Thinking of relocating to South Africa? You’re not alone — thousands of British expats choose to make the move each year, drawn by the country’s warm climate, diverse landscapes, and growing opportunities. But moving internationally takes careful planning. From visas and housing to removals and settling in, there’s a lot to prepare for.
Here’s some essential advice to make your move to South Africa as smooth as possible.
1. Understand Visa & Residency Requirements
UK citizens can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, but for long-term stays you’ll need a residence visa. The right visa depends on your situation:
- Work Visa if you’ve secured a job offer
- Critical Skills Visa if your profession is in demand
- Retirement Visa if you have guaranteed income or pension
- Business Visa if you plan to invest and run a company
It’s important to start the visa process early, as applications can take several weeks or even months to be approved.
2. Choose the Right Location
South Africa offers a wide variety of lifestyles, and where you live will shape your experience as an expat:
- Cape Town – stunning scenery, beaches, and a vibrant international community. Great for families, retirees, and digital nomads.
- Johannesburg – the country’s business hub with plenty of job opportunities and modern housing. Best for professionals and entrepreneurs.
- Durban – relaxed coastal living with a tropical climate and affordable cost of living. Perfect for families and retirees.
- Pretoria, Stellenbosch, and Port Elizabeth – smaller cities with strong communities and a slower pace of life.
3. Plan Your Removals Carefully
International shipping takes time, so it’s important to plan ahead. Most removals from the UK to South Africa take 6–8 weeks by sea freight. You can choose between:
- Full container loads if you’re moving a whole household
- Shared container (groupage) if you’re only moving a smaller amount of goods
A trusted international removals company can handle customs clearance and delivery to your new home.
👉 For more details, check our dedicated guide here: Removals to South Africa from the UK
4. Budget for Living Costs
While South Africa is generally more affordable than the UK, costs vary depending on location and lifestyle.
- Cape Town and Johannesburg are more expensive than smaller cities
- Private healthcare and international schools can be significant expenses
- Everyday goods, dining out, and transport are often much cheaper than in the UK
It’s wise to build a relocation budget covering housing, schooling, healthcare, and transport, as well as your shipping and visa costs.
5. Healthcare & Insurance
South Africa has both public and private healthcare. Most expats choose private health insurance to access the best facilities and doctors. Make sure to arrange cover before you move.
6. Cultural Adjustment
South Africa is incredibly diverse, with 11 official languages and a mix of cultures. English is widely spoken, particularly in business and education, so British expats usually adapt quickly. That said, life in South Africa is different from the UK, so it’s helpful to keep an open mind and embrace the local culture.
7. Safety Considerations
Some areas of South Africa do have higher crime rates, but many expats live safely and happily in secure communities. Research neighbourhoods in advance and take the same common-sense precautions you would in any large city.
8. Moving with Pets
If you’re bringing pets from the UK, you’ll need to meet South African import requirements, including:
- Veterinary health certificate
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- Possible quarantine depending on circumstances
A specialist pet relocation service can help ensure your furry family members travel safely.
Final Thoughts
Moving to South Africa is a big step, but with careful planning it can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. From Cape Town’s beaches to Johannesburg’s business opportunities, South Africa offers something for everyone.
If you’re planning your move, Advance Moves can help make the process easy with fast quotes and worldwide removals support.
👉 Get started today with our Removals to South Africa from the UK guide and free quick quote service.