FAQs

What kind of Visa do I need to live and work in South Africa?

• All foreign nationals require a Work Permit/Work Visa before taking up employment in South Africa.
• It is advisable to lodge the application for in your country of residence prior to taking up your work assignment. It is important that you start this process as early as possible as without a Work Permit, you will not be able to open a bank account, sign a lease agreement (home or car) or clear your goods through customs.
• Accompanying spouses/partners and dependants require Temporary Residence Permits, which should be applied for at the same time as the main applicant applies for his/her permit.
• All scholars and students require a Study Permit to attend a school, university or college – these can be applied for in-country, if school has not been selected at time of entry.

Will my spouse / partner be able to work in South Africa?

• An accompanying spouse or partner will need a Work Permit in his or her own right before taking up employment. Work Permits for spouses/partners can applied for in-country, once a job offer from a local employer has been received. SA, like many other economies is protective of its local labour force and it is not a simple process for a partner/spouse to obtain a Work Permit. However, SA Immigration Act is currently under review and there are signs that due to skills shortage in certain key areas, it may in future become easier for spouses or partners of existing Work Permit Holders to work.

Do I need a South African Driver’s Licence?

• No. It is not necessary to have a South African Driver’s Licence to drive in SA.
• Foreign nationals are permitted to drive in South Africa on a foreign drivers licence, provided it is valid; has an integral photograph; the drivers signature and is in English. If it is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• To obtain insurance cover, or finance the purchase of a motor vehicle, you will require an International Drivers Permit (IDP), validating your home country Drivers Licence. An IDP can only be obtained from the country that issued the original licence and therefore must be obtained prior to your departure for South Africa.

Do I need any Immunizations to enter South Africa?

• There are no compulsory vaccinations or immunizations required to enter SA, unless you are departing from, or traveling via a Yellow Fever area. Your children will need to have the usual infant immunizations in order to enter school (measles, mumps, polio etc.)

Can I bring my Electrical Appliances?

• South Africa’s electricity operates on 220 Volts, 50 Hertz. No American appliance will operate directly from the power supply without the correct step-down transformer and electrical adapter.
• North American Televisions and VCR’s cannot be used in SA unless they operate on both PAL and NTSC systems.

Can I bring my pets?

• Yes - domestic pets are permitted entry into SA without stringent quarantine requirements, however the process is somewhat bureaucratic and it is not inexpensive. We suggest you contact either Corporate Relocations or a professional pet relocation company in your home country to assist you with the formalities and ascertain if there are any quarantine requirements when your pet returns home.

Is South Africa an expensive country to live in?

• South Africa is among the less expensive countries in the world to visit and live in, particularly with regard to food and drink.
• The cost of high quality, secure expatriate housing in South Africa, in particular in Johannesburg and Cape Town has risen sharply over the past 3 years and relative to local earnings is on a par with cities such as London and Paris.
• Telecommunication costs are among the highest in the world but with new entrants into the market, internet bandwidth is rapidly improving but still relatively expensive.
• Other items that are relatively expensive are: cars, appliances, electronic goods, cosmetics and some other imported items.
• As a consequence of South Africa’s current power crises the cost of electricity is set to increase sharply, from being very affordable.

Are there any customs duties or import permits required for goods brought into South Africa?

• No. Household goods, furniture and electrical appliances required to set up a family home are not subject to import duties or permits, provided they are ‘used’ personal effects.
  Can I import a motor vehicle?
• We do not recommend importing a motor vehicle into SA. It is possible, but importation is subject to very high import duties to protect local manufacturers. A wide choice of new and pre-owned cars are available to lease or purchase at prices generally much lower than importing an equivalent vehicle.

Can I bring a firearm into South Africa?

• Yes, but only on obtaining a firearm licence and import permit. South Africa's gun control regulations make obtaining a firearm licence a lengthy and arduous process. We do not recommend the importation of firearms. However, if having a firearm is a priority for you please contact Corporate Relocations for additional information.

What to pack?

• South Africa has a warm temperate climate with extended summers and generally mild winters, and dress tends to be casual throughout the year, although ‘smart casual’ dress is appropriate for dining out, theatres and nightclubs and more formal attire for business functions.
• In the summer months (October to April) lightweight clothes are recommended as protection from the heat and sun but a pullover or jacket may be necessary after sunset, especially in Johannesburg.  

Resources and Useful Links

General:                             www.southafrica.co.za

Schooling in South Africa:     www.saschools.co.za; www.isasa.org

Relocating Pets:                   www.nda.agric.za/vetweb; www.pettransporter.com