Digital nomadism had started long ago – around 15 to 20 years – in Africa but was only made popular around 2014-2015 when conference series, co-working spaces, and online communities started emerging. In fact, most African digital nomads have taken advantage of the skilled worker visa to relocate to the UK for remote work.
As digital nomadism became more popular, most countries created the digital nomad visa to allow remote workers to travel and live in their country for a certain period. Seeing the advantages that come with being a digital nomad, most Africans are now drawn to this lifestyle.
The aim of the digital nomad visa is to attract remote workers who are highly skilled in entrepreneurship, design, and tech. When these digital nomads spend on leisure, food, transportation, and housing, it helps boost the country’s economy.
For more Africans who work remotely and wish to travel the world, this article will explore digital nomad visas available to African citizens in 2025. You will learn about digital nomad visas you should target in 2025, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
The Rise of African Digital Nomads
What could have contributed to the rise of digital nomadism among Africans? Certain factors such as the growing popularity of remote working and the desire to experience a new culture and lifestyle while still earning.
Looking at the current value of most African currencies, having more global income streams can enable them to afford the digital nomad lifestyle comfortably. Unlike what other countries would like to believe, most African countries have access to fast internet networks and remote job opportunities.
Unfortunately, unlike other digital nomads, African digital nomads suffer certain limitations when seeking international opportunities. For instance, Africans from certain countries have been banned from visiting certain countries and while trying to visit the other countries that they can, they pass through strict scrutiny before they are approved.
Also, most Africans are not even aware that opportunities like this exist because of a lack of proper circulation of information. When they later become aware, the thought of passing through different complex immigration policies discourages most of them.
What most Africans don’t know is that the digital nomad visa is a legal and streamlined way to leave the country while working from the comfort of your location. You get to meet other digital nomads who can introduce you to new ideas, markets, and experiences.
Key Digital Nomad Visas African Citizens Can Target in 2025
Within Africa, there are countries that offer digital nomad visas such as Namibia, Mauritius, Kenya, South Africa, Seychelles, and Cape Verde.
In Europe, countries that offer digital nomad visas include Malta, Croatia, Estonia, North Macedonia, Latvia, Norway, Iceland, Georgia, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Greece and many more.
In Asia, countries that offer digital nomad visas include Malaysia, Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Serbia and Japan.
To discuss the requirements for each country would be time-consuming, hence, only general requirements will be discussed. Those who wish to visit any of these countries as digital nomads must be at least 18 years of age.
For Europe, they have to be citizens of developing countries, not EU or Swiss nationals. Depending on the country, you have to meet a minimum income requirement (this is usually 2 or 3 times the country’s minimum wage).
You need to be a remote worker employed by a country outside the host country. You also need to have private medical insurance coverage since you may not have access to the host country’s public healthcare services.
You need to have proof of where you will reside during your stay – this can be a receipt from rent paid, tenancy agreement, etc. You must submit a criminal record that says you’re free of committing any crime or have ever been convicted before.
Note that your passport must still be valid which means it will not expire within six months at the time of application. When you finally select a country whose digital nomad visa you want to apply for, be sure to check if they have additional requirements.
The price for a European digital nomad visa differs from country to country. For instance, Georgia’s digital nomad visa is free, Estonia charges €100, while Malta charges from €300 to €3000.
A digital nomad visa might be the best option for you because you get access to their healthcare and education, you can easily switch to permanent residency, you enjoy tax benefits and your family can relocate with you.
Eligibility Requirements and Key Considerations for African Applicants
The general requirements for a digital nomad visa have been discussed in the above section. However, there are stricter considerations for African citizens. For instance, there are stricter requirements for the documents they are to submit.
Another thing to be considered is the currency conversion when submitting financial proof. Some countries in Europe have their minimum income requirement at 49,000 while some in Asia have it at 61,000.
The processing time for Africans usually takes longer because immigration authorities always take more time to verify their claims. Hence, it is left for African applicants to do their due diligence by making thorough research and ensuring that their application comply with recent visa regulations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa as an African
Before you start your application, make your research about the right type of visa to apply for based on the country you are going to. Then gather all the documents you will be expected to submit such as your passport, bank statements, travel itinerary, etc.
Go to the official website of the country you are applying to and create an account on their portal. Then complete the online application form with accurate and complete personal information.
If the country you are applying to requests for an interview, then you will have to schedule an appointment and attend the interview. You may have to show proof that you’ve secured an accommodation and have made other travel arrangements.
How Visa Delays Impact Global Procurement and Supply Chains
The digital nomad visa usually comes to the rescue when the visas of business owners who want to go abroad for business are delayed.
Seeing that this delay can cause increased costs, potential contract breaches, labour shortages and can impact staffing plans, companies can decide to opt for the DNV as a contingency plan.
Also, when the visa is delayed and the supply chain is affected, it can further lead to delays in production and challenges in meeting customer demand. To avoid bottlenecks and disruption of the flow of goods and materials across borders, some companies just opt for the DNV.
Tips for a Successful Digital Nomad Journey as an African
The foundation of applying for your digital nomad visa lies in how convincing your portfolio is. You need to prove that your skills and experience match the amount you claim to make. This means that you need to show proof of remote work that accounts for the money in your account.
You cannot have started remote work a month ago and already have $61,000 in your account unless you can prove legit areas where you got the money from such as savings and investments.
Connect with other digital nomads on online platforms and probably in-person meetups. Building a relationship with them – especially with those who have more experience than you – will help you learn more about having a successful journey as an African digital nomad.
