{"id":13506,"date":"2014-08-08T10:59:16","date_gmt":"2014-08-08T14:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/?p=13506"},"modified":"2025-09-04T08:01:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T12:01:06","slug":"moving-to-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/moving-to-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to South Africa – Your Guide For Smooth Relocation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diversity. If we have to describe South Africa with one word only, that would be \u201cdiversity\u201d. Here is a brief overview of the country according to BBC: \u201cDiversity is a key feature of South Africa, where 11 languages are recognized as official, where community leaders include rabbis and chieftains, rugby players and returned exiles, where traditional healers ply their trade around the corner from stockbrokers and where housing ranges from mud huts to palatial homes with swimming pools.\u201c<\/p>\n

\"South<\/p>\n

South Africa at a glance<\/h2>\n

Location:<\/strong> The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent Africa and shares a common border with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe
\nArea:<\/strong> 1,219,090 sq. km. (or a little less than twice the size of Texas).
\nClimate:<\/strong> Mostly semiarid and subtropical
\nPopulation:<\/strong> Over 51 million
\nCapitals:<\/strong> Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial)
\nProvinces:<\/strong> Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumulanga, Northern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Free State and Western Cape
\nOfficial languages:<\/strong> English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Afrikaans, siSwati, Sesotho sa Leboa, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda and Xitsonga<\/p>\n

Economy<\/h2>\n

South Africa is the 25th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP size. According to the World Bank, the GDP estimated slightly over US 384 billion for 2012.<\/p>\n

Along with, Brazil, Russia, India and China, South Africa is a member of the BRICS club of emerging global economic powerhouses.<\/p>\n

\"macadamia\"
The South African macadamia industry has become a major global player, competing with Australia in terms of being the largest producer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the World Economic Forum, South Africa is the highest ranked country in sub-Saharan Africa and takes 52d place in the 2012-2013 Global Competitiveness Report.<\/p>\n

The country performs well in terms of intellectual property protection, property rights, accountability of its private institutions, market efficiency, financial market development, business sophistication and innovation.<\/p>\n

However, in order to enhance its competitiveness, South Africa needs to cope with some serious issues concerning its labor market efficiency. Some of its weaknesses are the rigid hiring and firing practices, the lack of flexibility in wage determination by companies and the significant tension in employer-labor relations. The country also struggles with high unemployment \u2013  in 2012, it comes at 23%.<\/p>\n

Other areas where there is an essential demand for improvements are infrastructure, security, health care and education.<\/p>\n

Key economic sectors are mining services, transport, energy, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.<\/p>\n

Moving to South Africa: Visa and Permits<\/h2>\n

South Africa offers a variety of entry permits depending on your age, occupation, purpose and duration of your stay. There are permits for students, retirees, or for those who seek medical treatment.<\/p>\n

Entrepreneurs can apply for a Business Permit. If you want to establish a business in South Africa, you need to be ready to invest more than USD 23 000 and employ at least five citizens or permanent residents. You also need to register with the respective industry board and the South African Revenue Service.<\/p>\n

If you have a job proposal, then you may apply for General Work Permit. You actually need to have a signed contract.<\/p>\n

If you have exceptional skills and qualifications, you may apply for Critical Skills Work Permit. You need to provide proof of your skills, letters of recommendation from previous employers or references from acknowledged South African academic or cultural organization.<\/p>\n

South African government offers Intra-Company Transfer Permit for employees of a foreign company who are transferred to a South Africa-based affiliate company.<\/p>\n

Healthcare<\/h2>\n

The country can offer good healthcare services, trained personnel and fine facilities, standards are higher in the big metro areas. However, since there is no national health plan, it is strongly advisable to arrange a private insurance before your relocation to South Africa. And beware of the fact that some medical costs may not be covered by your insurance company.<\/p>\n

Transport<\/h2>\n
\"Rovos
Travel through ones of the most spectacular South African scenes by the most luxurious Rovos Rail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Generally, if you have your driver\u2019s license in English, you may use it up to twelve months. You can as well transfer your license \u2013 your embassy can help.<\/p>\n

Road network is fine in most areas, except in rural ones. Driving in South Africa can be challenging due to the poor lighting and the rude behavior of some locals. You should also pay attention that motorists drive on the left side of the road.<\/p>\n

Crime and safety<\/h2>\n

One of the issues that still need major improvement is concerning security. Small-scale and serious crimes are not rare. Although the government has taken measures to solve this issue, still be alert.<\/p>\n

South Africa: Interesting facts<\/strong><\/h2>\n