Moving to The United Kingdom from South Africa

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from South Africa to The United Kingdom, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick United Kingdom Facts:

Population: 67.33 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: English (de facto), spoken by 91.1% of the population
GDP Per Capita: $46,510 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: The famed site of Stonehenge in Wiltshire was thought to have been erected in 3100 B.C.E. – which makes it older than Egyptian pyramids!
Currency: Pound sterling (£). As of late 2023, £1 = $1.25, €1 = £1.15, $1 CAD = $1.72, $1 AUD = $1.91

Sections

1. Moving Costs to The United Kingdom from South Africa

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from various South African ports and shipping it to the largest cities in the UK:

SA Port	Destination City	20FT	40FT
Cape Town	Birmingham	£2,300 - £2,600	£3,800 - £4,200
	Glasgow	£2,400 - £2,700	£3,900 - £4,300
	Liverpool	£2,200 - £2,500	£3,600 - £4,000
	London	£2,500 - £2,800	£4,000 - £4,400
	Manchester	£2,300 - £2,600	£3,800 - £4,200
Durban	Birmingham	£2,400 - £2,700	£3,900 - £4,300
	Glasgow	£2,500 - £2,800	£4,000 - £4,400
	Liverpool	£2,300 - £2,600	£3,800 - £4,200
	London	£2,600 - £2,900	£4,100 - £4,500
	Manchester	£2,400 - £2,700	£3,900 - £4,300
Johannesburg	Birmingham	£2,500 - £2,800	£4,000 - £4,400
	Glasgow	£2,600 - £2,900	£4,100 - £4,500
	Liverpool	£2,400 - £2,700	£3,900 - £4,300
	London	£2,700 - £3,000	£4,200 - £4,600
	Manchester	£2,500 - £2,800	£4,000 - £4,400
Pretoria	Birmingham	£2,600 - £2,900	£4,100 - £4,500
	Glasgow	£2,700 - £3,000	£4,200 - £4,600
	Liverpool	£2,500 - £2,800	£4,000 - £4,400
	London	£2,800 - £3,100	£4,300 - £4,700
	Manchester	£2,600 - £2,900	£4,100 - £4,500

All figures are in GBP;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to The United Kingdom from South Africa?

Let’s take a look at some locations in the north and south of the United Kingdom to give you an idea of move time when relocating from South Africa.

London Heathrow to Cape Town – 19 hours, 45 minutes – £296
London Gatwick to Cape Town – 19 hours, 20 minutes – £309
Edinburgh to Cape Town – 1 day, 10 hours – £315

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to The United Kingdom from South Africa

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

Before your move, you’ll want to ensure all boxes are ticked so that your transition is smooth. This will involve sorting your visa, finding accommodation, and if necessary opening a bank account to allow you to rent or buy property in the United Kingdom.

It may be required in some cases to show proof of vaccinations, as well as criminal records if you are set to be working with vulnerable people. It’s also a good idea to get to grips with the customs and import regulations to ensure anything you’re bringing into the United Kingdom is permitted.

Currently, there are no COVID-19 restrictions, but this can change, so it’s prudent to check this closer to your time of travel for the most up-to-date information.

4. Visa Requirements to The United Kingdom from South Africa

Alongside a valid passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has a points-based visa system, and the number of points needed will vary depending on whether you are visiting for travel, work or study purposes.

The visa application needs to be planned in advance as visa appointments are notoriously hard to secure. An expedited service is available for last-minute travel, subject to the availability of the office.

You will need a valid visa to gain entry to the United Kingdom, with the only exception to this being if you are planning on staying in the United Kingdom for less than six months, but if this is the case, during this time you will not be permitted to legally work.

Here’s a sample of visa options:

Skilled Worker visa (up to 5 years before renewal)
Health and Care Worker visa (up to 5 years before renewal)
Graduate visa (2 years)
Seasonal Worker visa (varied lengths)

Some visa choices are available without job offers, while others are contingent on you having an employment contract ready in the United Kingdom. Also, some of these can help you to gain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances, and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in The United Kingdom

While this article is covering The United Kingdom as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in London is 132.3% higher than that of Cape Town, with rent being around 317.5% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in the United Kingdom:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: £930+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: £726+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: £1,625+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: £1,225+

United Kingdom Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: £4,500+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: £3,395+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in The United Kingdom

There is a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) in place between the United Kingdom and South Africa which is there to prevent the double taxation of income, and to also help to mitigate tax evasion.

