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Move To South Africa
Our reliable International moving makes Relocating to South Africa Easy for You. Start your move to South Africa by getting a free moving quote.
Comprehensive Guide on Move To South Africa
Are you planning to move to South Africa? South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Ex-pats fall in love with the beauty of the country at first glance. Not only does the country offer a quality of life to ex-pacts, but it is also a blend of various cultures, history, beautiful scenery, incredible food, and many languages.
There are 11 official languages in South Africa and a lot of diversity. You can be overwhelmed by the choice of places that the country offers you as an ex-pat. There are 9 provinces in South Africa, namely, Free State, North West, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, and Limpopo, all different from each other.
The South African cities are cosmopolitan and world-class, providing high-class amenities and facilities. Some popular cities in South Africa are Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Garden Route.
Are you planning to move to South Africa? Contact us to avail of our packing and moving services. We can help you relocate with ease and provide affordable moving services. Our experts ensure your goods reach their destination in one piece without any damage.
How To Move To South Africa
If you want to relocate to South Africa, you first need to get yourself a visa. If you first want to look at the country and get familiar with the people and places, you can also apply for a visitor visa. This way you can travel the country and get acquainted with the country.
Once you have finalized your decision, you can apply for one of the many temporary residence permits available for ex-pats in South Africa. You can get detailed information about the types of permits from the South African Embassy in your country.
You might also look up the online portal of the Department of International Relations and Corporation of South Africa for more details. There are 12 types of temporary residence permits offered by South Africa. These permits are provided to ex-pats depending on various factors like occupation, duration of stay, age, or the purpose of visit.
For error-free and stress-free moving, contact us at ISS Relocations. We provide various types of moving services ranging from pet relocation to warehousing in South Africa. We are always ready to assist you to the best of our capabilities wherever you want to move to and whenever you plan to move.
Visa Requirements For Moving To South Africa
- List of Permits
Apart from residence permits, there are also other types of permits that you need to apply for according to your need. Following are the types of permits:
1. Business permit: If an ex-pat wants to establish a new business in South Africa, they need to apply for a business permit. Moreover, they need to be registered under the Board or Council of Trade and with the South African Revenue Service. Some of the documents that are required to apply for this permit:
– A detailed business plan for your upcoming venture
– Investment of more than 2.5 million
– A detailed plan for hiring and employing at least 5 permanent residents or citizens of South Africa
2. General work permit: If you cannot secure a quota work permit, then you can apply for a general work permit. You need to get your credentials verified under the Qualifications Authority of South Africa.
You also need to submit a signed work contract and other documents stating your duration and purpose of stay in South Africa. Apart from this, you need to submit proof that no South African citizen is capable of filling your future position.
3. Critical skills work permit: This work permit is assigned to ex-pats with exceptional skills or qualifications. You need to give proof of your skills in the form of recommendation letters from your former employer. You can also use testimonials given by acknowledged and trusted South African cultural or academic institutions.
4. Intra-company transfer permit: As the name suggests, this format is issued to those ex-pats who are going to be transferred to a South Africa-based affiliate company. These ex-pats are former foreign company employees and need to attach the original employment contract and a written transfer certificate along with their application form.
We are one of the best moving companies in South Africa. We provide quality moving services for our customers. Our team of experts and visa consultants can also help you with your visa application process. You can talk to our experts to know more about the types of visas and the most suitable visas for you.
- Documents Needed
While some permits are for retirees, some are for exchange students and people undergoing medical treatments in South African healthcare facilities. If you want to apply for a residence permit, you need to submit the following documents along with the application form:
1. Your passport
2. Two blank pages in your passport
3. DHA -1738 application form
4. Birth certificate
5. BI-811 medical report
6. BI-806 radiology report
7. Deposit for a return ticket or a valid round-trip ticket
8. Proof of financial means (like bank statements)
9. Police clearance certificate
Cost Of Moving To South Africa
Moving to a new, unknown country is not an easy task. A lot of things need to be considered, including safety, living costs, education, healthcare, the work market, etc. Nevertheless, South Africa is a popular destination among ex-pats. South Africa offers an excellent work-life balance.
