Moving To South Africa: A Guide For Expats | William Russell (2024)

If you’re thinking about moving to South Africa, you’re in good company. South Africa is already home to around 2.8 million expatriates who come from all over the world to enjoy the country’s vibrant culture, incredible scenery and fast-paced economy. Indeed, as the South African economy goes from strength to strength (they’ve bucked the worldwide trend by predicting growth in spite of inflation), a new breed of professional expat is looking to the Rainbow Nation as a brilliant place to live and work.

With safari on one side and sun-swept beaches on the other, plus global megacities dotted through the country (South Africa is the only country to have three capital cities), there’s no shortage of things to do and places to live. However, South Africa is not without its problems, and expats may find they need to take extra precautions, both to adapt to the culture shock and to protect their life and wellbeing.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything: showing you how to move to South Africa as an expat, find a job, a home and ensure a high quality of life.

This guide on living in South Africa covers

Life in South Africa: What to expect from moving to South Africa as an expat

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries on earth, both in terms of geography and in terms of people.

Geographically, South Africa has wild deserts in the north, rich grasslands in the east and is encircled by the 1,740-mile coastline of the Cape of Good Hope. South Africa is a mainly metropolitan country, with five cities being home to more than one million people:

Source: Statista

Home to around 60 million people in total, South Africa has long attracted people from all around the globe to live and work there. The impact of this diversity can be seen in every walk of life, from the incredible cuisine to the vibrant music scene, and of course the languages – South Africa has 11 official languages, among dozens more unofficial languages.

However, despite its good points, South Africa has had a troubled history, and some of the hangovers from this era persist. South Africa is officially the most unequal society on earth, and this is one of the key reasons that the country has the third-highest crime rate of any country. Violent crime, from burglary and kidnapping to rape and murder, are a fact of life in South Africa, and part of the reason that many expats find they need to invest heavily in their personal security.

Is South Africa a good place to live?

Despite its problems, South Africa is a great place to live. The Rainbow Nation benefits from low rainfall and a whopping 2,500 hours of sunlight every year. And, there is never any shortage of activities for expats to try, whether it’s hiking up Table Mountain, surfing at Jeffreys Bay, going on a safari at Kruger National Park or wine tasting in the Stellenbosch region.

In 2024, the thing that draws many expats to South Africa is the opportunity to work in one of its major cities. South Africa’s tertiary sector is booming, and employers find themselves in urgent need of high-skilled Western employees. As such, expats can command high salaries, which combined with South Africa’s relatively low cost of living (the average cost of living is around 65% lower than in the United Kingdom) means those expats can afford a luxurious lifestyle.

South Africa is also a popular retirement destination, especially since there is no age limit for a person wishing to apply for a retirement visa, so long as you can prove you are able to draw a pension of around US$2,100 per month. South Africa’s Eastern Cape is known in particular as a popular retirement destination. Over 5 million people in South Africa are already retired, as around 3,600 people per year apply for a retirement visa.

What is life in South Africa like?

Life in South Africa can be a mixed bag. As we have mentioned, South Africa is by far the world’s most unequal nation. South Africa has a GINI coefficient (used to measure inequality based on factors such as the gap between the richest and poorest in society) of 0.62 out of 1 (where 1 is highest). This could very well be described as ‘off the scale’ compared to other countries. For comparison, the next closest economically-developed country is China at 0.51; the USA is at 0.4 and the UK is at 0.35.

As an expat moving to South Africa, it’s likely you will fit into the upper end of the spectrum, especially if you are moving with savings already in your pocket and if you intend to work in a high-paying tertiary sector job, such as management, sales or marketing.

However, it is important to be mindful of the wealth gap: while living in South Africa, the effects of inequality will be hard to miss, and can even affect your personal safety.

As a wealthy expat, you are likely to become a target for crime – whether petty crime such as mugging, or more serious crimes including extortion and blackmail, and in some cases even extreme violence.

Living in South Africa can bring you plenty of luxury, but you will need to be vigilant. Many expats in South Africa choose to live and work in gated communities protected by security guards, and some even travel with bodyguards when going about their daily business. Women are at a particularly high risk in South Africa, and it is often said that women should never travel alone at night.

But, if you can negotiate the balance between taking responsibility for your personal safety and working hard to build a life for yourself, there is no doubt you will find South Africa to be an incredible place to live.

How is the political situation in South Africa?

South Africa is a constitutional democracy led by the President of South Africa, who since 2018 has been Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the African National Congress (ANC). South Africa became a democracy in 1994 after the end of apartheid, and despite being so young, is considered relatively stable. Since 2010, South Africa has been a key party in the BRICS trading and investment alliance, alongside Brazil, Russia, India and China.

