Best Countries to Move to From South Africa (2026)

What 'best' means on this page

There is no single best country, and this page ranks none. Every destination is compared on the same four checks, taken only from official government pages. Check A is the entry rule for South African passport holders. Check B is the main skilled-work route and the conditions its official page states. Check C is what the pages say about family members. Check D is anything specific to South Africans, plus any dated change in force or coming. Where the official pages we read do not state something, we say so. This page does not cover costs, processing times, rankings or advice, and it does not tell you whether you would qualify. The pages were read on the seventh of October, two thousand twenty-six. Rules change: confirm each one on the official page before you act.

Before you leave South Africa: tax residency and capital gains

SARS says a person is a South African tax resident by ordinary residence or physical presence. Physical presence means over 91 days in the year and in each of the five years before, and over 915 days across those five years. A person resident only through that test ceases to be resident after at least 330 full days continuously outside South Africa. SARS asks to be told through form RAV01 on eFiling, followed by a declaration with supporting documents. Ceasing residence triggers a deemed capital gains tax disposal of worldwide assets, excluding immovable property in South Africa. SARS's guide to capital gains tax for individuals (Issue 13, dated 18 March 2025, which says it applies to the 2024 year of assessment) says that when a person ceases to be a resident, proceeds equal market value, and a net capital gain is multiplied by the inclusion rate (40% for an individual). SARS says access to the retirement component of any retirement fund needs at least three uninterrupted years as a non-resident.

sars.gov.za: Cease to be an SA Tax Resident and Reinstatement of SA Tax Resident sars.gov.za: Tax and Non-Residents sars.gov.za: Supporting Documents for Approval of International Transfers (AIT) sars.gov.za: ABC of Capital Gains Tax for Individuals (Issue 13)

Before you leave South Africa: citizenship

On 6 May 2025 the Constitutional Court declared section 6(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act invalid. The South African High Commission in London, on a DIRCO page relaying Home Affairs, says no retention letter is now needed to acquire another citizenship; other DIRCO mission pages, such as Toronto and Stockholm, still print the old rule.

concourt.org.za: Democratic Alliance v Minister of Home Affairs and Another CCT184/23 (post-judgment media summary and order) dirco.gov.za: Civic Services - South African High Commission in the United Kingdom dirco.gov.za: Retention of South African citizenship - South African Consulate-General in Toronto, Canada dirco.gov.za: Application for retention of South African citizenship - South African Embassy Stockholm, Sweden

Before you leave South Africa: money and papers

The Reserve Bank manual says emigration, as it recognised it, was phased out from 1 March 2021. SARS says Approval International Transfer (AIT) replaced the Emigration and Foreign Investment Allowance applications. Circular 6/2026 (8 April 2026) and the manual say that a person who ceased to be a tax resident may, in the same calendar year, transfer up to R2 million as a once-only travel allowance without a TCS PIN letter, and export household and personal effects up to R2 million per family unit if declared. The manual also allows up to R10 million per calendar year for a person aged 18 or older who ceased to be resident, is tax compliant and applies; above that, SARS verification and Financial Surveillance Department approval apply. SAPS offers police clearance certificates for emigration. DIRCO accepts original police clearance certificates no older than six months and legalises documents with an Apostille Certificate or a Certificate of Authentication.

resbank.co.za: Currency and Exchanges Manual for Authorised Dealers (consolidated, section B.2(J), B.2(B), B.4(A)) sars.gov.za: Guide to the Tax Compliance Status functionality on eFiling resbank.co.za: Exchange Control Circular No. 6/2026 (single discretionary allowance, Authorised Dealer Manual) saps.gov.za: Police Clearance Certificates: Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) dirco.gov.za: Legalisation Services - DIRCO

