India to South Africa Relocation is Easy Now!
If you plan to move to South Africa from India, you are not alone. Expatriates from all around the world choose to relocate to South Africa. Around 2.8 million ex-pats from all around the world are already living in the country and enjoying its vibrant culture, beauty, and fast-paced economy.
South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. Hence, named South Africa. It is the ninth largest country in Africa. The country has approx. 60 million population amongst which most of them are Africans. Because of its diverse cultures, religions, and languages, South Africa is known as a “Rainbow Nation”.
The country is famous for its scenic beauty, exotic wildlife, stunning coastline, and spectacular mountains. However, the cities here are not different from those in the West. It has skyscrapers, multi-national companies, upscale restaurants and bars, and impressive shopping malls. Life in South Africa is no less than in any Western country. Besides, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The two main cities, where immigrants choose to settle down have a cosmopolitan culture. Therefore, foreigners don’t find it difficult to adjust to the new culture.
Expats coming here get plenty of job opportunities in different sectors including engineering, information technology, education, etc. The scenic landscapes, friendly people, sunny climate, and relatively low living costs make South Africa a popular destination for people moving abroad.
Key Facts of South Africa
- Official Name: The Republic of South Africa
- Capital: Cape Town
- Continent: Africa
- Population: 62,027,503
- Official Languages: English, Tsonga, Southern Sotho, Afrikaans, Tswana, Swati.
- Demonym: South African
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic with an executive presidency
- Religions followed: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism
- Currency: South African Rand
- Time Zone: UTC + 2
- Country Tel Code: +27
- Major Mountain Ranges: Drakensberg
- Major Rivers: Limpopo, Orange
Important Things to Know Before Moving to South Africa from India
If you are planning to move to South Africa from India, you should know a few important things about the country before moving. The country has 11 official languages but the business language is English. To live and work in South Africa, you need a permanent residence permit.
Apart from these, here are a few more things that you must know about before moving to South Africa from India:
- Private and Public Healthcare: Excellent healthcare is available at private hospitals, which comes at a high price. However, public healthcare in South Africa is not like India. Most of the hospitals are overcrowded but understaffed and under-resourced. Hence, consider private healthcare because the country’s public healthcare is much lower than the largest nations in the world.
- Traditions and customs: Since the country has approx. 2 million ex-pats, it has people follow various religions. Each city of the country has different traditions and customs with many different languages spoken.
- Cost of living: The best part is that the cost of goods and general living in South Africa is much more affordable than in many Western cities.
If you have finally made up your mind to relocate to South Africa or you are moving for professional work then you will have to do some preparation. Your employer may assist you with passport and visa documents. If not, get professional assistance for the visa and immigration services.
Visa and passport
Every country has its different rules and regulations for immigrants but most commonly, they require visas and passports to let the bearer legally enter their country. While moving to South Africa, you and your family must have a valid passport and visa. The passport must be valid for longer than your intended stay.
Depending on the purpose and duration of your visit, the type of visa you need varies. If you are moving to South Africa for work, you will need a work visa.
A lot of documents need to be presented to apply for a visa such as:
- A passport
- Application for a visa
- Payment for the prescribed fee
- Birth certificate or marriage certificate
- Medical certificate
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Two color passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means—bank statement
Residence permits
You will need a temporary residence until you get a permanent residence permit. However, you will have to be seriously committed to immigrating to the country permanently.
The residence permits you will get as an Indian expat in South Africa depends on the type of job and the length of time you plan to stay. Here are the different types of permits available to the immigrants:
- Work permits
- Business permits
- Retirement permits
- Critical skills work visa
Temporary residence permits are also available for people valid for 3 years. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for the permanent residence. Bear in mind that the application and approval process can take up to several months and require a few important documents.
Moving to South Africa from India with Household Goods
When moving to South Africa for a prolonged period, take your personal belongings with you. Many families relocate with their household goods. But before packing your entire household goods—contact the local Embassy to get an update on restricted and prohibited goods. Inquire about the documents required for shipping goods.
Consider the size of your home in South Africa before packing the entire household goods. New items are subject to duty taxes. Antiques and inherited items require documentation. You can move your furniture and other items, but they are available in the local market for purchase.
Restricted and Prohibited Items from Shipping to South Africa
While moving internationally, your shipment must clear customs clearance. The Republic of South Africa restricts and prohibits the import and export of some goods. Prohibited items are those that cannot be imported to the country. Restricted goods can be released on the order of the legislative department. Let’s see the list of restricted and prohibited items.
