Your life in South Africa starts here
Make your move to South Africa
Coastline, wildlife and open landscapes come very cheaply in South Africa, which offers a dedicated retirement route. English is official and dual citizenship is allowed.
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Photo: Joshua Kraus / Unsplash
At a glance
South Africa, in brief.
How South Africa compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. South Africa ranks among the best for cost of living (16th of 77) and visa ease (17th of 81) and english-friendliness (20th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Limited
- Safety
- Higher risk
- Climate
- Warm (~17°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Moderate
Retirement visa ZAR 37k/mo, 5yr PR, English, dual
Worldwide, 45% top, only 1% employee social
Life in South Africa
My name is Birgit Böttner, a translator originally from Germany, and on social media I go by my author name, Evadeen Brickwood. I'm 59, have been widowed…
Health insurance in South Africa
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
South Africa, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
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Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about South Africa into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in South Africa.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The South Africa moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in South Africa share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All South Africa stories
- Hermanus
Kim Reid
Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Hermanus, South Africa from the US three and a half years…
- Pretoria
Phil Maloney
I’m Phil. I’ve been many things.A university English instructor, a musician, a picker-upper of dead bodies, and a sales guy.Where, when and…
- Cape Town
Amy Thom
My name is Amy Thom. I’m a freelance writer, nonprofit research consultant and gypsy traveller extraordinaire. I’m originally from Chicago but escaped…
Fresh from South Africa
Latest articles.
South African Wine Routes: A Connoisseur’s Guide for New Residents
For expats who’ve just made the move or are contemplating it, exploring South Africa’s famed wine routes offers an intoxicating blend of adventure, history,…
How To Open A Bank Account In South Africa
South Africa's banking sector is highly concentrated, with the five largest banks holding over 90% of total assets in February 2019. At first glance,…
How To Rent Or Buy Property In South Africa
South Africa is an incredibly diverse country on the southernmost tip of the African continent. It is made up of several distinct ecosystems, including…
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