--- title: Moving to South Africa: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: Moving to South Africa can be a good choice for families and individuals seeking new opportunities, whether for work, study, family reunification, or temporary image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone South Africa flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fza.png&w=3840&q=75] MOVING TO SOUTH AFRICA: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE South Africa flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw320%2Fza.png&w=3840&q=75] Moving to South Africa: this free immigrant guide covers cost of living, visa options, banking, healthcare, laws, and settlement steps for living in South Africa. Always confirm rules on the official immigration portal. Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites. Moving to South Africa can be a good choice for families and individuals seeking new opportunities, whether for work, study, family reunification, or temporary visits. With its mixed culture, beautiful landscapes, and long history, South Africa has a distinct setup for newcomers. It's important to understand the visa requirements and living conditions before relocating. The first 90 days after arrival are important for settling in, establishing routines, and complying with local laws and regulations.\n\nFamilies should explore various visa options, including work visas for skilled professionals, family visas for reunification, and investor visas for those looking to start businesses. Confirm your visa status and entry conditions before booking travel to avoid complications. This guide provides practical insights to facilitate your move to South Africa and help you navigate the initial stages of your relocation. Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://www.dha.gov.za/] Review due soon MigrantIQ research desk [/about/editorial/]3 min readData confidence: 82/100 16 published visa guides · 4 editorially reviewed in Q4 2026 Save to planner Verify before you move MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Capital Pretoria (administrative capital); Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital) Region Africa (Southern Africa) Currency ZAR Cost of Living Index 37.1 Net Monthly Salary 6334 Healthcare Universal/Two-Tier Safety Index N/A Rent Index 13.0 Quality Index 7.2 COST OF LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA The cost of living in South Africa is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index of 37.1, indicating lower expenses compared to many other countries. Rent is particularly low, with a rent index of 13, making it easier for newcomers to find accommodation. The typical net monthly salary is around 6,334 ZAR, which can help you understand the financial landscape. However, costs can vary by city and region, so researching specific areas is advisable for a clearer picture of living expenses. SOUTH AFRICA COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in South Africa on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level. Lacking arterial rivers or lakes of significance, extensive water conservation and controls are necessary. South Afric… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 317 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. South Africa sits in Southern Africa, Africa, with Pretoria (administrative capital); Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital) as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include isiZulu or Zulu (official) 25.3%, isiXhosa or Xhosa (official) 14.8%, Afrikaans (official) 12.2%, Sepedi or Pedi (official) 10.1%, Setswana or Tswana (official) 9.1%, English (official) 8.1%, Sesotho or Sotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga or Tsonga (official) 3.6%, siSwati or Swati (official) 2.8%, Tshivenda or Venda (official) 2.5%, isiNdebele or Ndebele (official) 1.6%, other (includes South African sign language (official) and Khoi or Khoisan or Khoe languages) 2% and note - data represent language spoken most often at home. English proficiency is listed as medium. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above Early practical steps people actually use in South Africa include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Migration; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Population 60,442,647 Population Growth Rate 1.07% Population Distribution the population concentrated along the southern and southeastern coast, and inland around Pretoria the eastern half of the country is more densely populated than the west Urban Population * population: 68.8% of total population rate of * urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change Population in Major Urban Areas 10.316 million Johannesburg (includes Ekurhuleni), 4.890 million Cape Town (legislative capital), 3.228 million Durban, 2.818 million PRETORIA (administrative capital), 1.296 million Port Elizabeth, 934,000 West Rand Population: Male/Female * male: 29,664,388 * female: 30,778,259 AGE & FAMILY Show 11 11 facts — expand for details. Age Structure * years: 27.2% (male 8,227,690/female 8,194,392) 15-64 [tel:3921564] * years: 65.3% (male 19,524,873/female 19,947,839) 65 years and * over: 7.5% (male 1,911,825/female 2,636,028) Median Age * total: 30.4 years * male: 30.1 years * female: 30.6 years Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 18 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 6.9 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 2.27 Gross reproduction rate 1 Child Marriage women married by age 15: 0.9% women married by age 18: 3.6% men married by age 18: 0.6% Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49 54.6% Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49 54.6% Currently married women (ages 15-49) 36.9% Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female * birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 * years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 * years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and * over: 0.73 male(s)/female total * population: 0.96 male(s)/female MIGRATION Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population -0.2 Demographic profile South Africa’s youthful population is gradually aging, as the country’s total fertility rate (TFR) has declined dramatically from about 6 children per woman in the 1960s to roughly 2.2 in 2014, and has remained at this level as of 2022. This pattern is similar to fertility trends in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and sets South Africa apart from the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, where the average TFR remains higher than other regions of the world. Today, South Africa’s decreasing number of reproductive age women is having fewer children, as women increase their educational attainment, workforce participation, and use of family planning methods; delay marriage; and opt for smaller families. As the proportion of working-age South Africans has grown relative to children and the elderly, South Africa has been unable to achieve a demographic dividend because persistent high unemployment and the prevalence of HIV/AIDs have created a larger-than-normal dependent population. HIV/AIDS was also responsible for South Africa’s average life expectancy plunging to less than 43 years in 2008; it has rebounded to 65 years as of 2022. HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious public health threat, although awareness-raising campaigns and the wider availability of anti-retroviral drugs is stabilizing the number of new cases, enabling infected individuals to live longer, healthier lives, and reducing mother-child transmissions. Migration to South Africa began in the second half of the 17th century when traders from the Dutch East India Company settled in the Cape and started using slaves from South and southeast Asia (mainly from India but also from present-day Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia) and southeast Africa (Madagascar and Mozambique) as farm laborers and, to a lesser extent, as domestic servants. The Indian subcontinent remained the Cape Colony’s main source of slaves in the early 18th century, while slaves were increasingly obtained from southeast Africa in the latter part of the 18th century and into the 19th century under British rule. After slavery was completely abolished in the British Empire in 1838, South Africa’s colonists turned to temporary African migrants and indentured labor through agreements with India and later China, countries that were anxious to export workers to alleviate domestic poverty and overpopulation. Of the more than 150,000 indentured Indian laborers hired to work in Natal’s sugar plantations between 1860 and 1911, most exercised the right as British subjects to remain permanently (a small number of Indian immigrants came freely as merchants). Because of growing resentment toward Indian workers, the 63,000 indentured Chinese workers who mined gold in Transvaal between 1904 and 1911 were under more restrictive contracts and generally were forced to return to their homeland. In the late 19th century and nearly the entire 20th century, South Africa’s then British colonies’ and Dutch states’ enforced selective immigration policies that welcomed "assimilable" white Europeans as permanent residents but excluded or restricted other immigrants. Following the Union of South Africa’s passage of a law in 1913 prohibiting Asian and other non-white immigrants and its elimination of the indenture system in 1917, temporary African contract laborers from neighboring countries became the dominant source of labor in the burgeoning mining industries. Others worked in agriculture and smaller numbers in manufacturing, domestic service, transportation, and construction. Throughout the 20th century, at least 40% of South Africa’s miners were foreigners; the numbers peaked at over 80% in the late 1960s. Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, and Eswatini were the primary sources of miners, and Malawi and Zimbabwe were periodic suppliers. Under apartheid, a "two gates" migration policy focused on policing and deporting illegal migrants rather than on managing migration to meet South Africa’s development needs. The exclusionary 1991 Aliens Control Act limited labor recruitment to the highly skilled as defined by the ruling white minority, while bilateral labor agreements provided exemptions that enabled the influential mining industry and, to a lesser extent, commercial farms, to hire temporary, low-paid workers from neighboring states. Illegal African migrants were often tacitly allowed to work for low pay in other sectors but were always under threat of deportation. The abolishment of apartheid in 1994 led to the development of a new inclusive national identity and the strengthening of the country’s restrictive immigration policy. Despite South Africa’s protectionist approach to immigration, the downsizing and closing of mines, and rising unemployment, migrants from across the continent believed that the country held work opportunities. Fewer African labor migrants were issued temporary work permits and, instead, increasingly entered South Africa with visitors’ permits or came illegally, which drov ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE Hide Ethnic Groups Black African 81.4%, Coloured 8.2%, White 7.3%, Indian/Asian 2.7%, other 0.4% Language Note isiZulu or Zulu (official) 25.3%, isiXhosa or Xhosa (official) 14.8%, Afrikaans (official) 12.2%, Sepedi or Pedi (official) 10.1%, Setswana or Tswana (official) 9.1%, English (official) 8.1%, Sesotho or Sotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga or Tsonga (official) 3.6%, siSwati or Swati (official) 2.8%, Tshivenda or Venda (official) 2.5%, isiNdebele or Ndebele (official) 1.6%, other (includes South African sign language (official) and Khoi or Khoisan or Khoe languages) 2% note - data represent language spoken most often at home Nationality Noun * noun: South African(s) * adjective: South African EDUCATION Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Literacy - total population 95% Literacy - male 95.5% Literacy - female 94.5% Literacy Definition age 15 and over can read and write Education Expenditures - percent of GDP 6.6% Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary) * total: 13 years * male: 13 years * female: 14 years HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS Show 14 14 facts — expand for details. Life Expectancy at Birth * population: 71.9 years * male: 70.3 years * female: 73.5 years Infant Mortality Rate * total: 21.9 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 23.9 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 20 deaths/1,000 live births Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births * total: 21.9 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 23.9 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 20 deaths/1,000 live births Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births 127 Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population .79 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population 2.8 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 8.6% Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk * risk: intermediate food or waterborne * diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne * diseases: sexually transmitted * diseases: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B (2024) water contact * diseases: schistosomiasis Obesity - adult prevalence rate 28.3% Tobacco Use * total: 20.3% * male: 34% * female: 6.5% Alcohol consumption per capita * total: 7.21 liters of pure alcohol * beer: 3.99 liters of pure alcohol * wine: 1.21 liters of pure alcohol * spirits: 1.31 liters of pure alcohol other * alcohols: 0.7 liters of pure alcohol Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: 99.7% of population * rural: 90.3% of population * total: 96.7% of population * unimproved: urban: 0.3% of population * rural: 9.7% of population * total: 3.3% of population Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: 96.6% of population * rural: 86.4% of population * total: 93.2% of population * unimproved: urban: 3.4% of population * rural: 13.6% of population * total: 6.8% of population Underweight - percent of children under five years 5.5% ECONOMY IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 225 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing South Africa with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 13,400. Recent growth is listed at 1.4 percent. Unemployment is listed at 23.3 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 6,334. The cost-of-living index is 37. The rent index is 13. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 416. A monthly groceries signal is 163. Purchasing-power index: 109. Quality-of-life index: 7. Local currency code: ZAR. