Moving to South Africa
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

South Africa, often referred to as 'Mzansi', beckons expatriates with its splendid climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. The country's rich cultural diversity and varied topography make it a compelling destination for those seeking adventure and new experiences.

Yes, a visa is required for anyone planning to move to South Africa for a stay lasting longer than three months (90 days). South Africa offers various visa types based on the purpose of your stay, including long-term visas.

To establish residence in South Africa, you must hold a long-term visa, chosen based on the specific reason for your move. To stay beyond the initial 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit upon arrival in South Africa.

• Find employment in South Africa and secure a valid employment contract.
• Determine the appropriate work visa type based on your situation, such as a General work visa, Critical skills work visa, Intra-company transfer (ICT) work visa, or Corporate visa.
• Apply for the selected work visa through a South African embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
• After obtaining the visa, you can relocate to South Africa.
• Apply for a temporary residence permit at the Department of Home Affairs if your stay exceeds 90 days. Permanent residency is attainable after five years on a temporary residence permit.

Note: You can apply for a work visa without a job offer only if you apply for Critical skills work visa.

South Africa offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

You can move to South Africa with your pets. However, if you plan to bring a pet to South Africa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Each pet must be identified by means of a microchip that complies with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785.
• Each pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before departure.
• An official veterinarian must examine the pet within ten days of export to ensure it is healthy, free of internal or external parasites, and not affected by contagious and infectious diseases, and is fit to travel.
• Dogs must undergo specific blood tests 30 days before traveling, including Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis, and Leishmania.
• All pets must arrive in South Africa via manifest cargo.
• All pets must enter with an import permit, which must be presented to the South African State Veterinarian at the port of entry.

Some of the favored cities among expats in South Africa include:

Cape Town:

• Cape Town is a top choice for many expats due to its high quality of life.
• It seamlessly combines traditional and modern lifestyles, offering a rich cultural experience.
• The city boasts a blend of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and captivating architecture.
• Cape Town is also a global business hub with various job opportunities across different sectors.
• It features a vibrant expat community, making it comfortable for families and relatively affordable.

Johannesburg:

• Johannesburg serves as the economic epicenter of South Africa, providing numerous job opportunities across various industries.
• Known as the "city of gold," it was once a gold-mining settlement and has evolved into a bustling metropolis.
• The city offers a dynamic urban lifestyle, with a continuous stream of events and trendy hangout spots.
• Johannesburg has a lower cost of living compared to Cape Town.

Pretoria (Tshwane):

• As South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to its neighbor, Johannesburg.
• Rich in culture and history, the city boasts numerous museums and historical monuments.
• It's home to several universities and research centers, providing opportunities in education and science sectors.

Durban:

• Durban, located on the east coast, is ideal for expats seeking sunshine and beautiful beaches.
• The city enjoys a tropical climate with year-round warmth and sunshine.
• Durban is a major seaport with a well-developed manufacturing and finance industry, offering great job prospects.
• Its diverse population and modern design provide a unique blend of cultures, making it comparable to European or American cities.
• Durban is also a popular choice among Indian expats due to its historical connection to Mahatma Gandhi.

Port Elizabeth:

• Port Elizabeth, situated in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape, is known for its affordability.
• The city offers pristine beaches, a peaceful lifestyle, and cost-effective living.
• Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of nature reserves and wildlife sightings, including whales, dolphins, and seals.
• Port Elizabeth is home to well-preserved heritage buildings that have recently undergone revitalization.
• These cities provide diverse experiences and career opportunities, catering to the preferences and goals of expatriates.

You can transport your belongings to South Africa using various modes of transportation: air, land, or sea. To decide on the best option, you need to consider your budget and the time you have available. Air shipping is a suitable choice when you require your items urgently, as it is the fastest method of transportation. It is ideal for transporting small, lightweight, and time-sensitive goods, as the cost is determined by weight. On the other hand, moving your belongings to South Africa by sea can save you money if you have more time and a large shipment.

Upon arrival in South Africa, all goods must be declared, and:

• You must complete the Traveler Card, which should be presented to the immigration officer.
• After clearing immigration, proceed to one of the customs channels or counters.

Certain items can be imported duty-free:

• No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person.
• No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person.
• No more than 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette per person.
• No more than 2 liters of wine per person.
• No more than 1 liter in total of other alcoholic beverages per person.

Prohibited items in South Africa include the following:

• Narcotics and drugs.
• Automatic, military, and unnumbered weapons.
• Explosives and fireworks.
• Poison and other toxic substances.
• Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2 kg per 1000.
• Any items used in violation of any law with a trade description or trademark.
• Any copyright-protected work that is reproduced illegally.
• Penitentiary or prison-made goods.

Additionally, the following items can only be imported with permission from relevant authorities:

• Weapons/firearms.
• Gold coins.
• Excess currency.
• Unprocessed materials.
• Animals, plants, and their products.
• Medicine (except for personal use and sufficient quantities for three months).
• Herbal products.

Becoming a long-term resident in South Africa can be achieved through two primary pathways:

Direct Residence Permit:

• If you have lived in South Africa for a minimum of five years on a temporary residence permit, which is typically based on your work permit, you can apply for a direct residence permit.
• This direct residence permit leads to permanent residency status in South Africa.

Residence Permit on Other Bases:

• You may also obtain permanent residency in South Africa through various other bases, each with its own eligibility criteria:Holding refugee status in South Africa.
• Possessing a financial independent visa or a retirement visa.
• Being a skilled worker under a skilled critical visa.
• Having a permanent job offer in South Africa.
• Seeking to establish or invest in a business in South Africa.

Note: If you leave South Africa for a period of three years or longer after obtaining permanent residency, you may lose your permanent residence status.

Yes, South Africa offers citizenship through various avenues:

Citizenship by Birth:

• You can acquire citizenship by birth if:You were born in South Africa before October 6, 1995.
• You were born in or out of wedlock before or after October 6, 1995, and one of your parents is a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
• You were born in South Africa and were adopted by a South African citizen.
• You were born in South Africa, registered, and do not hold another country's nationality.
• You were born outside South Africa, and both your parents were employed by the South African Government at the time of your birth.

Citizenship by Descent:

• You may acquire citizenship by descent if:You were born outside South Africa, and one of your parents was a South African citizen at the time of your birth.
• You were born outside South Africa and were adopted by a South African citizen.
• You were in Namibia on or after March 21, 1990, and one of your parents was a South African citizen at the time of your birth.
• You are an adopted child, and your responsible parent was issued a certificate of resumption of citizenship and has entered South Africa for permanent residence.

Citizenship by Naturalization:

• You can become a South African citizen through naturalization if you have held a permanent residence permit in South Africa for five years from the date of obtaining the permanent residence status.
• This process involves attending an induction and the Naturalization Ceremony, where you will stand before a judge.

South Africa allows dual citizenship, which means you can become a South African citizen while retaining your current citizenship. However, it's essential to check whether your home country also permits dual citizenship, as some countries have restrictions. If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may need to decide which citizenship to retain.
To hold dual citizenship in South Africa, individuals aged 18 or older must apply to retain their citizenship at the Department of Home Affairs.