Living in South Africa: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in South Africa.
Located at the extreme south of the continent, South Africa attracts lots of expatriates. This multiethnic country offers a cosmopolitan environment to which expats can easily adapt and live in, as symbolized by the national motto "Unity in Diversity".
Skilled expatriates looking for career prospects can find opportunities in the management, IT, engineering or teaching sectors.
Formalities and visas in South Africa
Visas for South Africa
In order to enter South Africa, it is essential to have a visa or a permit. Different options are ...
Work visas and permits for South Africa
Any foreigner wishing to work in South Africa must have a work permit. It is not possible to switch ...
Traveling to South Africa
With its location at the end of Africa, its contrasting landscapes and wilderness, and its multiracial and multicultural population, South Africa is ...
Working in South Africa
Working in South Africa
Anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa and wishes to work in South ...
Setting up a business in South Africa
South Africa occupies a central economic position on the African continent and setting up a ...
Internships in South Africa
The end-of-study internship represents an important step in a student's curriculum, so why not ...
Studying in South Africa
Study in South Africa
South African higher education is considered the best in Africa. For the past twenty years, South Africa has been experiencing an influx of ...
Finance and banks in South Africa
Health care in South Africa
Healthcare in South Africa
When relocating to South Africa, healthcare will be one of your main concerns. Since its advent to ...
Accidents and emergencies in South Africa
Despite the good condition of the main and secondary roads, the number of road accidents is very ...
Pregnancy and childbirth in South Africa
Bringing a child into the world is, without a doubt, one of the most important and exciting ...
Accommodation in South Africa
Accommodation in South Africa
South Africa is a huge country, unusual in the diversity of its landscapes, all of which are of remarkable beauty. If the choice of where to live is ...
Planning your move to South Africa
Leisure in South Africa
Leisure in South Africa
When moving to South Africa, whether to work, study or for other reasons, the “Rainbow Nation” offers a range of leisure activities which ...
Everyday life in South Africa
Transport in South Africa
South Africa is a huge country, but it is undoubtedly the country in Africa with the most modern infrastructure for getting around.
Phones and Internet in South Africa
On your arrival in South Africa, you will probably want to communicate with your friends and family abroad. Thanks to the country's developed and ...
The South African lifestyle
Diversity is one of the words that could best describe South Africa: diversity of landscapes, languages and people. Here's what you need to know ...
News & testimonies
South Africa extends long-stay visa exemptions
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs continues to experience delays in processing visa applications. In response, it has issued a new exemption, valid until 30 September 2025, as outlined in Immigration Directive No. 5 released earlier this year.
Cape Town, South Africa, through the eyes of an expat
After having spent many years living in London, Cambodia, and Singapore, Mei now calls Cape Town home. Coming from a mixed background herself, Mei has always had a deep interest in exploring other cultures, and loves to discover new places. She tells Expat.com about her life in the Mother City, her observations of South Africa, and the abundance of leisure activities at her doorstep.
5 good reasons to move to Cape Town
You have opened Google maps, and you are scrolling the globe, up and down, left and right, looking for an answer to “what's next?” If you are ready to expatriate and you are keen on taking up a new challenge, we are giving you five excellent reasons to consider Cape Town — South Africa's Mother City.
Proposed tax amendment heralds change for South African expats
Questions and some concern have arisen following the South African government's proposed amendment to its taxation of residents who are working overseas. The proposed amendment suggests removing the exemption for those earning an income abroad and working in a foreign country for more than 183 days a year, in order to prevent expats potentially paying very limited or no tax.