South Africa is dealing with two major political problems at the moment. The first is widespread corruption, which Ramaphosa has committed to stamping out in the build up to the 2024 general election. The second is an ongoing energy crisis, which has caused frequent blackouts across the country.

More positively and despite these issues, inflation in South Africa remains stable at around 4.7% and is expected to decrease gradually over the coming years. South Africa’s GDP is also experiencing an upwards trend, and currently sits at US$419 billion.

South Africa’s economy is heavily connected to mining and the export of minerals – it is the world’s largest producer of chrome, manganese and platinum, the second-largest producer of palladium and zirconium, and the third-largest producer of coal. Other major exports include gold, diamonds, fruit, corn, sugar and other metals.

Language in South Africa: Do I need to learn Afrikaans?

South Africa has 11 official languages, which reflects the diverse ethnic and colonial history of the region.

The official languages of South Africa, and the number of people in the population who speak them is as follows:

Source: South Africa Gateway

The distribution of languages changes across South Africa, so that different regions speak different first languages. English is the dominant language in major cities, especially those cities that have a large international population like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria. Afrikaans tends to be found more in suburban areas and is mostly spoken by those descended from Dutch settlers.

As an expat living in South Africa, you should have no trouble communicating day-to-day in English, especially if you live in a big city. While Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely-spoken languages, English remains the official language of business and politics, and is the most commonly-spoken second language.

If you choose to live in an area where English is not the most widely spoken language, you may wish to consider learning the local language of that area to improve your cultural experience, avoid culture shock and to help you to integrate, but it is rarely considered a necessity.

How do I open a bank account in South Africa?

When moving to South Africa, it’s essential that you open a local bank account as soon as you can. This will make it easier for you to send and receive payments (including, for instance, your locally-earned salary) and may be essential in helping you to secure long-term accommodation and a residency visa.

Thankfully, opening a bank account in South Africa is simple and straightforward. South Africa has a great number of banks to choose from, many of which specialise in providing bank accounts to foreigners. Bear in mind that, while anyone can open a bank account in South Africa, you may find the range of services you have access to will be limited until you secure residency status.

To open a bank account, you should visit a bank branch in person or start an application online. Different banks may have different guidelines for expats when it comes to opening a bank an account, however you will generally be expected to provide the following documents:

• Your passport
• A copy of your visa, work permit or student permit, and/or other documents proving your right to live in South Africa
• Proof of address, such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill
• The minimum deposit (usually between US$25–100)
• Proof of your existing banking history, such as previous bank statements

Healthcare in South Africa

The South African system is highly developed, but South Africa grapples with a number of healthcare issues, particularly when it comes to health inequality.

South Africa’s struggle is best represented by the fact it has by far the lowest life expectancy of any developed nation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a community of the world’s most highly-developed nations. South Africa has an average life expectancy of 62.3 years, compared to second-placed India at 67.2 years.

South Africa is gripped by a number of significant healthcare challenges, as evidenced by concerning statistics. The country faces a high burden of infectious diseases, with an estimated 7.8 million people living with HIV in 2022, making it the country with the largest number of HIV-positive individuals globally.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also pose a substantial threat, with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer accounting for a growing portion of the disease burden. Maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high, standing at 196 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting persistent challenges in maternal healthcare.

Much of this burden falls on South Africa’s over-stretched hospitals. Patients visiting state hospitals anywhere in South Africa should be prepared for long waiting times, and the quality of healthcare can vary depending on the region, with rural hospitals and clinics suffering from a lack of investment.

How is the South African healthcare system funded?

Over the last 20 years, South Africa has been gradually investing more into its state healthcare system. State investment reached a record high of 8.58% of GDP in 2020.

The South African healthcare system is jointly funded by government spending and point-of-care contributions from patients. As an expat living and paying taxes in South Africa, you will be entitled to up to 40% of your healthcare fees covered from government subsidies.

The remaining 60% will need to be paid out-of-pocket, and is calculated based on your status and income. Full paying patients include high-earners and non-citizens, so as an expat without South African citizenship you will always find yourself in the full fee-paying category, regardless of income.

Do I need international health insurance in South Africa?

As an expat in South Africa, it is highly recommended you look into international health insurance. Not only will this help to ensure you won’t be left out-of-pocket by unexpected and potentially huge healthcare bills, it can also grant you access to a higher standard of healthcare across South Africa. South Africa has over 200 private hospitals and clinics, which offer some of the best quality staff and facilities, and significantly shorter waiting times.

What is expat life like in South Africa?

South Africa has a rich and vibrant culture that draws expats from all walks of life. The country is nicknamed the Rainbow Nation as it is home to so many ethnicities and cultures, and no matter where you come from, you’ll be accepted with open arms.