Restricted items are:
- Firearms
- Wine
- Tobacco
- Distilled alcohol (spirits)
- Prescribed drugs
Prohibited items are:
- Narcotics and drugs
- Seeds and plant material
- Honey, bees, and beeswax
- Uncooked meat
- Weapons like knives
- Explosive items
- Uncut diamonds
- Raw gold
What Documents Needed for Shipping Goods to South Africa
Importing goods in South Africa is a complex process and requires a few documents. This includes:
- One negotiable and two non-negotiable copies of the bill of lading
- A declaration of origin form, DA59
- Copies and original commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Copy of insurance certificate
Moving to South Africa with Pets
Your pets are no less than your family members. Hence, when moving to South Africa, you don’t want to leave behind them. Well, many professional international removal companies provide pet relocation services. However, there are certain criteria that you must meet to move your pets to South Africa.
You must fill out an “Application to Import Animal to South Africa” form. This application is submitted to the Director of Animal Health. This includes the entire details—how many pets you want to move, breed type, etc. Remember, the process incurs a fee depending on the number of pets you want to move. After this, you will get a veterinarian import permit and a veterinarian health certificate. Get this filled up by your veterinarian in your home country. This will be valid for a certain period. So, make sure to arrange the travel within the given time frame.
Top Reasons to Move to South Africa
While many people may be living, some are planning to move to South Africa. You might have heard that people are leaving the country. Well, that is not true. Many people are happy living in the country. In fact, our partners help many people to relocate to South Africa. Some people are coming back to their native nation. Also, some new expats moving to South Africa for the first time.
South Africa is a beautiful country known as the Rainbow Nation because of its diverse culture, religion, and languages. The east, west, and south of the plateau are called the Great Escarpment. The eastern range is called the Drakensberg. With Cape Town, Duban, and Johannesburg, there are many great places to live.
If you are still confused if you should move to South Africa the following reasons will help you decide.
A beautiful country with scenic landscapes
South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This has scenic vistas that enthrall its visitors. Whether it is beaches, mountains, rocky Atlantic coastline, or an abundance of wildlife in national parks, the country has it all. It is visually stunning and captivates everyone’s attention. From the mountain ranges to the Kalahari Desert, South Africa has everything in terms of climate and area for everyone. It is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But why visit this beautiful country once, when you can live here and call it your home?
Good lifestyle
When comparing the quality of life with the cost of living, you will be surprised. Without spending too much on your expenses, you will enjoy a good quality of life. The cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa are somewhere like London but the cost of living is nearly 63% cheaper. From housing rent to food, clothing, entertainment, transportation, and household goods, all are affordable.
Friendly people
One of the best things you will experience moving to South Africa is the friendliness of people. Everyone here is friendly in nature. They will welcome you with wide open arms regardless of your nationality and color. You can easily make new friends here who will tell you about the pros and cons of moving to South Africa. However, like in any country, you must be vigilant and aware of your safety in the country.
Pleasant weather
The warm sunny weather will influence you to move to the Rainbow Nation. The sun shines in almost every season—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The country experiences a warm climate throughout the year. Sometimes the temperature goes up to 100°f in some parts. While the days are sunny, the temperature cools down at night. KwaZulu Natal Midlands and Eastern Cape experience the coldest nights during winter. However, the next day you will see the temperature rising considerably.
Private healthcare
Although public healthcare is not excellent, private healthcare in South Africa is on par. With so many good hospitals and advanced healthcare resources, you get a world-class healthcare facility. One of the most common reasons people come to South Africa is to avail cheap cosmetic surgery.
Best Places to Live in South Africa
When moving to South Africa, you must be wondering which town or city is the best to live in. Well, this beautiful country has many vibrant towns to choose from. Choosing the right destination to live in could be the trickiest part. However, our guide will help you to pick the best one as per your requirements.
The country has nine provinces and major cities to choose from. The place you will choose depends on your preference and the purpose of your visit. Some places are very relaxed while some are fast-paced. Here is the list of the top cities to live in South Africa based on their quality of life and other benefits.
Cape Town
This is one of South Africa’s three capital cities. The residents affectionately named it the “Mother City”. Because of its stunning beauty and picturesque view, the city was once named “the greatest city on the earth” by the Telegraph Travel award.
Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations for expats. It is a city where urban living and natural beauty blend perfectly together. The best part of the town is its climate, which is neither too cold nor too hot.
The cost of living in Cape Town is approx. 60 % lower than in London and any prominent destination for expats in the world. However, you get the same amenities as other cities in the West. This is the best city for tech professionals who are looking for secure jobs.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg—also called Jo, Joburg, Jozi, or Joni—is one of the popular cities to live in South Africa for expats. This is the world’s largest city which is not located near a water body. Popularly known as “The Gold City”. This is a good choice for people starting a business. Growing from a small town to an economic capital, Johannesburg is the best place to live. Since the city has a mix of industries to host, it offers rich job opportunities.
