South Africa, with its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and developed infrastructure, is a popular destination for expatriates. Whether you’re moving for work, study, retirement, or family reasons, this guide provides an in-depth overview of the visa process, residency options, and other key information.
Do I Need a Visa to Move to South Africa?
Yes, you need a visa to move to South Africa if your stay exceeds 90 days. South Africa offers various visa types depending on the purpose of your stay, including work, study, retirement, or joining a family member.
How to Move to South Africa?
To move to South Africa, you need to apply for a long-term visa. After arriving, you must apply for a temporary residence permit if your stay exceeds three months. The main categories for moving to South Africa include:
- Work
- Study
- Family reunification
- Retirement
Ensure you have health insurance for your stay in South Africa.
Moving to South Africa for Work
- Find a Job: Before applying for a visa, you must secure a job in South Africa unless applying for a critical skills visa.
- Determine the Type of Work Visa:
- General Work Visa: For those with an employment contract (valid for up to 5 years).
- Critical Skills Work Visa: For skilled professionals in high-demand occupations (valid for up to 5 years).
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For employees transferred within a company (valid for 4 years, non-renewable).
- Corporate Visa: Issued to companies to employ foreign workers (valid for up to 3 years).
- Apply for a Work Visa: Submit your application at a South African embassy or visa application center.
- Move to South Africa: After receiving your visa, you can relocate.
- Apply for Temporary Residence: If your stay is longer than 90 days, apply for a temporary residence permit at the Department of Home Affairs. After five years, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
For those establishing or investing in a business, a business visa is available, valid for 3-5 years.
Moving to South Africa for Study
- Get Accepted by a School/University: You must have confirmation of acceptance from an accredited South African institution.
- Apply for a Student Visa: Apply for the visa as soon as you receive the acceptance letter. Once you arrive, apply for a temporary residence permit if your study program exceeds three months.
After completing your studies, you can apply for a work visa if you wish to stay in South Africa.
Moving to South Africa for Family Reunification
If you have close family members (parents, children, spouses, or siblings) in South Africa, you can apply for a family visa. Your family members must be South African citizens or permanent residents. After arriving, you need to obtain a temporary residence permit. The visa is valid for 24 months and can be renewed.
Moving to South Africa for Retirement
South Africa offers two retirement visa options:
- Retired Person Visa: Requires proof of a monthly income of R37,000 (approx. $2,044). The visa is valid for up to four years and can be extended.
- Independent Financial Person’s Permit: Requires a net worth of R12 million (approx. $662,913) and a fee of R120,000 (approx. $6,629). This permit leads to permanent residency and allows for employment.
Becoming a Long-Term Resident in South Africa
You can apply for permanent residency through two routes:
- Direct Residence Permit: After living in South Africa for five years on a temporary residence permit (based on a work permit), you can apply for a direct residence permit.
- Permanent Residency on Other Grounds: You may be eligible for permanent residency if you meet specific requirements, such as holding a retirement visa, being a critical skills worker, or possessing a permanent job offer.
How to Obtain South African Citizenship
There are three main ways to obtain South African citizenship:
- Citizenship by Birth: You are eligible if born in South Africa before October 6, 1995, or if one parent is a South African citizen.
- Citizenship by Descent: For those born outside South Africa to a South African parent.
- Citizenship by Naturalization: After living in South Africa for five years on a permanent residence permit, you can apply for naturalization. You’ll need to attend an induction and naturalization ceremony.
Dual Citizenship in South Africa
South Africa allows dual citizenship, but you must check if your home country permits it. If you are a South African citizen wishing to retain dual citizenship, you must apply to the Department of Home Affairs.
Pros and Cons of Moving to South Africa
Pros:
- Low cost of living: Monthly expenses are affordable.
- Diverse culture: South Africa has 11 official languages and a rich cultural heritage.
- Friendly people: Known for their hospitality, South Africans are welcoming.
- LGBTQ+ friendly: The constitution guarantees equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Cons:
- High crime rate: South Africa has a high crime rate, so safety precautions are necessary.
- Rotational blackouts: Load shedding has been an ongoing issue since 2007.
- Low wages: Local wages are generally low, and many workers lack benefits like pensions or medical insurance.
How to Move Your Belongings to South Africa
When moving your belongings to South Africa, you can choose from several transport methods—air, sea, or land—depending on your needs and budget.
