Moving to South Africa
Practical guidance for international residents managing South African tax, UK pensions, offshore assets and long-term life in the country.
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At a glance
South Africa can offer a high-quality lifestyle, strong private services and distinctive city choices, but it is not a destination to plan from averages. British citizens moving for longer than a visit need the correct immigration status; tax residence follows separate tests; there is no reciprocal UK healthcare agreement; and security, transport, schooling and infrastructure vary substantially by neighbourhood. Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban each suit different priorities.
- Typical monthly cost
- Housing, security, schooling and medical cover drive the household budget
- Residency
- Work, retired-person, relative, business and study routes
- Healthcare
- Public and private systems; no reciprocal UK healthcare agreement
- Schools
- Public and independent options with provincial admissions
- Tax
- Residence-based system using ordinary-residence and physical-presence tests
- Language
- Twelve official languages; English widely used in business and services
Essential guidance for South Africa
Moving to South Africa from the UK: the complete guide
A practical sequence for choosing a visa, assessing tax and healthcare, selecting a city, planning security and completing a move from the UK.
Financial advice for British expats living in South Africa
The ongoing financial issues British residents should coordinate across South Africa and the UK.
South Africa visa options for UK citizens
How the main temporary residence routes differ and why visitor permission should not be treated as a route to living or working in South Africa.
South African tax residency for UK citizens
The ordinarily resident and physical presence tests, worldwide income, the UK's separate rules and the role of the tax treaty.
Healthcare in South Africa for UK nationals
How the public and private systems differ, why UK reciprocal cover does not apply and what to check in a medical scheme or insurance policy.
Schools in South Africa for expat families
How admissions, school calendars, curriculum, fees and daily travel affect the choice of city and neighbourhood.
Guidance by category
Moving, money, housing, healthcare and more. Only published guides appear.
Moving
Explore all →Residency, visas, checklists and logistics.
Money & tax
Explore all →Tax residency, banking, pensions and cross-border finance.
- South African tax residency for UK citizens
- Cost of living in South Africa: build a realistic expat budget
- Financial advice for British expats living in South Africa
- Filing a South African tax return as a British expat
- UK pensions for British expats living in South Africa
- Offshore income and investments for South African tax residents
- Estate planning for British expats living in South Africa
Housing
Explore all →Renting, buying and choosing where to live.
Family
Explore all →Schools, childcare, parenting and family life abroad.
Healthcare
Explore all →Insurance, public and private systems, access.
Work & business
Explore all →Employment, remote working and starting a business.
Guidance coming soon.
Everyday life
Explore all →Transport, culture, safety and settling in.
Cities in South Africa
Cape Town
A globally connected coastal city with exceptional outdoor access, varied neighbourhoods and strong lifestyle appeal, alongside housing, commuting and security trade-offs.
Explore Cape Town
Johannesburg
South Africa's largest commercial centre, offering broad career and schooling options in a highly decentralised, car-dependent metropolitan area.
Explore Johannesburg
Pretoria
An administrative and university city with suburban living, established schools and easier access to parts of Gauteng's government and diplomatic community.
Explore Pretoria
Durban and Umhlanga
A warm Indian Ocean base where Durban's established city services meet Umhlanga's newer business, residential and coastal development.
Explore Durban and Umhlanga