South Africa – Visas
South Africa’s immigration system is administered by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Nationals of many countries can…
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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.
South Africa at a glance
Cost of living
Very low
Property
Very affordable
Healthcare
Limited
Safety
Higher risk
Climate
Warm (~17°C)
English
Native / official
Expat community
Moderate
Where South Africa is strongest: cost of living #16 of 77visa ease #17 of 81English-friendliness #20 of 81
Worth weighing up: safety #77 of 78healthcare #69 of 78size of expat community #66 of 81
TaxWorldwide, 45% top, only 1% employee social
Visa / residencyRetirement visa ZAR 37k/mo, 5yr PR, English, dual
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in South Africa
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Your first steps to South Africa
South Africa – Residency
South Africa provides foreign nationals with numerous residency pathways, all governed by the Immigration Act and administered through…
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Fresh from South Africa
Latest articles
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Real people who made the move
Birgit Böttner, South Africa
Who are you? My name is Birgit Böttner, a translator originally from Germany, and on social media I…
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Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Hermanus, South Africa from the US three…
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Who are you? I’m Phil. I’ve been many things.A university English instructor, a musician, a picker-upper of dead…
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Who are you? My name is Amy Thom. I’m a freelance writer, nonprofit research consultant and gypsy traveller…
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My name is Sine Thieme and I am what they call a trailing spouse. Or sometimes dragged-by-her-feet spouse.…
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My name is Jane. I’m an English-born expat currently living in Johannesburg, but as with most things in…
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South Africa moving guide
South Africa – Air Travel
South Africa’s domestic aviation network is well established, anchored by three major international gateways — O.R. Tambo in…
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South Africa is a country where pets hold a cherished place in everyday life, with dogs and cats…
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South Africa’s public transport landscape is a varied patchwork that differs considerably from one city to the next.…
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Hiring a car is one of the most convenient and widely used ways to get around South Africa,…
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South African citizenship is available through birth, descent, or naturalisation. The majority of foreign nationals become eligible for…
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Among African nations, South Africa stands out for having one of the most sophisticated frameworks governing complementary and…
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South Africa is a nation of devoted recreational and competitive cyclists, blessed with some of the planet’s most…
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Dental care in South Africa is structured around two distinct tiers: a constrained public sector that provides basic…
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