For South Africans considering relocation, choosing the right country involves evaluating multiple factors to ensure a smooth transition and a better quality of life. Safety, employment rates and wages, cost of living, educational facilities, economic and political stability, culture, healthcare, and climate are some among the most key factors that South Africans consider while choosing a new country.
Several reports indicate that South Africans often immigrate to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, United States, New Zealand, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, and Portugal. For High-net-worth individuals from South Africa, Caribbean countries like St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica offer straightforward paths to citizenship via their Citizenship by Investment Programmes.
Factors South Africans Consider when Immigrating
Safety
According to the crime index ranking, South Africa was the most dangerous country in Africa in 2023. This is one of the major factors, prompting South Africans to move to safer and more secure countries.
Employment
The job market in South Africa faces certain challenges, and people are looking to migrate to countries with better prospects for employment. The current hourly wage in South Africa is only at R27.58, which is equivalent to about $1.45 USD.
Costs
A report by Numbeo, which contains the world’s largest database on costs of living, found that South Africa is the ninth most expensive African country to live. Some individuals look for countries with better quality of life but at a lower cost of living.
Education
South Africans often look for countries that offer world class educational opportunities in advanced fields. It is one of the major reasons that the South Africans are seeking to migrate to other countries.
Economic Stability
The COVID-19 pandemic severely weakened the economic structure of South Africa. As per the OECD, the unemployment rate remains high, at around 35 per cent, and youth unemployment exceeds 50 per cent.
Political Stability
Some South Africans consider the lack of political stability a major call to action to leave the country for more stable and secure environments that offer better opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Healthcare
Nearly 85 per cent of the nation’s 62 million people have no medical insurance and rely on a decrepit public system with too few doctors, resulting in delayed or inadequate treatment. In such cases, countries with robust and advanced healthcare systems become a key choice for South Africans.
Weather
South Africans are fortunate to experience wonderful weather conditions year round and this plays a major factor in where they look to set their roots in the future.
Easiest Countries to move to from South Africa
The United Kingdom
Many South Africans move to the UK as it offers a robust job market in diverse sectors, appealing to professionals seeking career advancement. Additionally, the UK’s high standard of living, quality healthcare, and excellent educational institutions attract families looking for improved living conditions for their children.
- Currency: British Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Population: Estimated to be about 67 million.
- Capital: London
- Language: English
- Climate: The UK has a maritime climate. Summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), while winter averages between 0°C and 7°C (32°F to 45°F), with frequent rain throughout the year.
- Healthcare: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly funded healthcare system. Around 1.1 million people are employed in the NHS, making it one of the largest employers globally. NHS services are free for UK residents.
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): There are several types of visas which South Africans can acquire, such as working visas, student visas, or family visas. One of the main benefits of moving to the UK is that after 5 years a person gets a permanent residency, and after six years, a person receives citizenship.
- Cost and Process: The fees differ according to the type of visa that one needs to apply for. A working visa, for example, starts from £610. The complete process comprises of the visa application, biometric assessment and in some cases, an English proficiency test.
Australia
Australia is among the most preferred destinations for immigrants including South Africans as it offers a high standard of living, quality education system and vibrant cultural diversity. The labour market is another factor that makes the country an attractive choice because its economy is prominent, and employers seek professionals in their companies.
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Population: Approximately 26 million
- Capital: Canberra
- Language: English
- Climate: Varies regionally; temperate in the southern part, tropical in the northern part, and desert in the mid region.
- Healthcare: Australia has a mixed public-private healthcare system, in which the government health insurance (Medicare) offers free or concessionary charges to citizens, covering around 73 per cent of medical costs.
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): There are various general visa options available, including skilled migration, family, and student visas. Permanent residency is an option after four years while citizenship is an option after a total of five years residency in the country.
- Cost and Process: Visa application fees start from AUD 4,115. The process involves a point-based system requiring a minimum of 65 points and typically takes 8 to 12 months.
United States
South Africans continue to consider the United States as a preferred country of choice due to diversity of culture, vibrant job opportunities as well as education facilities. Despite challenges in the overall immigration process, the opportunities that come along with the exercise make it worth it.
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Population: Estimated at 331 million
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Language: English
- Climate: Huge variation regionally; temperate, arid, tropical and polar climatic can be experienced all over the country.