1. By Air
- Best for small, urgent items: Air shipping is the fastest option but is typically more expensive. It’s ideal for items you need immediately or small, lightweight shipments.
- Cost: The cost of air freight depends on the weight and dimensions of your shipment. You should consider the airline’s cargo rates and any customs duties upon arrival in South Africa.
- Timeframe: Air shipping usually takes 2-5 days, depending on the destination and airline.
2. By Sea
- Best for large or bulky shipments: Sea freight is more cost-effective for large items or when you’re moving a significant portion of your household goods. It’s also the preferred option for non-urgent items.
- Containers: Your goods can be shipped in 20ft or 40ft containers, and you may choose a full container load (FCL) if you’re moving a large amount, or less than container load (LCL) for smaller shipments where you share the container space.
- Cost: Sea freight is cheaper than air, but pricing varies based on the size of the container and the shipping company.
- Timeframe: Shipping by sea takes considerably longer, usually around 3-8 weeks, depending on your origin and South African port of entry.
3. Customs Process
- Upon arrival, you need to declare all your goods at the South African customs. Completing a Traveller Card is mandatory, which must be submitted to immigration upon entry.
- After customs inspection, your goods will be released.
- Duty-free items: You can bring a limited quantity of certain goods (e.g., 200 cigarettes, 50 ml perfume) without paying duty. Larger quantities and restricted items may incur customs fees.
4. Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Certain items cannot be imported into South Africa, such as narcotics, explosives, unregistered firearms, and counterfeit goods.
- Restricted items include firearms, plants, pets, and large sums of currency, which may require special permits.
5. Recommended Shipping Companies
There are several international movers like DHL, FedEx, and Allied Pickfords that provide reliable services for shipping to South Africa. You should contact them for specific quotes and timeframes.
Moving to South Africa with Pets
Moving your pets to South Africa involves several steps to ensure their safety and compliance with the country’s import regulations. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Microchipping
Every pet entering South Africa must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip. This microchip should follow ISO Standard 11784 or 11785. If your pet’s microchip does not comply with these standards, you’ll need to bring your own microchip scanner when you enter South Africa.
2. Rabies Vaccination
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before travel but no more than 12 months before the trip. For some countries, rabies titers (blood tests proving immunity) might also be required.
3. Health Certificate
Your pet needs to be examined by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days before export to certify that it is in good health, free of infectious diseases, and fit to travel. The vet must issue an official health certificate, which must be endorsed by the official veterinarian of your home country.
4. Import Permit
You must obtain an import permit from the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries for each pet. The permit is required to present to customs officials upon your pet’s arrival. Pets must arrive in South Africa via manifest cargo and not in the passenger cabin.
5. Quarantine Requirements
Depending on your country of origin, your pet may need to undergo quarantine upon arrival. For some countries, no quarantine is required, but others may necessitate a stay of 14 to 30 days at an approved quarantine facility.
6. Travel Restrictions
Banned dog breeds: Certain dog breeds such as Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, and others may be restricted or banned in South Africa, so check regulations before making arrangements.
7. Additional Requirements for Dogs
Dogs traveling to South Africa may be required to undergo specific blood tests, including tests for Brucella canis, Leishmania, and Babesia gibsoni. These tests must be done 30 days before departure.
8. Vaccinations and Parasite Treatment
In addition to rabies, pets may need vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Your vet may also recommend treatment for ticks, fleas, and worms before travel.
9. Airlines and Cargo
Only specific airlines will transport pets, and all pets must be sent as manifest cargo. You’ll need to ensure the airline provides proper care and climate-controlled conditions during the journey.
10. Arrival and Customs
Upon arrival, your pet will be inspected by a South African State Veterinarian. You need to have the import permit, health certificates, and vaccination records ready for this inspection.
Best Cities for Expats in South Africa
- Cape Town: Known for its blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, rich history, and global business opportunities.
- Johannesburg: The economic hub of South Africa, offering diverse job opportunities and lower living costs than Cape Town.
- Pretoria: A quieter, more academic city with a strong focus on education and research.
- Durban: A coastal city with warm weather year-round, known for its seaport and manufacturing industry.
- Port Elizabeth: Known for its affordable cost of living and scenic beaches.
General Facts About South Africa
- Official Name: Republic of South Africa
- Government: Constitutional parliamentary republic
- Capital Cities: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
- Population: Around 60 million
- Languages: 11 official languages, including English and Afrikaans
- Currency: Rand (R)
For more detailed information on moving to South Africa, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website.