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Head to head

Italy vs South Africa: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Italy has the lower entry bar: €2,065.83 per month versus €2,646 for South Africa.
  • South Africa grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Italy offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
Side-by-side comparison of the Italy DNV and the South Africa Remote Work.
Criteria Italy DNV South Africa Remote Work
Minimum income / month €2,065.83 (better) €2,646
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes (better) No
Path to citizenship Yes No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €30,000 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €116 ≈ €33 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate
Processing time 4–18 weeks 6–10 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Italy DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

South Africa Remote Work →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Italy → Insurance for South Africa →

Sources