The following table gives an average account of living expenses in South Africa:
| Expense | Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Private Room vs Luxury Villa) | $400 – $2200+ |
| Electricity | $50 |
| Water | $25 |
| Mobile Phone | $15 |
| Gas (gallon) | $4.16 |
| Internet | $63 |
| Eating Out | $6 – $70 |
| Groceries | $60 |
| Housekeeper (< 10 hours) | $120+ |
| Car or Scooter Rental | $217 – $630 |
| Gym Membership | $36 |
| Total | $992+ |
Housing In South Africa
South Africa is a lovely place to move to. It has three capital cities, including Cape town and Johannesburg. Compared to other European nations, the cost of living and housing in South Africa is quite affordable.
Housing is one of the most essential necessities that you need to fulfill while relocating. South Africa provides a variety of housing options that vary from city to city. Even the price ranges differ significantly across all South African provinces, cities, and suburbs. You can find any type of housing, from the jacaranda-lined streets in the suburbs to posh apartments in major hubs, according to your budget, convenience, and taste.
Building homes in South Africa
Ex-pats are allowed to build their own homes in South Africa. Therefore, there are not many restrictions imposed on them in this aspect. However, the South African government provides no incentive to people to build their homes. While building your home, ensure that your contractor is registered under the National Home Builders Registration Council and complies with all the rules and standards devised by the Council. Make sure you register your home with the NHBRC at least 15 days before the construction starts.
Are you excited to move to South Africa but don’t know where to look for a good moving service? Well, ISS is always there to help you with packing and moving. In addition, we can help you with both emigrating from South Africa and emigrating to South Africa. So, contact us today!
If you are an ex-pat and want to rent a house in South Africa, you are free to do so. In the suburbs, you don’t have to pay an expensive price to rent a flat. Renting a flat in the suburbs might cost you under R8000 every month.
Though the prices may vary from city to city, the average monthly rent for a 1 BHK apartment in the middle of Johannesburg is between R4000 to R11000. Whereas a 3 BHK flat near or in Johannesburg might cost you from R8500 to R30000. To get a better idea about the renting costs in South Africa, have a look at the following table:
| City | Renting Price (in ZAR) | Basic utilities (for 85m² apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 6771.15 | ZAR1493 |
| Cape Town | 10732.97 | ZAR1195.33 |
| Durban | 5317.24 | ZAR1535.10 |
HealthCare System In South Africa
The private healthcare system of South Africa is on par with some of the best healthcare facilities around the United States and Europe. The healthcare institutions provide quality services and the healthcare workers are exceptionally trained and professional. This makes the treatment experience comfortable for ex-pats.
Moreover, many ex-pats come to South Africa, especially on medical visas to receive treatment. Every person in South Africa needs to pay for healthcare, irrespective of whether they are going to a public or private hospital. In public hospitals, there is a 3-tier fee system, which includes:
1. partially subsidized patients
2. full-paying patients
3. fully subsidized patients
Johannesburg has the best hospitals in South Africa, however, there are some good private hospitals in other cities too including the Akasia Clinic in Pretoria, Curomed Medi-Clinic in Kimberely, Birchmed Surgical Centre in Birchleigh, and many others.
The amount of fee you need to pay in these hospitals depends on your residence status and income. This is one of the reasons why ex-pats are advised to opt for private health insurance. This reduces wait time and improves the level of care.
Taxation In South Africa
In South Africa, if you are a Non-resident then you need to pay income tax on any income that you receive from a South African source, this also includes the income received from a source that is deemed to be or considered South African. Moreover, the individual residents need to pay taxes on their worldwide income.
Non-residents need to pay the Capital gains tax when they sell a property. According to the latest amendments made in the tax system of South Africa, the personal income tax brackets were increased to 5%. You will also need to pay 8% more tax on excise duties on tobacco and alcohol.
