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Head to head

Japan vs South Africa: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • South Africa has the lower entry bar: €2,646 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • South Africa grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; South Africa — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the South Africa Remote Work.
Criteria Japan DN South Africa Remote Work
Minimum income / month €4,500 €2,646 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 6 months 3 years (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €33
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate
Processing time 1 weeks 6–10 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

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 Japan → Insurance for South Africa →

Sources