Emigrate to South Africa
Emigrate to South Africa: Find out the most important information for your stay here
South Africa is located at the southern tip of the African continent and is known for its diverse ecosystems. The Kruger National Park in the interior of the country is a popular safari destination and is home to numerous large wild animals. The Western Cape offers beaches, lush vineyards in the Stellenbosch and Paarl region, the impressive cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forests and lagoons along the Garden Route and the city of Cape Town, which lies at the foot of Table Mountain. For people looking to emigrate to South Africa, the country offers a unique combination of natural diversity, cultural heritage and a dynamic urban environment.
Facts about South Africa
Capital Citys
Cape Town, Prtoria and Bloemfontein
Population
59.89 million
Surface Area
758,072.85 mi² or 1,220,000 km²
Continent
Africa
Official Language
English, Afrikaans
Currency
Rand (ZAR)
Emigrating to South Africa: An overview of the political system
The Republic of South Africa is a parliamentary democracy with a federal structure. Anyone wishing to emigrate to South Africa should be aware that, in addition to the central government in South Africa, there are also independent parliaments and governments in each of the nine provinces. The new constitution of 1997 established the separation of powers and a comprehensive catalog of rights, which was an important step in the political development of the country. The president, who is both head of state and head of government, is elected for five years by the National Assembly and has far-reaching powers. A Vice President assists the President and the Ministers are appointed by the President. South Africa's seat of government is in Pretoria. Anyone wishing to emigrate to South Africa should compare the political structures of the two countries.
Climate in South Africa: Important information for emigrants
The country benefits from plenty of sunshine, which makes for a pleasantly dry climate. Those wishing to emigrate to South Africa could enjoy a similar climate, as the oceans on three sides of the country have a moderating effect on the weather in South Africa. The Agulhas and Benguela currents in particular contribute to a more Mediterranean climate. As South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in Europe. The South African spring, which lasts from mid-September to mid-December, attracts visitors with mild temperatures and an impressive array of flowers in the semi-arid zones as well as blooming fynbos along the Garden Route. If you want to emigrate to South Africa, you should also be able to enjoy the Mediterranean climate on the coast.
Healthcare system in South Africa: Important facts for emigrants
South Africa is a popular destination for expats emigrating to South Africa and looking for a unique living experience in Africa. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and year-round warm climate, it offers a high quality of life. In recent years, the country's healthcare system has improved considerably, but challenges remain. The South African healthcare system consists of three main categories: public providers, private non-profit organizations (such as faith-based and mission hospitals and local and international NGOs) and private, for-profit healthcare providers.
Emigrating to South Africa: An overview of the economic situation and quality of life
In South Africa, the gross domestic product per capita amounted to 6,377.07 US dollars in 2022. The Gini coefficient of wealth describes the distribution of wealth. The indicator is an established, internationally comparable measure of wealth inequality. It is measured on a scale from zero to one. The higher the value, the greater the inequality. The Gini coefficient in South Africa is expected to be 0.63 in 2024 (source: Statista).
The South African economy is based on an efficient and well-developed infrastructure. The raw materials that were discovered in South Africa during the second half of the 19th century form the country's economic basis. South Africa has the world's largest reserves of precious metals such as gold and platinum, steel refiners such as manganese, chromium and vanadium, and aluminum silicate. These economic conditions make South Africa particularly attractive for investors and people who want to emigrate to South Africa.
National holiday
Freedom Day
Penguins in Africa
The African penguin is a unique species that is only found on a few coasts and is the only penguin in Africa that still lives in the wild today. Anyone wishing to emigrate to South Africa should not miss out on the country's impressive wildlife. These penguins breed in colonies that stretch from southern Namibia to Port Elizabeth. The penguins of Boulders Beach are particularly well-known, where two breeding pairs founded a colony in 1982. Today, around 3,000 penguins live there.
Originally known as jackass penguins, named after their donkey-like calls, they can dive underwater for up to 2.5 minutes to catch fish and squid. Despite their protected habitat, African penguins are threatened with extinction. Humans and the lack of food are putting them under pressure. Anyone wishing to emigrate to South Africa can contribute to the protection of these fascinating birds by visiting the penguins of Boulders Beach. The income from tourism helps South African National Parks (SANParks) to promote their conservation.
Emigrate to South Africa - Entry Requirements
Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents:
- Passport: Yes
- Temporary passport: Yes
- Identity card: No
- Temporary identity card: No
- Children's passport: No. Entry only possible with a child passport without extension/updating.
FAQs for emigrating to South Africa
Where can I find relevant information about my country of entry and the entry regulations that apply there?
We have compiled destination country information as well as entry requirements and customs information for many countries in the Relocation Service section of our website and are constantly expanding this section.
Can I use my own container that I already own for the move with DACHSER & KOLB?
For every removal, which we at DACHSER & KOLB always offer as a door-to-door (full service) removal, a container is rented for the duration of the removal. We therefore do not offer the option of using your own container.
Who is responsible for my move abroad and the services I need there?
As a FIDI member, we work abroad with selected, long-standing partners who work in accordance with our service standards.
Are my removal goods insured in the event of damage?
For every overseas move, we naturally cover transportation insurance at current value for the used household goods and personal belongings
What types of transportation do you offer for overseas relocation?
It is generally possible to carry out overseas removals via air freight or sea freight. In the case of sea freight, it is possible to ship the removal goods as additional cargo (“LCL shipment” with Liftvan) or with a container (FCL shipment in 20 feet, 40 feet or 40 feet high cube). We will be happy to discuss which option is best for you in a personal consultation.
When and how must the move be paid for and what is the payment deadline?
You will receive an invoice a few weeks after placing the order and pay the full amount directly in advance.
Do I have to pay taxes and customs duties on my removal goods?
Removal goods can be imported tax and duty-free into most countries if you have a valid residence permit. We will be happy to check the options for importing the removal goods for your desired destination country in a personal consultation.
Are you interested in moving to South Africa or another destination country?
Then do not hesitate and contact us today.
Alexander Brugger
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - AIR&SEA