Moreover, South Africa has double tax treaties with many countries including Japan, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Thailand, UAE, the USA, and Australia. Following is a list of income rates for 2020-21:
| Taxable income (R) | National income tax rates |
|---|---|
| 0 to 205,900 | 18% |
| 205,901 to 321,600 | 26% |
| 321,601 to 445,100 | 31% |
| 445,101 to 584,200 | 36% |
| 584,201 to 744,800 | 39% |
| 744,801 to 1,577,300 | 41% |
| 1,577,301 + | 45% |
Education In South Africa
In South Africa education is compulsory for children from age 7 to age 15. All South African schools must be accredited by the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education Training.
International schools are popular among ex-pats in South Africa. However, they tend to be on the expensive side and if you wish to go for boarding schools then they can cost you around R100,000/year. Though there are quite some employers who cover these costs for their employees, not all ex-pats have this privilege.
All international schools generally teach in English, which makes it easier for your child to adapt and communicate. There are many bilingual schools too where you can learn foreign languages and the native languages too. There are many language schools in South Africa too. Moreover, where the school year in public schools runs from January to December, the school year in international schools runs from August to June
Work Market In South Africa
The work market in South Africa is quite scarce, especially for an ex-pat. However, if you have the right skills then it won’t be difficult for you to find work in South Africa. According to a report, the unemployment rate in South Africa was 28.18% in 2019.
This is the main reason why finding employment for ex-pats is not easy, especially when it comes to unskilled and semi-skilled sectors. You only have a chance to find work in skilled sectors. Thus, it is better to get yourself a job offer before relocating to South Africa, since finding jobs in South Africa after moving there is almost impossible.
Following are some sectors where you can find yourself a job:
– Executive managerial
– Engineering
– Executive level mining
– Executive level finance
– Specialist & academic
Thus if you are skilled then you can go for engineering, academic, and artistic sectors. It is comparatively easy to find a job in these sectors and South African companies need highly skilled employees for the above positions. Moreover, you can also apply for a Critical Skills Visa, if you think your skill is important to the South African economy.
Best Cities To Living In South Africa
The three biggest cities in South Africa are Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. Each city has something different to offer to ex-pats, be it the spectacular culture, beautiful nature, or savory food. All cities of South Africa vary from each other on various levels. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is also the biggest financial hub.
If you want to advance in your career, it is best to look for jobs in Johannesburg. Cape Town offers beautiful scenery with pristine coastlines, a Mediterranean climate, and exquisite greenery. The City of Durban offers warm and beautiful beaches with clear coastlines.
- Cape Town
- Kruger National Park
- Pilanesberg National Park
- The Drakensberg
- The Garden Route
FAQs
1. How much money do you need to live comfortably in South Africa?
On average, as an ex-pat, you need about R45 000 per month to live comfortably in South Africa. With ISS Relocations, we can help you minimize your moving costs and make moving fun and affordable. We also provide storage in South Africa and the best services.
2. Is it worth it to move to South Africa?
South Africa is a beautiful country with moderate climatic conditions. The cost of living in South Africa is relatively cheaper compared to other first-world nations. You can enjoy both amazing daylife and good nightlife in South Africa.
3. Which is the safest city in South Africa?
Cape Town is not only considered the best city to move to but also the safest one. It is a world-class city loaded with high-end amenities and features.
4.Which career is the best in South Africa?
South Africa is a popular destination among ex-pats. There are many job roles that you can explore in South Africa, like architect, specialized medical doctor, lawyer, cybersecurity engineer, chartered accountant, pilot, sales manager, and many more.
5. Why are people moving to South Africa?
Many foreign nationals are planning to relocate to South Africa or prefer moving to South Africa due to the quality of life, low cost of living, career progress, and moderate climate.
6. Why is South Africa the best place to live?
Many ex-pats consider South Africa the best place to live in because of its rich history, diverse population, modern amenities, world-class facilities, low living costs, and high job opportunities.
7. How long can I stay in South Africa?
If you are visiting South Africa on a foreign visa, then you can stay there for up to 90 days. Make sure you don’t overstay your allotted days and get a health checkup before and after their visit.