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Economic Overview * Growth: South Africa has the second-largest economy in Africa, after Nigeria. The country has faced economic challenges, including slow GDP growth, high unemployment rates, and inequality. * Unemployment: Unemployment in South Africa has been persistently high, particularly affecting the youth. The country faces structural challenges in its labor market. Mining * Sector: South Africa has rich natural resources, and historically, mining has been a significant contributor to its economy. It is a major producer of minerals like gold, platinum, and diamonds. * Agriculture: Agriculture plays a crucial role in South Africa's economy, providing employment and contributing to food production. However, the sector faces challenges such as drought and land reform issues. * Manufacturing: South Africa has a diverse manufacturing sector, producing goods ranging from automobiles to processed food. Manufacturing contributes to economic diversity and job creation. Financial * Services: The financial services sector is well-developed, with Johannesburg being a major financial hub in Africa. The banking and financial industries are key contributors to the economy. * Tourism: South Africa is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural attractions. The tourism sector has been impacted by global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Infrastructure * Challenges: South Africa faces challenges related to infrastructure, including electricity shortages and aging transport networks. These challenges can impact economic productivity. Government * Debt: South Africa's government debt has been a concern, and fiscal challenges have been exacerbated by the need for increased spending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Land Reform and Agriculture * Policies: Land reform policies have been a topic of discussion and debate, with efforts to address historical imbalances in land ownership. The impact of these policies on agriculture and the broader economy is closely watched. COVID-19 * Impact: Like many countries, South Africa has faced economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and disruptions to global trade have affected various sectors. Political * Landscape: The political environment in South Africa has implications for economic policies and investor confidence. The country has experienced political changes, and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has been in power since the end of apartheid. Renewable Energy * Initiatives: South Africa has made strides in renewable energy, with projects focused on wind and solar power. The government aims to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on coal. Trade * Relations: South Africa is an active participant in regional trade agreements, and it has trade relationships with countries worldwide. However, trade imbalances and external factors can impact the trade balance. Industries mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs GDP - per capita (PPP) $13,400.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 1.4% GDP & GROWTH Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $680,040,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $13,400.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 1.4% GDP - official exchange rate $317,300,000,000 (USD) GDP - composition, by end use * consumption: 59.6% government * consumption: 20% investment in fixed * capital: 22.2% investment in * inventories: -0.6% exports of goods and * services: 31.5% imports of goods and * services: -32.7% GDP by Sector- agriculture 2.4% GDP by Sector- Industry 30.3% GDP by Sector- services 67.4% Industrial Growth Rate 3% PRICES & MONEY Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Inflation Rate 4.5% Exchange Rate per US Dollar rand (ZAR) Currency Name and Code Rand (ZAR) Fiscal Year 1 April - 31 March Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 8.5% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Labor Force 17,320,000 Unemployment Rate 23.3% Major Industries mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs Agriculture Products corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef, poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products Population Below Poverty Line 50% LABOR BY OCCUPATION Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 9% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 26% Labor Force By Occupation- services 65% PUBLIC FINANCE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Annual Budget $130,100,000,000 (USD) Public Debt (% of GDP) 37.7% Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP -4.8% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 25% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 239 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. South Africa's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Department of Home Affairs. Confirm current forms and fees on https://www.dha.gov.za/. In the planning dataset, permanent residence is listed at 5 years of qualifying stay; citizenship is listed at 1055 years; dual citizenship is listed as restricted. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above Early practical steps people actually use in South Africa include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Full Country Name Republic of South Africa Country Name South Africa Abbreviation RSA Former Name Union of South Africa Etymology- history of name self-descriptive name from the country's location on the continent "Africa" is derived from the Roman designation of the area corresponding to present-day Tunisia "Africa terra," which meant "Land of the Afri" (the tribe resident in that area), but which eventually came to mean the entire continent Independence * 31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State) * 22 August 1934 (Status of the Union Act) * 31 May 1961 (republic declared) * 27 April 1994 (majority rule) National Holiday Freedom Day, 27 April (1994) POLITICAL SYSTEM Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Government Type parliamentary republic Constitution * history: several previous; latest drafted 8 May 1996, approved by the Constitutional Court 4 December 1996, effective 4 February 1997 * amendments: proposed by the National Assembly of Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional sections on human rights and freedoms, non-racism and non-sexism, supremacy of the constitution, suffrage, the multi-party system of democratic government, and amendment procedures requires at least 75% majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council of Provinces, and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting the Bill of Rights, and those related to provincial boundaries, powers, and authorities requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council, and assent of the president; amended many times, last in 2020 Legal System: mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law Executive Branch: * chief of state: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 19 June 2024) * head of government: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 19 June 2024) * cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election/appointment * process: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) most recent election * date: 29 May 2024 * election results: 2024: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed 2019: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed expected date of next * election: May 2029 * note: the president is both chief of state and head of government Legislative Branch: * Description: bicameral Parliament consists of: National Council of Provinces (90 seats; nine 10-member delegations, each with 6 permanent delegates and 4 special delegates, appointed by each of the 9 provincial legislatures to serve 5-year terms; * Note: the Council has special powers to protect regional interests, including safeguarding cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities) National Assembly (400 seats; half the members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies and half in a single nationwide constituency, both by proportional representation popular vote; members serve 5-year terms) * elections: National Council of Provinces and * National Assembly - last held on 8 May 2019 (next to be held on 29 May 2024) * Election Results: National Council of Provinces - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ANC 29, DA 13, EFF 9, FF+ 2, IFP 1; composition as of February 2024 - men 30, women 24, percentage women 44.4%; * note - 36 appointed seats not filled * National Assembly - percent of vote by party - ANC 57.5%, DA 20.8%, EFF 10.8%, IFP 3.8%, FF+ 2.4%, other 4.7%; seats by party - ANC 230, DA 84, EFF 44, IFP 14, FF+ 10, other 18; composition as of February 2024 - men 210, women 181, percent age women 46.3%; total Parliament percentage women 46.1% Judicial Branch: * office: Supreme Court of Appeals president and vice president appointed by the national president after consultation