When you meet a South African, the conversation will almost always turn to either rugby, cricket or braai. The latter of these is South Africa’s answer to the barbecue, and is more of a nationwide phenomenon than simply a means of cooking.

Many South Africans will designate entire sections of their gardens to install a braai, and shops can be seen competing to sell the best firewood for the ultimate smoky finish. If you ever receive an invite to a barbecue in South Africa, make sure you say yes – it’s a tradition that transcends cultural and social borders and unites people across the country.

South Africa also spares a lot of time for art and music. Cities can be found teeming with galleries, museums and concert halls, and – with so many cultural influences finding their way to South Africa – these venues pride themselves on putting on eclectic and avant-garde shows. As a predominantly Christian country, South Africa also has many incredible churches, the oldest of which dates back almost 400 years.

How do I find accommodation in South Africa?

South Africa is a large and diverse country, but the majority of expats tend to make their way to the major cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria. These cities tend to be best for expats, because they have many more gated and secure housing complexes that make it safer for expats.

For those looking to live nearer to the coast, there are a number of beautiful and safe seaside towns that attract huge swathes of expats. These include Port St John’s and Cape St Francis on the Eastern Cape, and Churchhaven and St Helena Bay on the Western Cape.

It’s important to bear in mind when looking for a place to live in South Africa that you will not only need to consider the cost of rent, but the cost of security too.

Some communities will include security fees in their advertised rental price, while others may charge separately. Either way, it is essential to pay this cost when living in South Africa, as the likelihood of experiencing crime is significantly higher than anywhere else in the world.

Can expats buy property in South Africa?

Expats will find it very easy to purchase property in South Africa, since there are no restrictions for foreign residents looking to take out a property.

Finding a job in South Africa

South Africa is changing from a primary-industry to a tertiary-industry country. As the mining sector declines, the biggest industries in South Africa are emerging as trade, real estate, finance and technology.

In the global war for talent, South Africa is looking to other countries to hire top graduates and experienced employees to fill positions in these fast-growing sectors, and therefore expats should have no problem finding work – whether in large companies or enterprising start-ups.

As with many jobs around the world, the best place to start is by looking at online job boards. Indeed and Michael Page are particularly good. Once you secure a job interview, you should be able to conduct this online.

Many South African employers will be willing and able to help with your relocation, whether by providing support when applying for a visa or accommodation, or even contributing towards moving fees.

What is the average expat salary in South Africa?

The average salary in South Africa is around R300,000/US$16,000, but as an expat you will likely be able to negotiate a much higher salary.

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How much tax will I pay in South Africa?

South Africa has a residency-based tax system. This means, as an expat, that you will be subject to the usual rate of tax as soon as you qualify for de facto residency, which is when South Africa becomes your naturalised home country.

This is usually defined after you lived there for longer than 90 days, and that you spend at least 91 days in the country over the space of one year. If you ever spend longer than 330 continuous days outside of South Africa, you will no longer be defined as a resident.

As a resident, you will pay the normal rate of tax on your income, which is calculated as both a flat rate plus a percentage of income above a certain threshold:

Do I need a visa to live and work in South Africa?

Yes. Getting a skilled work visa in South Africa can be difficult, as you will need to be able to prove you are not taking a potential job away from an equally-qualified South African. Therefore, skilled work visas are typically only given to people with scarce and highly sought-after skills.

If you have already been offered a job in South Africa, your employer can help you to apply for a general work visa. This will be valid for the duration of your contract, up to a maximum period of five years.

One way that many expats choose to move to South Africa is through an intra-company transfer, i.e. transferring to South Africa while remaining employed through the same company.

Another way is by starting a company based in South Africa. In this circ*mstance, you will need to show that you have a certain amount of money to invest in your South African business, that at least 60% of your staff are or will be South African citizens and that you are registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

In all cases, you will need the following in order to apply for a visa:

• The relevant visa application form
• A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the end of your intended stay
• Certificate of relevant vaccinations
• A prescribed fee
• Proof of financial means to cover living expenses and/or proof of a salary
• Police clearance from all countries you have resided in for at least 12 months since the age of 18
• Medical and radiology reports
• A reference from your intended employer and any relevant employment contracts
• Proof of qualifications
• A recommendation from the South African Department of Labor
• The same relevant documents for any spouses or children travelling with you

International health insurance for expats in South Africa

There’s a lot to think about when moving to another country, but one way to make it easier is by taking out international health insurance before you go.

At William Russell, we’ve specialised in helping expats like you settle into their new lives abroad for over 30 years. Our flexible international health insurance policy gives you access to the highest-quality treatment and includes emergency medical evacuation insurance as standard.

Speak to us today to learn more about how our expat health insurance can help you start your new life in South Africa with complete confidence.