Mauritius, you'll need:
- A valid passport
- Copy of air ticket (including return ticket)
- A passport size photos
- A valid email address
- Travel and health insurance for the period of stay
- Proof of funds to meet the cost of stay in Mauritius (minimum monthly transfer of USD 1500/EUR 1300 as per current exchange rate applicable)
Head to their official page to learn more and to apply for Mauritius' digital nomad visa.
Namibia Digital Nomad Visa
If you've ever looked at just one picture of Namibia, you've likely been enthralled. While the pictures I have popping up in my head right now don't necessarily make it feel like I'll have a proper workspace, the bright red sand dunes rolling into the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean really are something mesmerizing.
Lucky for you, there's a lot more to this country than the stunning beaches and unique scenery.
Most foreigners move to either Windhoek or Swakopmund. Windhoek is better for those craving city life and is located nearly perfectly in the center of the country, making it a convenient base to explore new areas while living here. Swakopmund is a more easy going beach city, located directly west of Windhoek.
Namibia's digital nomad visa gives you 6 months to live in the country and the application process can be done completely online. The visa isn't renewable and if you want to stay longer, you'll have to wait one year until you can apply again.
The cost for applying is $124 USD (at time of publication).
Requirements for Namibia's Digital Nomad Visa
In order to apply to live and work remotely from Namibia, you'll need a:
- Valid passport
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health care
- Proof of income ($2,000 USD monthly but the threshold will increase if you're bringing dependents)
- Proof of remote employment
Start the application process for Namibia's digital nomad visa on their official page.
Seychelles Workcation Retreat Program
Last but certainly not least on my list is the Seychelles. This is another very dreamy island nation that is now enticing remote workers to their unique shores.
If you're interested in living on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, this is your chance. Given the luxury tourism that surrounds this island, I would expect that the cost of living would be higher here than the other countries on this list. I could be mistaken but it is something I suggest keeping in mind, especially because the country doesn't specifically state how much income is "enough" in order to get the visa.
I imagine they've left that number off to see just what people are working with, giving them the chance to set the bar high or low, based on how many applicants they have coming through the doors.
That being said, if you can afford it, I can think of worse places to spend the next year.
The Seychelles Workcation Retreat Program gives you the chance to live and work from the Seychelles for 30 days to up to 1 year. Note that you should apply at least 60 days before your scheduled arrival to the islands.
Requirements for Seychelles' Workcation Retreat Program
In order to apply for the Seychelles' digital nomad visa, you'll need:
- A valid passport.
- Documents as proof of being an employee/business owner.
- Proof of income or wealth
- A valid medical and travel insurance policy
Learn more about how to apply to work remotely from the Seychelles on their website.
Digital Nomad Visas in Africa Coming Soon
Although these visas aren't yet official, there are talks that the following countries are working on their own digital nomad visa. From my experience researching these visas since 2020, I would suggest not relying on something that's in the works until it's actually launched.
Governments can be slow and can change their minds.
But, to give you a sliver of hope for other digital nomad visas in Africa, these are potentially on the horizon:
- Kenya is planning to launch a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers earning at least $55,000 USD per year to live and work in the country temporarily.
- South Africa is planning to introduce a digital nomad visa, offering remote workers a one-year visa term and potential tax breaks. Already Cape Town is a hub for foreign remote workers but this visa will make the city even more intriguing.
Will You Apply to Live & Work From One of These African Countries?
Living in Africa offers a unique and exciting opportunity for digital nomads, with a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. No 2 countries in Africa are alike and even within each country, you can expect a lot of diversity.
With the launch of these digital nomad visas, it's now easier than ever for remote workers to live and work in Africa - legally and for an extended amount of time.
Although so many countries around the world now offer visas for remote workers, Africa and the Caribbean are the only 2 regions that keep most of the application process online, making it even easier to apply and avoiding much of the bureaucracy surrounding digital nomad visas in Europe.
The only question left to ask yourself is which of these visas will you apply to first?
.png)
.png)