with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), a 23-member body chaired by the chief justice and includes other judges and judicial executives, members of parliament, practicing lawyers and advocates, a teacher of law, and several members designated by the president of South Africa; other Supreme Court judges appointed by the national president on the advice of the JSC and hold office until discharged from active service by an Act of Parliament; Constitutional Court chief and deputy chief justices appointed by the president of South Africa after consultation with the JSC and with heads of the National Assembly; other Constitutional Court judges appointed by the national president after consultation with the chief justice and leaders of the National Assembly; Constitutional Court judges serve 12-year nonrenewable terms or until age 70 * subordinate courts: High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; labor courts; land claims courts Regions or States: * Summary: 9 provinces * Eastern Cape * Free State * Gauteng * KwaZulu-Natal * Limpopo * Mpumalanga * Northern Cape * North West * Western Cape Political Parties and Leaders: * African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth MESHOE] * African Independent Congress or AIC [Mandla GALO] * African National Congress or ANC [Cyril RAMAPHOSA] * African People's Convention or APC [Themba GODI] * Agang SA [Andries TLOUAMMA] * Congress of the People or COPE [Mosiuoa LEKOTA] * Democratic Alliance or DA [John STEENHUISEN] * Economic Freedom Fighters or EFF [Julius Sello MALEMA] * Freedom Front Plus or FF+ [Pieter GROENEWALD] * GOOD [Patricia de LILLE] * Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP [Velenkosini HLABISA] * National Freedom Party or NFP (vacant) * Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania or PAC [Mzwanele NYHONTSO] * United Christian Democratic Party or UCDP [Modiri Desmond SEHUME] * United Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA] Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Citizenship Criteria: * birth: no citizenship by descent * only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Africa dual citizenship * recognized: yes, but requires prior permission of the government residency requirement for * naturalization: 5 year CAPITAL & TIME Hide Capital Name * Pretoria (administrative capital) * Cape Town (legislative capital) * Bloemfontein (judicial capital) Capital - geographic coordinate 25 42 S, 28 13 E Capital Time Difference UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. International Organization Participation: * ACP * AfDB * AIIB * AU * BIS * BRICS * CD * FAO * FATF * G-20 * G-24 * G-5 * G-77 * IAEA * IBRD * ICAO * ICC (national committees) * ICCt * ICRM * IDA * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * IHO * ILO * IMF * IMO * IMSO * Interpol * IOC * IOM * IPU * ISO * ITSO * ITU * ITUC (NGOs) * MIGA * MONUSCO * NAM * NSG * OECD (enhanced engagement) * OPCW * Paris Club (associate) * PCA * SACU * SADC * UN * UNAMID * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNHCR * UNIDO * UNISFA * UNITAR * UNOOSA * UNWTO * UPU * Wassenaar Arrangement * WCO * WFTU (NGOs) * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO * ZC International Law Organization Participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Reuben E. BRIGETY II (since 11 August 2022) * Embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria * Mailing Address: 9300 Pretoria Place, Washington DC 20521-9300 [tel:205219300] * Telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000 [tel:124314000] * FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299 [tel:123422299] * Email: ACSJohannesburg@state.gov * Website: https://za.usembassy.gov/ [https://za.usembassy.gov/] * Consulate(s) General: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Ndumiso Ndima NTSHINGA (since 30 October 2023) * Chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 * Telephone: [1] (202) 413-1953 [tel:2024131953] * FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607 [tel:2022651607] * Email: Info.SAembassyDC@dirco.gov.za * Website: https://www.saembassy.org/ [https://www.saembassy.org/] * Consulate(s) General: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 168 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. South Africa's capital is Pretoria (administrative capital); Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital) in Southern Africa, Africa. Traffic keeps to the left. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Geographic Location Africa Geographic Coordinates 29 00 S, 24 00 E Total Area 470,691 Square Miles 1,219,090 Square Kilometers Land Area 468,907 Square Miles 1,214,470 Square Kilometers Water Area 1,784 Square Miles 4,620 Square Kilometers Land Boundaries 3,021 Miles 4,862 Kilometers Border Countries Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km Coastline 1,739 Miles 2,798 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Terrain vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain Highest Point 3,408 Meters Highest Point Location Njesuthi 3,408 m Lowest Point Location Atlantic Ocean 0 m Natural Resources gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas Irrigated Land 6,448 Square Miles 16,700 Square Kilometers CLIMATE & TIME Hide Time Zone UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Climate South Africa has a moderate climate with sunny days and cool nights. The most southerly point has a mean yearly temperature of 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit, while Johannesburg, situated at 5,700 above sea level, has an annual mean of 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretoria, at 4,452 feet above sea level, is warmer with a mean annual temperature of 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures can be deceiving because of the very bright and dangerous high sun during most of the year, especially in the highveld areas. Although the country lies close to the Tropic of Capricorn, the high altitude of the inland areas results in a temperate climate in most of the country. In the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite those of the Northern Hemispher-summer extends from October to March; winter from June to September. The rainy season in the Pretoria-Johannesburg area is during summer, and the temperature seldom rises above 90 degrees F, with cool nights. Winter is dry and cool with daily temperatures varying from as low as 30 degrees F during the night to as high as 75 degrees F during the day. Along the coastal area where Durban and Cape Town are located, heavier rainfall occurs during winter and spring, causing high humidity. Both cities experience strong winds - Durban from August through October and Cape Town throughout the year. The seasons are not pronounced but blend almost imperceptibly. For the most part, trees and shrubs remain green, with flowers blooming throughout the year. The highveld, which includes the Pretoria-Johannesburg area, remains dry and brown throughout much of the year. Terrain vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain Location Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Total Area 470,691 Square Miles 1,219,090 Square Kilometers Border Countries Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km ENVIRONMENT Hide Environment - Current Issues * lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures * growth in water usage outpacing supply * pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge * air pollution resulting in acid rain * soil erosion * desertification Environment - International Agreements party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements TRADE IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 162 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for South Africa help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in ZAR. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Exports $76,860,000,000 (USD) Imports $77,040,000,000 (USD) Major Exports gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment Major Imports machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, scientific instruments, foodstuffs TRADING PARTNERS Hide Top Export Partners UK 12.8%, US 12.7%, Germany 9.3%, Japan 8.9%, Italy 5.8% Top Import Partners Germany 15.5%, US 9.5%, UK 9.1%, Japan 5.8%, Saudi Arabia 5.3%, France 5%, China 4.9% PARTNERS (SUMMARY) Hide Export Partners UK 12.8%, US 12.7%, Germany 9.3%, Japan 8.9%, Italy 5.8% Import Partners Germany 15.5%, US 9.5%, UK 9.1%, Japan 5.8%, Saudi Arabia 5.3%, France 5%, China 4.9% TRAVEL & SAFETY IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 238 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in South Africa is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is listed as generally safe in the planning dataset. Healthcare system type: Universal/Two-Tier. Immigrant health access note: Limited. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 90 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above Early practical steps people actually use in South Africa include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Country Description South Africa is a parliamentary democracy and is, in many respects, a developed country, although much of its population lives in poverty. All major urban areas have modern, world-class hotels and tourist facilities. Game parks and areas most often visited by tourists have a wide range of facilities. Food and water are generally safe, and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals is readily available. The capital is Pretoria, while the seat of parliament is located in Cape Town. Johannesburg is the financial capital and largest city in South Africa. Durban is home to Africa’s busiest port and is the number-one domestic tourist destination for South Africans. Safety & Security * Attacks: South Africa has seen a number of attacks directed at refugees or immigrants from other African nations in recent years. Many of the attacks were centered in Johannesburg and the province of Gauteng in low-income neighborhoods and informal settlements, but other incidents have taken place throughout the country. Many individuals have been killed in these incidents, including targeted victims as well as bystanders. While there have been no reports of U.S. citizens or other non-African visitors being targeted, these incidents of mob violence have sprung up quickly and proven difficult for local authorities to control. U.S. citizen residents and visitors are advised to listen to local media for reports of such incidents and to avoid areas (primarily--but not limited to--townships) where they may be likely to occur. Public Disturbances and * Strikes: Organized or wildcat labor strikes occur regularly in South Africa. Service delivery protests also occur frequently and are generally motivated by poor residents’ frustrations with shortfalls in public service deliveries. While both types of disturbances – labor strikes and service delivery protests – are generally localized and normally occur well away from typical tourist destinations, these disturbances can develop quickly, unpredictably, and occasionally turn violent. Use caution and steer clear of any area where protests, demonstrations, or other public disturbances are taking place. During strikes by public workers, access to government offices, public hospitals and schools may be difficult due to protests, and should be avoided if possible. South Africa has many private medical facilities/services that may not be impacted by public-service strikes. Public * Transportation: Public transportation accidents involving trains, buses, minibus taxis and private cars are a regular occurrence in South African and past incidents have resulted in deaths or serious injuries. In addition, minibus taxis and buses have been targeted by criminal elements for hijacking and robbery. Often, the safety and security standards on public transportation systems – especially in urban areas and townships - in South Africa are not on par with what travelers would expect in the United States. The use of individual metered taxis from established taxi companies and tour buses is recommended. The Gautrain, which travels between the airport and Johannesburg/Pretoria, is considered a very reliable and safe mode of transportation. Game Park/Safari * Safety: While visiting game parks and reserves, it is dangerous to leave your vehicle or otherwise be on foot, even in the presence of a guide. Several incidents of wild animal attacks on tourists in the region have resulted in deaths or serious injuries. Ocean * Safety: If visiting South Africa’s expansive coastline, be mindful of the possible presence of sharks when swimming or engaging in water sports. In 2012, at the Fish Hoek beach and other areas of the Cape Town and Western Cape coastlines and at Port St. John’s in the Eastern Cape, several people were attacked by sharks, and some of the attacks were fatal. When a shark is spotted close to the shore, local authorities will sound a warning siren to notify swimmers if lifeguards and shark spotters are on duty. Tragic accidents can occur when swimming in the ocean or walking/climbing on shore areas that are not designated and lifeguard-patrolled beaches. Visitors from the United States and elsewhere have drowned when swimming in coastal wa CRIME & LAW Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Crime The vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without incident. However, visitors should be aware that criminal activity is prevalent throughout the country and can be violent. The South African government has in place a number of strong anti-crime initiatives, but violent crimes, such as armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, and other criminal acts are still common and do affect visitors and resident U.S. citizens. Note: Visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and U.S. Consulates General in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg should be aware of the risk of muggings, several of which have occurred near U.S. diplomatic facilities. While measures have been taken to address concerns about potential muggings, visitors approaching U.S. government facilities should be aware of their personal security and carry as little money and valuables as possible. Visitors and residents are advised of ongoing criminal activity involving organized crime gangs targeting individuals and commercial businesses at shopping centers and other public places. Once a victim has been identified, he/she may be followed back to his/her residence or hotel and robbed. Robberies often involve weapons; the use of force is used from the moment of attack and generally escalates greatly for those offering some form of resistance. These gangs target people of opportunity and not always appearing to be affluent. Crime affects all sectors of society to include those driving expensive cars, wearing eye-catching jewelry, flashing large amounts of cash, and/or making high-value purchases. Criminals also gravitate towards “soft” targets - people who appear preoccupied and do not pay attention to their immediate surroundings. Visitors who believe they are being followed should travel directly to a police station or other public location of safety. Cash-in-transit (armored vehicles) robberies remain common; tourists should try to avoid traveling near these vehicles and personnel during a cash delivery or pick-up, particularly at shopping centers or other public locations. Crimes against property, such as carjacking, have often been accompanied by violent acts, including murder, when victims resist or are slow to respond to attackers’ demands. South Africa also has the highest reported occurrence of rape in the world. Foreigners are not specifically targeted, but several have been the victims of rape. Victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical attention, including antiretroviral therapy against HIV/AIDS. Questions about how to receive such