Relocating Abroad from South Africa 2026 - Complete Guide
Thousands of South Africans emigrate every year. Whether you are moving for work, family, or lifestyle, the process involves crucial financial, legal, and practical steps. This guide covers everything from SARS tax clearance to shipping your belongings and settling into a new country.
Financial Emigration Process
Since March 2021, SARS replaced the old formal emigration process with a new tax compliance system. Here is what you need to know:
Key Changes (Post-2021)
- No more formal emigration -- The old SARB "emigration" status has been replaced by tax-based rules
- Tax residency ceases when you meet the "days absent" test or formally notify SARS of departure
- Retirement funds: You must wait 3 years from the date you ceased tax residency before accessing pension/provident fund lump sums
- Exchange control: R10 million annual single discretionary allowance; R1 million foreign capital allowance per calendar year
- SARS Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC): Required before transferring funds exceeding R1 million offshore
Step-by-Step Financial Process
Complete the RAV01 form on SARS eFiling to update your tax residency status. You will need to declare your date of departure and new country of residence. SARS will assess whether you have ceased to be a SA tax resident based on the "ordinarily resident" and "physical presence" tests.
Documents needed: Passport copy, proof of foreign residency (lease, utility bill, employment contract), foreign tax registration number.
File all outstanding tax returns (income tax, VAT, PAYE). Pay any amounts owed. Apply for a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) certificate via eFiling -- this is essential for transferring funds abroad. Processing time: 21-60 business days.
Use an authorised dealer (bank) to transfer funds. For amounts over R1 million, you will need TCC from SARS. Consider forex specialists like Currencies Direct or OFX for better rates than banks. Transfer limits: R10 million per calendar year (single discretionary allowance) plus R1 million foreign capital allowance.
Sell or rent out SA property. Capital gains tax applies on disposal. Close or restructure investment accounts. RA funds have the 3-year waiting period. Section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption: first R1.25 million of foreign employment income is exempt from SA tax if you work abroad for 183+ days per year (60+ consecutive).
Shipping Your Belongings
Shipping Companies
- Elliott Mobility -- Major SA international removals
- Stuttaford Van Lines -- Established since 1858
- Pickfords -- Global coverage
- AGS Movers -- 149 locations worldwide
Costs (Approximate)
- 20ft container to UK: R80,000-R120,000
- 20ft container to Australia: R100,000-R160,000
- 20ft container to Canada: R90,000-R140,000
- Air freight (per kg): R200-R500
Pre-Departure Checklist
| Task | When | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Passport validity | 6+ months before travel | Renew if less than 6 months validity. Most countries require 6+ months. |
| SARS notification | 3-6 months before | RAV01 form on eFiling, apply for TCS certificate |
| Work/residency visa | 3-6 months before | Apply through VFS Global or relevant embassy |
| Medical records | 2-3 months before | Get copies of all medical records, prescriptions, vaccination history |
| Police clearance | 2-3 months before | Apply at SAPS for police clearance certificate (takes 2-6 weeks) |
| Unabridged birth certificate | 2-3 months before | Order from DHA. Required for many visa applications and foreign registrations |
| School records | 2 months before | Request certified academic records, SAQA evaluation if needed |
| Bank accounts | 1-2 months before | Open non-resident account or close. Keep one SA account for transfers |
| Insurance | 1 month before | Cancel/transfer car, home, life insurance. Arrange travel and health cover |
| Shipping | 6-8 weeks before | Book removals company, get quotes, start packing |
| Pets | 4-6 months before | Microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, import permits. UK requires 3-month waiting period after rabies vaccine. |
| Driving licence | Before departure | Get International Driving Permit at AA. Convert SA licence in new country within allowed period. |
Settling Into Your New Country
First Week
- Register with local authority/council
- Open bank account
- Get local SIM card
- Register with GP/doctor
- Arrange temporary accommodation
First Month
- Apply for tax number
- Register children for school
- Convert driving licence
- Set up utilities
- Join SA expat community groups
First 3 Months
- Find permanent accommodation
- Enrol in healthcare system
- Begin credential recognition
- Update SA embassy registration
- File final SA tax return
Popular Destinations for South Africans
| Destination | SA Diaspora | Work Guide | Key Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ~240,000 | Guide | NHS jobs, ancestry visa, large SA community |
| Australia | ~200,000 | Guide | Skilled migration, lifestyle, climate |
| UAE | ~100,000 | Guide | Tax-free income, proximity to SA |
| USA | ~80,000 | Guide | DV Lottery, tech jobs, higher salaries |
| New Zealand | ~55,000 | Guide | Quality of life, Green List occupations |
| Canada | ~45,000 | Guide | Express Entry, PNP, multicultural society |
| Germany | ~15,000 | Guide | EU Blue Card, engineering demand, Opportunity Card |
| Ireland | ~10,000 | Guide | Critical Skills Permit, English-speaking EU |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Quick Links
Important Contacts
SARS: 0800 00 7277
sars.gov.za
DHA (Home Affairs): 0800 60 11 90
dha.gov.za
SARB (Reserve Bank): 012 313 3911
resbank.co.za
DIRCO (Foreign Affairs): 012 351 1000
dirco.gov.za
SA Expat Communities
SAPeople.com -- News and community for SA expats worldwide
Expat Forum SA -- Active forums by destination
Facebook Groups: "South Africans in [Country]" groups for each destination
InterNations -- Professional expat network with SA chapters