Moving to South Africa from the UK: Visas, Shipping & Relocation Guide

Key things to know before moving to South Africa from the UK

• Private healthcare is essential – Public services are overstretched, so most expats opt for private medical insurance 
• English is widely spoken – While there are 11 official languages, English dominates in business and major cities 
• Cost of living is 65% lower – Your money goes much further than in the UK 
• Seasons are reversed – Summer is October-March, winter is June-September 
• Load shedding happens – Scheduled power cuts are common, so plan for backup power 
• Safety requires awareness – Choose secure neighbourhoods and take sensible precautions 
• Visa processing takes time – Start your application 6-12 months before your planned move.

South Africa at a glance: climate, cities & lifestyle

South Africa enjoys a mild, dry and sunny climate, though this varies by location. Cape Town’s coastal position keeps temperatures moderate, while Johannesburg’s altitude creates drier conditions. The country has three capitals: Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).

Major cities for expats

South Africa offers a range of cities that appeal to different lifestyles, budgets and career goals. These are some of the most popular destinations for UK expats:

Cape Town – Stunning natural beauty with Table Mountain, beaches and nearby wine regions. Cape Town boasts a Mediterranean climate and a vibrant cultural scene. However, this comes with a higher cost of living. 

Johannesburg – An economic hub with excellent job opportunities in finance, tech and professional services. This city is best for career-focused expats. Accommodation should be sought in secure suburbs like Sandton or Rosebank. 

Durban – With year-round warm weather and beaches, Durban offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle at lower costs than Cape Town. It is popular with families. 

Pretoria – South Africa’s government and diplomatic centre, offering a quieter pace of life with more affordable property. Good for those seeking stability. 

Visas and residence permits for moving to South Africa from the UK

Do UK citizens need a visa to move to South Africa?

For visits under 90 days, UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter South Africa. However, if you plan to live, work or stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the appropriate residence permit before travelling. 

Types of South African visas and permits

General work permits – For those with a job offer from a South African employer. General work permits are valid for your contract duration, up to a maximum of five years.

Critical skills work visa – For in-demand professions on the government’s skills shortage list. You can job hunt after arrival. Valid for five years and leads to permanent residence. 

Intra-company transfer visa – For employees transferring to a South African branch of their current employer. Valid for up to four years. 

Business permits – For entrepreneurs establishing a South African business. Requires proof of investment (typically at least R5 million, approximately £222,000) and job creation plans. 

Retirement permit – For retirees with pension income of at least R37,000 per month (approximately £1,600), or R66,000 (approximately £2,870) if under 50. It is not permitted to work if you hold this visa.

Temporary residence permits – Grant rights to live in South Africa for up to 3 years. Some permits allow work and may lead to permanent residence, depending on visa type.

How to apply from the UK

Apply at the High Commission of South Africa in London or at a Visa Application Centre. Processing times vary and can be lengthy, so start early. Processing takes 4-18 months, so start early.

Required documents include: 

• Valid passport (at least 30 days beyond your intended stay)
• Birth certificate and medical certificate
• Police clearance from all countries where you’ve lived 12+ months since age 18
• Proof of financial means
• Employment contracts or business plans (as relevant)

Our visa and immigration services can guide you through the application process.

Moving to South Africa from the UK: step-by-step checklist

1. Choose your destination (6-9 months before) – Research cities based on job opportunities, schools, climate and lifestyle preferences.
2. Secure employment (6-8 months before) – Find a job through recruitment agencies or job portals. Most work visas require a job offer first.
3. Apply for your visa (at least 6-12 months before) – Gather all required documents and submit your application. Processing can take several months.
4. Arrange shipping (3-4 months before) – Get quotes from international removals companies. Review customs regulations for your belongings.
5. Sort finances (2-3 months before) – Open a South African bank account and arrange money transfers.
6. Find accommodation (2-3 months before) – Arrange temporary housing for arrival. Research permanent options through estate agents or property websites.
7. Book travel (1-2 months before) – Once your visa is approved, book flights and arrange airport transfers.

Shipping your household goods to South Africa: customs, duties & restrictions

What to bring vs buy locally

Consider your new home’s size before shipping everything from the UK. Furniture and housewares are available at reasonable prices locally. Many expats ship sentimental items and specialist equipment and then buy larger furniture on arrival in South Africa. 

Used household goods owned for 6+ months before relocation are generally duty-free. New items are subject to import duties and VAT. 

Prohibited items

Items that you cannot bring into South Africa include:

• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Beeswax, honey, bees and bee larvae
• Pornographic material
• Seeds, bulbs, plant material and raw cotton
• Certain weapons and ammunition
• Uncooked meat
• Uncut diamonds and unwrought gold

Restricted items requiring permits include firearms, tobacco, alcohol and prescription drugs. 

Get your up-to-date customs requirements from the South African Embassy before packing.

Moving to South Africa with pets and vehicles

Pets: requirements & paperwork

Good news – there’s no quarantine period in South Africa if all requirements are met. 

You’ll need:

• Application to Import Animals form submitted to the Director of Animal Health
• Veterinary Import Permit (issued after application)
• Veterinary Health Certificate (completed by your UK vet within 10 days of travel)
• Valid rabies vaccination (dated 30 days to 12 months before departure)

Your pets must also be microchipped. 

Pets travel in the aircraft’s temperature-controlled hold. Contact your airline for specific requirements.

Bringing your car: import rules & costs

One vehicle per family can be imported duty-free if you’ve owned it for 12+ months. However, you’ll pay VAT based on the vehicle’s value. Obtain a UK valuation before applying for import permits from ITAC.