treatment should be directed to the nearest U.S. consulate. Criminal activity, such as assault, armed robbery, and theft, is particularly high in areas surrounding certain hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Theft of passports and other valuables is most likely to occur at airports, bus terminals, and train stations. A number of U.S. citizens have been mugged or violently attacked on commuter and metro trains, especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria. In the Western Cape, police resources have been strained by continuing gang conflicts and vigilante violence in the low-income areas and informal settlements around Cape Town. People who are unfamiliar with the Cape Flats/Khayelitsha area, surrounding townships, and squatter camps should not visit these areas. Additionally, travelers should be aware that muggings have occurred along popular hiking routes on Table Mountain. Visitors to Table Mountain should be vigilant, hike in groups, and not carry/display valuables. Crime in Durban remains high. Visitors should avoid traveling in the city center after dark, as well as all travel to the surrounding townships. The suburbs north and west of the city are generally considered to be safer than the city center, but all visitors should remain vigilant and exercise situational awareness at all times. If c Criminal Penalties While you are traveling in South Africa you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. If you violate South Africa’s laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South Africa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in trafficking or sexual conduct with children or using/disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties. Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if U.S. citizens are arrested in South Africa, they should request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. consulate of the arrest, and to have communications forwarded to the nearest U.S. consulate. Notification by local authorities of U.S. citizens arrested in South Africa is rare. As such, U.S. citizens should request consular notification in the event that they are arrested. Languages isiZulu or Zulu (official) 25.3%, isiXhosa or Xhosa (official) 14.8%, Afrikaans (official) 12.2%, Sepedi or Pedi (official) 10.1%, Setswana or Tswana (official) 9.1%, English (official) 8.1%, Sesotho or Sotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga or Tsonga (official) 3.6%, siSwati or Swati (official) 2.8%, Tshivenda or Venda (official) 2.5%, isiNdebele or Ndebele (official) 1.6%, other (includes South African sign language (official) and Khoi or Khoisan or Khoe languages) 2%; note - data represent language spoken most often at home HEALTH & ROADS Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Medical Facilities Private medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks, but they may be limited elsewhere. Pharmacies are well-stocked, and equivalents to most American medicines are available. However, travelers taking specific medications should bring an adequate supply for their entire stay and a prescription with them. Nearly all private South African hospitals are owned by one of the following three corporations: Life Health Care (http://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/), [http://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/),] NetCare ( http://www.netcare.co.za/live/netcare_index.php [http://www.netcare.co.za/live/netcare_index.php] ), or Mediclinic ( http://www.mediclinic.co.za/Pages/default.aspx [http://www.mediclinic.co.za/Pages/default.aspx] ). Information about locating private hospitals can be obtained by accessing these companies’ websites. While most of South Africa is malaria-free, malaria risk exists throughout the year in rural low-altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including Kruger National Park and neighboring game reserves. Risk also exists in the coastal lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal north of the Tugela River (including in Zululand, but excluding urban areas of Richards Bay). Risk is much lower from June to September. Visitors should prepare accordingly and use malaria prophylaxis and mosquito repellent. For information on malaria, its prevention, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC's malaria web page. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in South Africa. Traffic Safety * Safety: Take extreme care when crossing streets. Collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians are all too common on South African roadways. Pedestrian deaths occur regularly, including four cases involving U.S. citizen victims since 2008. Drivers are often aggressive towards pedestrians and fail to yield the right-of-way, even in marked crosswalks. * NOTE: The U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 163 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in South Africa affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 35 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Pipelines; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Airports - total 566 Airports with Paved Runways 144 Heliports 1 Railways 12,547 Miles 20,192 Kilometers Roadways- total 226,260 Miles 364,131 Kilometers Roadways- paved 39,143 Miles 62,995 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Cape Town, Durban, East London, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha PIPELINES Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Pipelines: Condensate 58 Miles 94 Kilometers Pipelines: Gas 803 Miles 1,293 Kilometers Pipelines: Oil 616 Miles 992 Kilometers Pipelines: Refined Products 907 Miles 1,460 Kilometers COMMUNICATIONS Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Telephones 4,320,000 Cell Phones 42,300,000 Internet Users 5,100,000 Internet Country Code .za Internet Hosts 3,751,000 Broadcast Media * the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) operates 4 TV stations, 3 are free-to-air and 1 is pay TV * e.tv, a private station, is accessible to more than half the population * multiple subscription TV services provide a mix of local and international channels * well developed mix of public and private radio stations at the national, regional, and local levels * the SABC radio network, state-owned and controlled but nominally independent, operates 18 stations, one for each of the 11 official languages, 4 community stations, and 3 commercial stations * more than 100 community-based stations extend coverage to rural areas Telephone System * assessment: the system is the best developed and most modern in Africa * domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 140 telephones per 100 persons; consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable, radiotelephone communication stations, and wireless local loops; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria * international: country code - 27; the SAT-3/WASC and SAFE fiber-optic submarine cable systems connect South Africa to Europe and Asia; the EASSy fiber-optic cable system connects with Europe and North America; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean) ENERGY Show 12 12 facts — expand for details. Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 215,100,000,000 Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 14,160,000,000 Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 10,570,000,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 264,000,000,000 Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 4,010,000,000 Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m) 3,300,000,000 Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m) 1,280,000,000 Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m) 16,000,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 590,900 Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 385,100 Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 2,167,000 Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 15,000,000 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN SOUTH AFRICA: PLANNING NOTES 145 words of country-specific briefing for moving to South Africa. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in South Africa for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use South Africa-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for South Africa are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa has a narrow coastal zone and an extensive interior plateau with altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.dha.gov.za/ (Department of Home Affairs) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Anthem History * adopted 1994 * a combination of "N'kosi Sikelel' Africa" (God Bless Africa) and "Die Stem van Suid Afrika" (The Call of South Africa), which were respectively the anthems of the non-white and white communities under apartheid * official lyrics contain a mixture of Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English (i.e., the five most widely spoken of South Africa's 11 official languages) * music incorporates the melody used in the Tanzanian and Zambian anthems Anthem Lyrics Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika and Die Stem / The Call of South Africa Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo, Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika. Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee, Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land. Verified immigration updates for South Africa → [/countries/south-africa/immigration-updates/] GOVERNMENT JOBS IN SOUTH AFRICA * Public service vacancy circular [/government-jobs/government-careers-za/] · DPSA — Public Service Vacancy Circular (South Africa) All government jobs for South Africa → [/government-jobs/?country=south-africa] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN SOUTH AFRICA isiZulu or Zulu (official) 25.3%isiXhosa or Xhosa (official) 14.8%Afrikaans (official) 12.2%Sepedi or Pedi (official) 10.1%Setswana or Tswana (official) 9.1%English (official) 8.1%Sesotho or Sotho (official) 7.9%Xitsonga or Tsonga (official) 3.6%siSwati or Swati (official) 2.8%Tshivenda or Venda (official) 2.5%isiNdebele or Ndebele (official) 1.6%other (includes South African sign language (official) and Khoi or Khoisan or Khoe languages) 2%note - data represent language spoken most often at home OFFICIAL LINKS FOR SOUTH AFRICA * Department of Home Affairs [https://www.dha.gov.za/] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official portal of the Department of Home Affairs provides accurate information on visas and immigration processes. Be cautious of lookalike sites that may charge fees for forms available for free. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST FOR SOUTH AFRICA * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required * •Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps * •Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels * •Research local neighborhoods and amenities for your first days * •Learn about public transportation options in your area * •Join local expat or community groups for support and networking * •Learn basic phrases in one of the local languages to ease communication LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP IN SOUTH AFRICA Healthcare access: Limited Health waiting period: 90 day(s) SETTLEMENT FUNDS & FINANCIAL NOTES FOR SOUTH AFRICA Settlement funds: No formal savings requirement for work visas. Business Visa requires ZAR 5,000,000 (EUR 250,000) investment. Retired Persons Visa requires ZAR 37,000/month (EUR 1,850) income. South Africa offers exceptional value for those earning in EUR, USD, or GBP. The Rand has been weak, giving foreign-currency earners significant purchasing power. Essential additional costs that are atypical elsewhere: private security (ZAR 500-1,500/month), medical aid (ZAR 2,000-8,000/month), generator/solar backup (one-time ZAR 80,000-200,000), and private schooling if applicable (ZAR 40,000-250,000/year). These costs are standard for middle-class South African living and should be budgeted. Domestic help (cleaning, gardening, childcare) is very affordable: ZAR 50-100/hour (EUR 2.50-5). When settling in South Africa, establishing a local bank account is essential for managing finances. Proof of funds may be required for certain visa applications and banking setups, so be prepared to present necessary documentation. Understanding the healthcare system is also important, as access may be limited for immigrants. Consider obtaining health coverage that suits your needs during your initial period in the country. COST OF LIVING BY CITY IN SOUTH AFRICA Monthly living-cost signals in ZAR. Figures are planning estimates — rent and lifestyle vary by neighbourhood. CitySingle monthly (ZAR)Family monthly (ZAR)1BR center (ZAR)DurbanZAR 15,754ZAR 38,921ZAR 7,414JohannesburgZAR 19,461ZAR 46,335ZAR 9,267Cape TownZAR 22,241ZAR 51,895ZAR 12,047 TAKE-HOME PAY IN SOUTH AFRICA (2026) Educational wage-tax examples from the MigrantIQ tax calculator in ZAR. Not filing software — confirm with official rules and a licensed adviser. Entry / mid offer Gross ZAR 50,000 ZAR 49,500net / year ~ZAR 4,125 / month · effective 1.0% Solid mid career Gross ZAR 80,000 ZAR 79,200net / year ~ZAR 6,600 / month · effective 1.0% High earner Gross ZAR 180,000 ZAR 163,035net / year ~ZAR 13,586 / month · effective 9.4% Open South Africa tax calculator → [/tools/tax-calculator/south-africa/] · compare take-home vs other destinations [/tools/tax-compare/] Country hub: /countries/south-africa/ · Tax year 2026. State or provincial tax may apply on top of federal models. WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR SOUTH AFRICA * Healthcare WorkersEasy Best visa: Critical Skills Work Visa — healthcare professionals are in acute demand * InvestorsModerate Best visa: Business Visa — ZAR 5,000,000 (EUR 250,000) minimum investment with job creation requirement * Remote WorkersModerate Best visa: No dedicated visa — tourist visa (90 days) or Retired Persons Visa (if income qualifies) * RetireesEasy Best visa: Retired Persons Visa — ZAR 37,000/month (EUR 1,850) income requirement * Skilled TradesModerate Best visa: Critical Skills Work Visa — selected trades are on the Critical Skills List (electricians, welders, toolmakers) * Tech WorkersEasy Best visa: Critical Skills Work Visa — IT professionals are prominently featured on the Critical Skills List * work Ideal for skilled professionals seeking job opportunities in various sectors. * family Suitable for individuals looking to reunite with family members already in South Africa. * study Great for students aiming to pursue higher education in a diverse academic environment. OFFICIAL VS REALITY WHEN MOVING TO SOUTH AFRICA IMMIGRATION PROCESSING Official: Visa processing in 4-8 weeks Reality: The Department of Home Affairs is notoriously slow and bureaucratic. While official timelines say 4-8 weeks, 8-16 weeks is more realistic for many applications. VFS Global handles most visa submissions as an intermediary, adding another layer. Document requirements are strict — a single missing or incorrectly formatted document can result in rejection. Using an immigration attorney (ZAR 10,000-30,000 / EUR 500-1,500) is strongly recommended. The Pretoria head office handles all final decisions, regardless of where you applied. LOAD SHEDDING (POWER OUTAGES) Official: Eskom is investing in capacity to end load shedding Reality: Load shedding has improved significantly in 2025-2026, with fewer and shorter outage periods. However, the grid remains vulnerable. Solar installations with battery backup have become standard for middle-class households — consider this a mandatory expense (ZAR 80,000-200,000 / EUR 4,000-10,000 for a basic system). Most modern apartment complexes include generator backup. When apartment hunting, ask about backup power solutions. The EskomSePush app is essential for tracking outage schedules. QUALITY OF LIFE Official: South Africa offers exceptional lifestyle