- Healthcare: Predominantly private, with public insurance programmes such as Medicare and Medicaid covering about 30 per cent of the population.
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): Includes work visas (e.g., H-1B), family visas, and business/investment visas. Permanent residency (Green Cards) can be obtained through employment, family connections, or the Diversity Visa Lottery. Citizenship can be applied for after five years of permanent residency.
- Cost and Process: Non-immigrant visa fees start at USD 160, while Green Card application fees are approximately USD 1,140. The process involves biometric data collection, medical examinations, and interviews.
Also Read: United States of America EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
New Zealand
New Zealand is best known for its excellent living standards, picturesque geographic features and hospitable people. It has become the perfect hub for South Africans who are in search of an environment that offers serenity, tranquility, and most of all security with options for both work and better education.
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Population: About 5 million
- Capital: Wellington
- Language: English, Maori
- Climate: Maritime climate; characterised by mild winters with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C and warm, dry summers with average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
- Healthcare: Universal healthcare system funded by the government. Public health services are funded through taxes, with most services free or low-cost to residents.
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): New Zealand has various visa options available, including skilled migrant visas, a work visa and family visas among others. After purchasing property, a person becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency after 2 years and after 5 years of holding the permanent residency, the person becomes a citizen.
- Cost and Process: The points-based visa working at NZD 2,530 includes the aspects of skills assessment, English language tests and medical examination.
Canada
Canada is a preferred destination for South Africans due to its welcoming atmosphere for all, a highly developed economy, and excellent public services. The country has generally friendly immigration policies that make it easy for foreigners to establish their homes in Canada by following the established legal procedures.
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Population: About 38 million
- Capital: Ottawa
- Language: English, French
- Climate: Canada has a diverse climate ranging from cold and dry in the interior, cold and wet in the eastern regions, temperate in coastal areas, to hot and dry in some parts of the west. Average temperatures can range from -40°C in the northern territories to 35°C in southern regions during summer.
- Healthcare: Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system known as Medicare, which offer free health care services to the citizens.
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): Immigration to Canada has several options among, namely the Express Entry Program, family sponsorship, and provincial nominee category. One can obtain permanent residency in 6-12 months after passing the necessary exams while citizenship takes 3 years after obtaining the permanent residency in this country.
- Cost and Process: Express Entry has basic costs of CAD 1,325 that include language tests, skills assessment as well as medical examinations.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a popular choice among South Africans due to its overall economic prosperity, high living wages, and excellent public services. Its strategic location at the heart of Europe makes it an ideal base for those with travel plans within the region.
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Population: About 17 million
- Capital: Amsterdam
- Language: Dutch; English widely spoken
- Climate: Maritime climate characterised by moderate summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 2°C in winter to 17°C in summer.
- Healthcare: The Netherlands has a mixed public-private healthcare system. All residents are required to have basic health insurance, which covers most medical services.
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): There are number of visa options available in Netherlands such as highly skilled migrant visa, startup visa and family visa. The country provides permanent residence after five years of stay after which one can apply for citizenship after seven years.
- Cost and Process: Application costs range from EUR 320 onwards, with the process entailing biometric, language test, and income as well.
Ireland
South Africans choose Ireland for several reasons: the ease of doing business, the efficiency of the Irish economy, a vibrant cultural scene, and relatively smooth relations with the UK. The country’s immigration policy is quite liberal, and the quality of life for migrants is also relatively high.
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Population: About 5 million
- Capital: Dublin
- Language: English, Ireland (Gaelic)
- Climate: Maritime climate characterised by cool summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 4°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
- Healthcare: Ireland boasts of a mixed format of public and private healthcare, with the publicly funded healthcare system called the Health Service Executive (HSE).
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): There are different type of visa that an applicant can apply for include work visa, student visa, and family visa among others for Ireland. After five years of residence, they may get permanent residency and after eight years one may apply for citizenship.
- Cost and Process: The basic fee for a visa starts at EUR 300 and has factor like income requirements, a biometric scan, and language test.
Portugal
Portugal has become a preferred destination for people from South Africa due to its affordability, favorable climate, and friendly population. The country offers one of the simplest pathways to obtaining residency and citizenship through its Golden Visa programme.
