Thinking of making South Africa your new home? From the breathtaking scenery of Cape Town to the vibrant energy of Johannesburg, thousands of British citizens relocate here every year. But before you can settle down permanently, you’ll need to understand how residency in South Africa works.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the different visa options, how to apply, and what life is like as an expat. If you’re planning your relocation, don’t forget we can also help with removals to South Africa from the UK.
✈️ Step 1: Understanding South Africa’s Residency System
South Africa doesn’t grant automatic residency to foreigners buying property or simply moving there. Instead, you need to apply for the right visa or permit. There are two main stages:
- Temporary Residence Permit – granted for a fixed time (1–5 years) depending on your situation.
- Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) – allows you to stay indefinitely, with rights similar to a South African citizen (except voting).
Many expats first move on a temporary permit and then upgrade to permanent residency once they meet the criteria.
🛂 Step 2: Visa & Residency Options for UK Nationals
Here are the most common pathways to residency in South Africa:
1. Work Visa
- For those with a job offer from a South African employer.
- Types include General Work Visa and Critical Skills Work Visa (for professions on the shortage list, e.g., engineers, IT specialists, doctors).
- Usually valid for the length of your contract (up to 5 years).
2. Business Visa
- For entrepreneurs wanting to start or invest in a South African business.
- Requires a minimum investment (currently around ZAR 5 million) unless exempted for certain priority industries.
3. Retirement Visa
- For retirees with sufficient income or pension to support themselves.
- No age limit, but you must prove regular income (currently around ZAR 37,000 per month).
4. Spousal or Relative Visa
- If you are married to or in a life partnership with a South African citizen.
- Also available for those with close family members already living in South Africa.
5. Study Visa
- For those studying at a registered South African educational institution.
- Can sometimes be converted into a work visa after graduation.
👉 Most expats move under work, retirement, or spousal visas, depending on personal circumstances.
📑 Step 3: Applying for Permanent Residency
Once you’ve lived in South Africa on a temporary permit, you may qualify for permanent residence. Common eligibility routes include:
- 5 years of continuous work in South Africa on a work visa
- Marriage to a South African citizen (after 5 years together)
- Critical skills professionals may apply directly for PR
- Retirees with sufficient financial resources
Permanent residency applications are made to the Department of Home Affairs, and processing times can be lengthy (12–24 months).
🆚 Step 4: Residency vs. Citizenship in South Africa
It’s important to understand the difference between permanent residency and citizenship:
Permanent Residency (PR)
- You can live, work, study, and retire in South Africa indefinitely.
- You don’t need to renew temporary visas anymore.
- You cannot vote in national elections, but you can own property and access healthcare.
- Many expats remain on PR long-term without pursuing citizenship.
Citizenship
- After 10 years of legal residence in South Africa (including at least 5 years as a permanent resident), you may apply for citizenship through naturalisation.
- If you are married to a South African citizen, you may qualify earlier.
- South Africa does allow dual citizenship, but British citizens must apply to retain UK citizenship before becoming South African.
- Citizenship grants you a South African passport and full voting rights.
👉 For most British expats, permanent residency provides all the stability needed, but those who plan to stay for life may eventually consider full citizenship.
🏡 Step 5: Settling in South Africa as an Expat
Once your residency is approved, you’ll enjoy many of the same rights as South Africans:
- The ability to work, study, or retire freely
- The option to buy property without restrictions
- Access to healthcare and banking services
- The ability to live indefinitely without renewing permits
Many British expats choose areas like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or Pretoria, depending on lifestyle and work opportunities.
If you’re still deciding where to move, check out our full relocation guide here: Removals to South Africa from UK.
🐾 Moving Practicalities – Shipping, Pets & Cars
Becoming a resident is just one part of the journey — moving your life across continents takes planning.
- Shipping household goods: Most choose sea freight (6–8 weeks) via Cape Town or Durban.
- Moving with pets: Pets need microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and an import permit.
- Bringing your car: Cars can be imported, but permits and taxes apply.
Advance Moves can simplify this process with fast, competitive quotes from trusted international movers.
👉 Get Your Free Quick Quote for a Move to South Africa
✅ Final Thoughts
Becoming a resident of South Africa is achievable, but it requires planning and the right visa strategy. Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or family reasons, securing the correct permit will give you the freedom to enjoy your new life in one of the world’s most stunning countries.
And when you’re ready to make the move, let Advance Moves handle the logistics. From packing and shipping to customs paperwork, we’ll ensure your relocation is smooth and stress-free.
👉 Start here: Removals to South Africa from UK