opportunities Reality: This is genuinely true — for those who can afford private services. Cape Town regularly ranks among the world's best cities for quality of life. The natural beauty (Table Mountain, Garden Route, Kruger National Park), outdoor lifestyle, wine country, dining scene, and climate are world-class. The catch: this quality of life exists alongside significant inequality. The lifestyle gap between those with private healthcare, security, and education vs. the majority population is stark. For foreign residents with middle-class or higher incomes, the lifestyle proposition is genuinely exceptional. REMOTE WORK VIABILITY Official: No dedicated digital nomad visa Reality: South Africa, especially Cape Town, has become a major hub for digital nomads despite the lack of a dedicated visa. Fiber internet speeds (100-200 Mbps) are excellent. The UTC+2 timezone aligns with European business hours. Coworking spaces (Workshop17, ImpactHub, The Workspace) are numerous and affordable. The legal situation for remote workers is grey — many use tourist visas (90 days), cycling between countries. Tax implications exist: spending more than 183 days in South Africa can trigger tax residency. The Retired Persons Visa works for those with qualifying passive income. OVERLOOKING VISA REQUIREMENTS Many newcomers underestimate the importance of understanding visa requirements. Ensure you have the correct visa type before arrival to avoid legal issues and delays. NEGLECTING LOCAL CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE Failing to learn about local customs can lead to misunderstandings. Take time to learn about South African culture and social norms to build positive relationships. IGNORING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Safety can be a concern in certain areas. Stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and that of your family. SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR SOUTH AFRICA Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * MigrantIQ country profile Summary profile maintained for planning. Last updated 2026-05-07. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for South Africa where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN SOUTH AFRICA 213 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate General of Angola in Capetown, Southafrica [/embassies/mission/angola-in-south-africa-capetown-consulate-general/] — 🇦🇴 Angola, Capetown * Consulate General of Austria in Capetown, Southafrica [/embassies/mission/austria-in-south-africa-capetown-consulate-general/] — 🇦🇹 Austria, Capetown * Consulate General of Belgium in Capetown, Southafrica [/embassies/mission/belgium-in-south-africa-capetown-consulate-general/] — 🇧🇪 Belgium, Capetown * Consulate General of China in Capetown, Southafrica [/embassies/mission/china-in-south-africa-capetown-consulate-general/] — 🇨🇳 China, Capetown * Consulate General of France in Capetown, Southafrica [/embassies/mission/france-in-south-africa-capetown-consulate-general/] — 🇫🇷 France, Capetown Browse all embassies in South Africa → [/embassies/in/south-africa/] Important — not legal or government advice MigrantIQ lists diplomatic missions for planning reference only. We are not a government service. Contact details may be incomplete or outdated — always confirm appointments, fees, and requirements on the official mission website or your destination government portal before you travel or apply. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report inaccurate data [/contact/] Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO SOUTH AFRICA WHAT IS THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM LIKE IN SOUTH AFRICA? South Africa has a universal healthcare system, but access to services can be limited for immigrants. It's advisable to secure health coverage that meets your needs upon arrival. HOW DO I FIND ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AFRICA? Research local listings online, connect with real estate agents, and consider temporary housing options while you explore neighborhoods for a suitable long-term home. WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN SOUTH AFRICA? South Africa is a multilingual country with 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa. Learning basic phrases in the local language can enhance your experience. RELATED SOUTH AFRICA GUIDES Visa South Africa Visa Hub Read guide → [/visas/south-africa/]Legal South Africa Laws Read guide → [/laws/south-africa/]Safety South Africa Scam Alerts Read guide → [/scam-alerts/south-africa/]Checklist South Africa Arrival Checklist Read guide → [/checklist/south-africa/]Policy Updates US DHS H-1B Program Overhaul & Strict CPT Mandate, South Africa Digital Visa Fee Enactment (August 26, 2026 Edition) Read guide → [/blog/us-dhs-h-1b-program-overhaul-strict-cpt-mandate-south-africa-digital-visa-f/]Immigration and Visa Policy 2026 New Work Restrictions and Digital Visa Systems Are Changing Global Mobility: Poland, South Africa, Ontario, and Thailand Read guide → [/blog/new-work-restrictions-and-digital-visa-systems-are-changing-global-mobility/]Policy Updates China Enforces Strict Entry Rules, South Africa Opens TES Phase 2, Colombia Halts In-Person Visa Services Read guide → [/blog/china-enforces-strict-entry-rules-south-africa-opens-tes-phase-2-colombia-h/]Blog Migration blog Read guide → [/blog/] Advertisement300 × 250AdSense zone VISA OPTIONS 16 published * Business / Investor Visa [/visas/south-africa/business-investor/]business * Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/south-africa/family-spouse/]family * Business Visa [/visas/south-africa/business-visa/]migration * Critical Skills Work Visa [/visas/south-africa/critical-skills-work-visa/]migration * General Work Visa [/visas/south-africa/general-work-visa/]migration * Relative's Visa (Spousal/Family) [/visas/south-africa/relative-s-visa-spousal-family/]migration * Retired Persons Visa [/visas/south-africa/retired-persons-visa/]migration * Permanent Residence Permit [/visas/south-africa/permanent-residence/]Residency * Permanent Residency / Settlement [/visas/south-africa/permanent-residency/]residency * Student Visa [/visas/south-africa/student/]student * Study Visa [/visas/south-africa/study-visa/]student * Tourist / Visitor Visa [/visas/south-africa/tourist-visitor/]tourist * Visitor Visa [/visas/south-africa/visitor-visa/]tourist * Critical Skills Work Visa [/visas/south-africa/critical-skills/]work * General Work Visa [/visas/south-africa/general-work/]work View all 16 visa options → [/visas/south-africa/] KEY LAWS * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/south-africa/work-authorisation-rules/]critical * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/south-africa/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]high * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/south-africa/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]critical * Address Registration and Identity Duties [/laws/south-africa/address-registration-and-id-duties/]medium ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/south-africa/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]medium * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/south-africa/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]medium * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/south-africa/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]medium Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Countries","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"South Africa","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/south-africa/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/south-africa/#webpage","name":"Moving to South Africa: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Moving to South Africa can be a good choice for families and individuals seeking new opportunities, whether for work, study, family reunification, or temporary visits. 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