The taxation rules in the United Kingdom will vary depending on whether or not you are classed as a resident of the United Kingdom. To be classed as a resident, you must:

Spend 183 days or more in the United Kingdom during one tax year (April – April)
Have a home in the United Kingdom
Have a full-time job in the United Kingdom

If these points apply, you will be taxed on your worldwide income – this will include any United Kingdom and any other country’s income.

However, if you are classed as a non-resident, you will only be taxed on the income you earn in the United Kingdom, and your other earnings (if applicable) will not be subject to United Kingdom taxation.

In all cases, it’s best to speak to a tax specialist to be fully clued up on your rights and any necessary steps to complete when it comes to your income while in the United Kingdom.

7. Working Rules in The United Kingdom

There are a number of permits and visas required for South African citizens to enable them to work in the United Kingdom legally. According to Gov.uk, these can range from:

Health and Care Worker visa
Skilled Worker visa
Senior or Specialist Worker visa
Overseas Domestic Worker visa
Secondment Worker visa
Service Supplier visa
United Kingdom Expansion Worker visa
Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Depending on the exact type, these visas can cover you if you have a job offer for a role in the United Kingdom, or if you need to work in the United Kingdom for your overseas employer.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes, so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom benefits from the NHS – the National Health Service, which is publically funded – which offers free healthcare. This means that UK residents are granted free healthcare from hospital visits as well as mental health and physician aid.

This means that anyone in the United Kingdom can receive free healthcare – although it’s important to note that while emergency treatment will be available to anyone, anything further to that, such as specialised services or other treatments if you are a non-resident, will likely incur a fee.

It’s a good idea to get clued up on the ins and outs of the United Kingdom’s healthcare before visiting so you know what to do in a medical emergency, and to always visit with medical insurance in place to ensure you’re covered in the event of any accidents or injuries during your stay.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in The United Kingdom

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to the United Kingdom with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

The Gov.uk website doesn’t list South Africa as a Part 1 or 2 country, which means that you will need to get a Great Britain health certificate which has been issued in the last 10 days before your entry to allow your pet entry to the United Kingdom.

There will be a longer process to grant admission for your pet. After their rabies vaccination, they will need to undertake a rabies antibody test, which will involve the following:

A blood test to prove the rabies vaccination 30 days after the vaccination date, which must be sent to an EU-approved blood testing laboratory
The test results must show that the vaccination was successful
Three months must then be spent waiting before you are permitted to travel
You must obtain a copy of the test results, and enter this information into the pet passport

You will also need to ensure your pet is microchipped, has a vaccination against rabies and have tapeworm treatment (dogs only).

There will be certain restrictions imposed by the airlines as to how your pet will travel, but they will likely be cargo unless they are an assistance dog or if you are travelling via a chartered private plane.

Failure to follow these steps may place your pet in quarantine upon arrival to the United Kingdom, or even sent back to your starting country. For full information, it’s best to check the Gov.uk website for up-to-date information.

10. Similar Cities

While South Africa and the United Kingdom have entirely different geographical positions, landscapes and climates, comparisons can be drawn between Cape Town and Edinburgh in Scotland if we compare their natural features and beauty.

From Table Mountain in Cape Town, Edinburgh is home to Arthur’s Seat – an extinct volcano – Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile. Both locations are rich with historical features, and have bustling cultural centres.

Both Cape Town and Edinburgh draw in tourists from far afield – while perhaps for different climates! – but with a similar pull towards natural beauty and breathtaking views.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to The United Kingdom from South Africa

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from South Africa to The United Kingdom, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from South Africa to the United Kingdom	Disadvantages of Moving from South Africa to the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom offers a rich historical and cultural experience, with iconic landmarks, museums, and a diverse arts scene.	The cost of living in the United Kingdom, particularly in major cities like London, can be relatively high, impacting housing affordability and everyday expenses.
The U.K. provides access to world-renowned educational institutions, cultural events, and a variety of career opportunities.	Weather in the United Kingdom can be unpredictable, with rain and cool temperatures, and adjusting to a different climate may be necessary for expatriates.
The United Kingdom is strategically located for travel within Europe, providing opportunities to explore neighboring countries.	Expatriates may need to adapt to the local work culture, and navigating the immigration process and residency requirements may require careful planning. Additionally, uncertainties related to Brexit may impact certain aspects of life and work.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to take a look at Gov.uk for all the information you need.