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Population: About 10 million
- Capital: Lisbon
- Language: Portuguese
- Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 10°C in winter to 29°C in summer.
- Healthcare: Portugal has a state-funded health care system that includes a public sector of health care known as Servico Nacional de Saude (SNS), which has cost-free or inexpensive healthcare.
- Opportunity (Residency or Citizenship): There are several types of visas in Portugal that include the Golden Visa for the investors wishing to acquire the residency of the country in a short time that can be attainable after five years, but the citizenship after six years.
- Cost and Process: The Golden Visa programme starts at EUR 280,000 and the procedure involves purchase of property, legal costs and biometric tests. [
Citizenship by Investment: A New Solution for the HNW South Africans
Over the last few years, the CBI programmes became increasingly attractive to the South African High-Net-Worth individuals seeking opportunities for themselves and their families. These programmes provide one with an efficient and straightforward pathway attain the citizenship, usually in the form of stake in real estate or government bonds.
The two that are most ideally suited for investment due to low cost of living, political stability and good standard of living are namely Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Dominica
Dominica stands out as one of the most cost-effective options globally, with its CBI programme starting from $200,000 for a single applicant. The island’s population is approximately 72,000, and it enjoys a stable tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C.
Dominica’s safety is reflected in its low crime rate, and it places a strong emphasis on eco-tourism, attracting environmentally conscious investors.
The country’s education system includes several primary and secondary schools, and it has invested in educational resources to support its growing population.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis offers another attractive CBI option, with investment starting at $250,000 for a single applicant. The country’s population is around 53,000, and it boasts a stable political environment and a warm tropical climate, with temperatures averaging between 24°C and 30°C year-round.
The programme has a host of benefits, including citizenship for life and enhanced global mobility.
St. Kitts and Nevis is known for its beautiful beaches, established property market, and high standard of living, making it a desirable location for investors seeking stability and a quality lifestyle.
Easiest Countries to Move to from South Africa FAQs
What is the easiest place for South Africans to emigrate to?
Historically, Canada and Australia are considered among the easiest countries for South Africans to emigrate to. Canada’s Express Entry system for skilled workers has a processing time of about 6 to 12 months. Australia’s General Skilled Migration program allows for permanent residency after 4 years of holding a skilled visa, with visa processing times generally ranging from 8 to 12 months. Both countries have relatively high acceptance rates for skilled migrants.
Where Can I Move to With a South African Passport?
With a South African passport, you can enter up to 185 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access. Specific visa options for countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Portugal vary, but South Africans can apply for work, student, or family visas depending on the country.
What can I expect moving to America from South Africa?
Moving to the United States from South Africa involves several steps. The visa application fee ranges from $160 for non-immigrant visas to $1,140 for Green Cards. A varied climate, but overall, it provides different opportunities and cultural prospective. It is expected that immigration here will entail interviews, medical examinations and possibly immoderate prices for house rents and other basic needs.
Which Country do South Africans Immigrate to the Most?
South Africans mostly emigrate to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. According to data, approximately 35,000 South Africans live in Australia, 250,000 in the United Kingdom, and around 22,000 in Canada. These countries are favoured due to their high living standards, robust economies, and substantial South African expatriate communities.
Why are so Many People Leaving South Africa?
South Africans are moving abroad due to concerns about safety, with a reported crime rate of 64.4 per 100,000 people. Political instability and economic difficulties, such as a 30.7% unemployment rate among youth, further drive the emigration trend. High crime rates and economic challenges influence the decision to seek more stable living conditions elsewhere.
Is it easy for a South African to immigrate to Portugal?
Portugal is relatively accessible for South Africans, with the Golden Visa programme costing a minimum of €280,000. Permanent residency can be obtained after 5 years, and citizenship after 6 years. The country offers a relatively high quality of life. Healthcare costs are low compared to many other European countries. It also boasts a favourable climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 14°C to 21°C.
What is it like for South Africans immigrating to Canada?
Canada’s immigration process involves costs such as CAD 1,325 for Express Entry applications. Permanent residency can be obtained in 6 to 12 months, and citizenship is available after 3 years of permanent residency. Canada is known for its high living standards, with an average annual salary of CAD 55,000 and a high quality of life index. This makes it an attractive destination for many South Africans.
