Cape Town Ranks Among Top 10 Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2025
Great news for South African tourism and remote workers! Cape Town has been ranked among the Top 10 destinations for Digital Nomads in 2025 by UK-based travel company Big 7 Travel/Enjoy Travel. This prestigious ranking highlights the city’s growing appeal as a hub for remote work, due to its attractive lifestyle, vibrant culture, and recently introduced Digital Nomad Visa. For travel agents, this is a key opportunity to promote Cape Town as an ideal destination for long-term stays for clients looking to blend work and travel.
The ranking was based on factors such as internet speed, safety, co-working spaces, cost of living, digital nomad community, events and meet-ups, visa availability (including cost, requirements, and acceptance rate), and the length of tourist visas. Out of 25 destinations worldwide, Cape Town secured the impressive 6th spot, demonstrating its strengths in these key areas. This ranking confirms that Cape Town offers an attractive environment for digital nomads seeking a mix of work and leisure.
According to Big 7 Travel/Enjoy Travel, digital nomads in Cape Town "get the best of both worlds" as they can enjoy both the mountains and the beach. The city's appeal is further enhanced by the newly introduced 3-year digital nomad visa, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a thriving co-working culture. The estimated cost of living is around €1,100 (approx. R21,170 / GBP 920 / USD1,150) per month, making it an affordable option for remote workers compared to many other global destinations.
South Africa officially launched its Remote Work Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, in May 2024. This visa allows foreign nationals to reside in South Africa while working remotely for employers or clients outside the country. The visa is valid for up to three years and is renewable. To qualify, applicants must be employed by a foreign company or work as freelancers with international clients, and meet the minimum annual income requirement of ZAR 650,976 (approx. GBP29,000 / EUR34,000 / USD35,000). The availability of this visa is a major factor contributing to Cape Town's appeal to digital nomads.
Applications for the Remote Work Visa must be submitted in person at a South African embassy or a Visa Facilitation Services Centre in the applicant's country of origin or long-term residence. The process highlights the official recognition of digital nomads as a valuable addition to South Africa’s economy. This is a positive development for the country, but also for those wishing to work remotely for an extended period.
The Top 25 list includes a diverse range of destinations worldwide, with Tbilisi, Georgia topping the list, followed by Medellín, Colombia and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Other notable destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Bansko, Bulgaria, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The inclusion of Cape Town among these top global destinations highlights its competitiveness and its desirability for remote workers looking for an exciting and affordable lifestyle. This ranking makes Cape Town a must-consider destination for digital nomads who want to take advantage of its beauty and relaxed lifestyle.
