South Africans have been emigrating in significant numbers for decades, driven by security concerns, economic uncertainty, and loadshedding fatigue. The good news: South Africans are well-positioned for several strong immigration pathways. English fluency, Commonwealth connections, and increasingly sought-after skills in tech, engineering, and healthcare create genuine options.
The not-so-good news: SARS doesn't let you leave quietly.
Top Destinations
UK — The Ancestry Visa
If you have a grandparent born in the UK — which a substantial percentage of white South Africans and some South Africans of Indian descent do — the UK Ancestry Visa is your golden ticket. Five years of unrestricted work rights, no employer sponsor needed, no salary threshold, and a path to permanent residency. The visa costs £531 and requires proof of the grandparent's UK birth certificate.
Even without ancestry, the UK's Skilled Worker Visa targets healthcare workers at a reduced threshold (£29,000), and South African nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals are in high demand across the NHS.
Australia — Skilled Migration
Australia is the most popular destination for South African emigrants, and the skills match is strong. Engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, and tradespeople from South Africa regularly qualify for subclass 189 (independent) or 190/491 (state-nominated) visas. The points system rewards age (25–32 ideal), English ability (South Africans typically score well on IELTS), and relevant work experience.
The South African community in Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane is large and well-established, which helps the transition. Budget AUD 6,000–15,000 for visa costs depending on family size.
Portugal — The European Gateway
Portugal's D7 visa (€760/month income requirement) provides a path to EU citizenship in 5 years. For South Africans with remote income in ZAR, the exchange rate makes this challenging but feasible for those earning above R200,000/year. Portugal's safety, climate, and quality of life make it increasingly popular with South African families. Several South African communities have established in the Algarve and Lisbon areas.
Netherlands
The Kennismigrant (skilled worker) visa is accessible for South African tech professionals and engineers, especially those recruited by multinational companies. The 30% tax ruling is a significant financial benefit. English is widely spoken — more so than almost anywhere else in continental Europe.
UAE — Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Zero income tax, established South African community, and relatively straightforward work visas make the UAE attractive for higher earners. The Golden Visa (10-year residency for professionals earning AED 30,000+/month or investors) provides longer-term stability. The caveat: no path to citizenship, and residency is tied to employment.
South Africa's tax emigration process is something most countries don't have. When you cease South African tax residency, SARS treats it as a deemed disposal of your worldwide assets — meaning you may owe capital gains tax on unrealised gains in retirement funds, investments, and other assets. This can be a substantial bill.
Additionally, if you withdraw your retirement annuity or pension before formal tax emigration, a withdrawal tax of up to 36% applies. The process of formally emigrating from SARS (submitting the cessation of tax residency) is administrative but consequential. Get a tax advisor who specialises in South African emigration before you leave — this is not optional.
Exchange control: The South African Reserve Bank allows an individual foreign capital allowance of R10 million per year (with a tax clearance certificate) plus a single discretionary allowance of R1 million. Planning your capital transfer across tax years can reduce the administrative burden.
Practical Considerations
Skills assessment: For Australia, your South African qualifications may need assessment by the relevant Australian authority (Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, ANMAC for nurses). Start this process 3–6 months before you plan to apply — assessments can take 8–16 weeks.
Criminal clearance: Most countries require a South African Police Clearance Certificate. Processing through SAPS takes 2–6 weeks domestically, or apply through the South African embassy if you're already abroad. Apostille through DIRCO is required for some destinations.
Children's education: If moving with school-age children, research the destination's education system early. The UK and Australia have straightforward integration for English-speaking children. Portugal and Netherlands offer international schools (€5,000–15,000/year) and public school integration programmes.
Who Should Consider What
If you have UK ancestry, start there — it's the fastest, cheapest, and most flexible route. If you're a skilled professional under 35, Australia's points system is purpose-built for your profile. If you want EU citizenship and can sustain remote income, Portugal offers the fastest path. If maximising take-home pay matters most and you're comfortable without a citizenship pathway, the UAE delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest country for South Africans to emigrate to?
The UK, Australia, and New Zealand are the most common and straightforward destinations for South Africans with skills in demand. Portugal is increasingly popular for its lower costs and D7/D8 visa accessibility. Mauritius offers proximity, cultural familiarity, and a premium visa for remote workers.
Can South Africans move to the UK easily?
South Africans with British ancestry (a grandparent born in the UK) can get an Ancestry Visa — 5 years of unrestricted work rights. Otherwise, the Skilled Worker Visa requires employer sponsorship and a minimum salary of £38,700. Youth Mobility Scheme is not available to South Africans.
Do South African qualifications work abroad?
SAQA qualifications are generally well-recognised, but you'll usually need an equivalency assessment: WES or IQAS for Canada, VETASSESS or relevant authority for Australia, ENIC-NARIC for the UK. Engineering, medical, and accounting qualifications often require additional local registration or exams.
Which countries match your South African profile?
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