Additional vehicles incur full duties and surcharges. Imported vehicles cannot be sold, gifted or leased for 2 years.

Consider this: Many expats find that shipping costs, VAT and vehicle age make it more economical to sell in the UK and buy a vehicle locally.

Banking, money and the cost of living in South Africa

Opening a bank account

Major banks in South Africa include ABSA Bank, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank. You can open an account immediately upon arrival.

Documents needed: 

• Residence permit or work permit
• Passport
• Proof of South African address
• Proof of income
• Letter from employer (for checking accounts)

Banking hours: Weekdays 8:30 am-3:30 pm, Saturdays 8:30 am-11 am. Online banking is available 24/7. 

The currency is the Rand (R), made up of 100 cents. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for rural areas. Compare exchange rates at banks, travel agencies and hotels – rates vary significantly.

Cost of living snapshot

Living costs are approximately 46% lower than in the UK. Typical monthly expenses: 

• Rent (1-bed city centre): R10,000-15,000 (£435-650)
• Rent (1-bed outside centre): R6,000-9,000 (£260-390)
• Utilities: R1,500-2,000 (£65-87)
• Internet: R600-1,000 (£26-43)
• Meal for two: R600-800 (£26-35)
• Transport pass: R600-700 (£26-30)

It’s important to note that costs vary by city – Cape Town and Johannesburg are more expensive than smaller cities.

Finding a home in South Africa: renting, buying and leases

How to find a home

Start with estate agents specialising in relocations, or browse property websites. When choosing an area, consider commute distance, school proximity, security features and local amenities. Many expats live in secure residential estates with 24-hour security. 

Expect delays of up to a month for inspections and utility connections. Arrange short-term accommodation first to give yourself time to find the right permanent home. 

Renting vs buying

Foreigners can buy property without restrictions, though prices in urban and coastal areas are rising. Most expats rent initially to understand the local market before committing to purchase. 

Furnished properties include all furniture but may exclude linens and cookware. Unfurnished properties have no furniture except a cooker.

Lease terms and deposits

Short-term leases: 3-month minimum

Long-term leases: 1-2 year minimum 

Notice period: 1-2 months to terminate early 

Deposits: Minimum one month’s rent (sometimes more in high-demand areas) 

Rent typically includes water and electricity (tenants pay for telecommunications and gas)

Before moving into your new home, make sure you inspect the property thoroughly and document the condition before signing. The landlord pays rental commission fees, not the tenant. 

Gerson Relocation’s home search services can help you navigate the property market efficiently. 

Getting around South Africa: driving, licences and public transport

Do I need a car?

Yes, most expats need a vehicle for daily life. Public transport is limited and unreliable outside major city centres.

Driving licences

Your UK licence is valid for 1 year if it includes your photo and signature. You’ll need to exchange it for a South African licence during this period if you want to continue driving. 

Essential driving tips

• There are over 28,000 miles of paved roads that are generally well-maintained
• Speed limits are as follows: 120km/h on highways and 60km/h in urban areas (strictly enforced).
• Road signs consist mostly of English or international symbols; you may find some in Afrikaans
• Third-party insurance is mandatory; comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended due to high accident rates.

Safety tips: Lock doors, keep windows up in urban areas, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid night driving in unfamiliar areas.

Public transport

Public transport is limited, expensive and can be unsafe. Most expats use private vehicles or ride-hailing apps. 

Trains: Metrorail can be used for commuting, though this is not the safest mode of transport. Luxury trains like the Blue Train are ideal for long-distance travel; advanced booking is required.

Buses: Long-distance services connect major cities but should be booked around 24 hours ahead of your planned journey. Municipal buses are economical but often run late. 

Taxis: Traditional metered taxis are expensive. Uber and Bolt are widely available, safer and more reliable in major cities. 

Everyday life and culture in South Africa

South Africa has well-established expat communities in major cities, and English fluency makes integration straightforward. South Africans are friendly, and you’ll make friends through work, sports clubs and shared activities. The diverse landscape offers abundant opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, surfing, golf and tennis.

Key cultural points

Braais – The South African barbecue is a national tradition. If you’re invited to one, it’s best to accept – it’s how friendships are built. 

Greetings – Handshakes are standard for first meetings. Address people as “Mr,” “Mrs” or “Ms” until invited to use first names. Business cards are exchanged at first business meetings. 

Tipping – Expected in South Africa:

• Restaurants: 10% (give directly to server)
• Taxi drivers: 10%
• Petrol attendants: R5-10 (around 25-45p)
• Car guards: R5-10 (around 25-45p)

Religion – South Africa has freedom of religion with no state church. Many religions are represented, and faith plays an important role in community life.

Etiquette – Show respect to elders, remove shoes when asked at private homes, and receive gifts with both hands. 

Moving to South Africa with a family, as a retiree or remote worker

Families

Research schools early to make sure you pick the right one – good schools have waiting lists. Choose secure residential estates with family amenities. Private health insurance is essential for access to quality paediatricians and hospitals. Popular family suburbs include Constantia (Cape Town), Sandton (Johannesburg), and Umhlanga (Durban).

Retirees

Popular retirement areas include the Eastern Cape coastal towns, Garden Route towns like Knysna, and the Winelands. Healthcare costs are significantly lower than the UK. You can claim your UK state pension in South Africa.

Remote workers

Cape Town and Johannesburg offer good connectivity and co-working spaces. The time zone (GMT+2) works well with Europe and North America. The cost of living is low, making salaries go further. Invest in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and backup internet due to load shedding. Working on a tourist visa is not permitted – you’ll need an appropriate residence permit or a Critical Skills Work Visa.