Durban
If you are a beach lover, Durban will drive you crazy. Located on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is a popular city that draws people for its tropical weather. This means the climate remains warm all year round. With more than 3.12 million population, this is the third largest city. The residents get the best beaches and nightlife to enjoy. You won’t need a vacation when you are in Durban, where you get sunny beaches to stroll at.
Pretoria
Another city in our list of best cities to live in South Africa is Pretoria—the administrative capital. All the government offices and buildings and all foreign embassies are located here. Besides, this has three major universities and some top-rated schools. You can consider this place if you are a parent. Beyond the government buildings and remarkable universities, the city has wildlife to offer. Not only a zoo and botanical garden but there is also Ann Vann Dyk Cheetah Centre.
Among many cities and towns, these are the top towns where you can settle down with your family and partner in South Africa.
If you have decided to move to South Africa from India, get professional’s assistance to move hassle-freely. Our partners are here to support you throughout the process. Utilizing advanced equipment and their expertise, they make the relocation a seamless experience for you.
Choose Abroad Movers for Moving to South Africa From India
The process of moving to South Africa from India can be complex, especially when moving with loads of goods. But you need not worry about anything as Abroadmovers.com has got your back. Here you find competent international packers and movers in India that are functional in South Africa. They have a team of exceptionally trained employees, who use their expertise to make your relocation experience seamless. They take care of all your possessions be it electronic items, antiques, household goods, musical instruments, jewelry, or anything else. You will have the best relocation experience under the supervision of professionals.
Contact us to discuss your international relocation requirements and get quick quotes from the three top international removal companies in India.
Why Choose Abroad Movers for Moving to South Africa from India
Abroadmovers.com is a renowned portal for booking international moving services. We have a wide network of international removal companies operational from India to South Africa. To date, we have assisted hundreds of customers to relocate seamlessly with professional movers and packers. Our partners not only make the process smoother but also help in saving money.
Here are the top reasons you should choose us and our partners for moving to South Africa from India:
- You get a list of pre-verified moving companies to choose
- Our partners have a worldwide network of shipping companies and customs brokers
- Our partners offer a comprehensive range of international relocation services
- All the services are available at affordable rates
- Only premium-quality packaging materials and other resources are utilized
- Movers provide additional services like packing, unpacking, and destination services
- We have a long list of happy and satisfied clients from all over India
So, we would highly recommend you contact our partners and get world-class services for international relocation from India to South Africa.
Moving to South Africa from India FAQs
The process of booking professional movers and packers through abroadmovers.com is very simple. Fill up the quote form with all your moving details and submit it online. Enter your name and contact number. Now select the type of service you need like household moving, pet relocation, or corporate relocation. Select the current location, destination, and shifting date, and provide the details of the goods you want to move. Instantly, we will recommend the three best service providers relevant to your move. We have associates operating in different countries. So, we ensure the companies we shortlist match your requirements. These companies will provide their price estimates free of cost over the phone. After conducting a pre-move survey either virtually or physically, movers provide accurate price quotes. Compare rates and services and select the one that best suits your budget and needs.
Moving costs from India to South Africa is not fixed. Every move and the requirements associated with are different. Hence, the charges differ. Professionals determine the price considering goods volume, transportation mode, season, and additional services required. When moving goods with packers and movers, they can charge on a per kg basis. To know the approximate shipping cost, contact us and get free quotes from the top three moving companies.
Yes, your goods will be insured during transportation. Moving companies use quality packaging materials to safeguard your possessions. However, some unforeseen circumstances cause damages. To recover the loss due to the uncertainty, movers cover your belongings with transit insurance. In case damages occur, they will help you claim insurance and recover the costs.
Moving goods overseas is a time-consuming task. No one knows the exact time it will take because shipping your goods to South Africa depends on various factors. The available slot to send the containers, the type of sea cargo service (LCL or FCL), the season, congestion, etc. affect the timeline. In general, the process can take somewhere 25-60 days.
Moving costs vary for various reasons depending on the customer’s demands and requests. The most common factors that affect the charges are the type and volume of goods, shipping method, container size, packing materials, manpower, pickup location, drop location, insurance, and additional services you may need at the destination.
Amongst the most popular destinations to live in South Africa, Joburg, Yzerfontein, Churchhaven, and St. Helena Bay in Western Cape, The Garden Route, and Amanzimtoti & Ballito in KwaZulu Natal are some of the best family-friendly cities in South Africa.