Read this first: the United States

Executive Order 14204 (7 February 2025) directs steps, consistent with law, to prioritise humanitarian relief, including refugee admission, for what the order calls "Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination". The fiscal year 2027 refugee determination (25 September 2026) covers the admission of up to 17,500 refugees and says admissions shall primarily be allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa. On 15 September 2026 the Secretary of State announced a visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals responsible for, or complicit in, the enactment or implementation of laws or policies that enable uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination and/or incitement of imminent violence against members of minority ethnic or racial groups in South Africa. Certain family members may also be covered.

whitehouse.gov: Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States (Presidential Proclamation 10998) whitehouse.gov: Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa (Executive Order 14204) federalregister.gov: Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2027 (Presidential Determination No. 2026-24) state.gov: Announcement of New Visa Restriction Policy Targeting Foreign Nationals Involved in Race-Based Discrimination and Incitement of Imminent Violence, as well as Uncompensated Land Seizures in South Africa

United Kingdom: Skilled Worker visa

Entry (A): South Africa is on the Immigration Rules visa national list: a visa (entry clearance) is needed before travel for any purpose, unless an exception applies. Work route (B): GOV.UK says a Skilled Worker needs a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor in an eligible occupation, paying, in the general case, at least both £41,700 a year and the going rate; the Rules set lower amounts in some cases, for example a relevant PhD, a job on the Immigration Salary List or a new entrant (pages updated 3 August 2026). English at level B2 must be proved unless an exemption applies; the nationality exemption list does not include South Africa.

gov.uk: Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list gov.uk: Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker gov.uk: Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English

United Kingdom: family and South Africa-specific checks

Family (C): a partner and a child under 18 may apply as dependants, need entry clearance, and may work except as a professional sportsperson. Extra conditions apply for medium skilled and care jobs. South Africa-specific (D): the visa-check tool shows the UK Ancestry visa for a South African passport holder working longer than 6 months; it needs a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

gov.uk: Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker gov.uk: Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children gov.uk: Check if you need a UK visa (result for a South African passport holder working longer than 6 months) gov.uk: UK Ancestry visa: Overview

Canada: Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)

Entry (A): IRCC lists South Africa among visa-required countries: citizens need a valid visitor visa and a valid passport to visit or transit through Canada, by any method of travel (page dated 31 July 2026). Work route (B): the Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience. IRCC states work in TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 within the last 10 years, at least 1 year of continuous work or 1,560 hours, language level CLB 7 and an overall score out of 100, where 67 points or higher may qualify. A job offer is not required; applicants must plan to live outside Quebec. Family (C): dependants processed with the applicant can come, but not before the applicant. South Africa-specific (D): IRCC's police certificate page for South Africa (dated 27 November 2023) names the Police Clearance Certificate and says Ideco Biometrics certificates are not valid for immigration purposes.

canada.ca: What you need to enter Canada canada.ca: Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program canada.ca: Express Entry: Who can apply ircc.canada.ca: Which family members can come with me to Canada when I immigrate? canada.ca: How to get a police certificate – South Africa

Australia: Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

Entry (A): the High Commission in Pretoria says all non-citizens need a visa before travelling. No official page we read names South Africa as visa-required, and the printed Electronic Travel Authority and eVisitor lists do not include it. Work route (B): Home Affairs says, for the Core Skills stream, the employer nominates the worker for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List; the worker needs at least 1 year of relevant experience. The Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Family (C): the partner and dependent children can be included, and can live, study and work. South Africa-specific (D): South Africa is not on the list of passports exempt from the English test for this visa; the page lists other exemptions, such as at least 5 years of full-time secondary or higher study mostly in English. Under Ministerial Direction 121 (from 19 September 2026), applications from applicants in Australia at lodgement are listed before those from primary applicants outside Australia in the order of priority.

southafrica.embassy.gov.au: Visas and citizenship immi.homeaffairs.gov.au: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) immi.homeaffairs.gov.au: eVisitor (subclass 651) immi.homeaffairs.gov.au: Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream immi.homeaffairs.gov.au: Salary requirements to nominate a worker immi.homeaffairs.gov.au: English proficiency (subclass 482) immi.homeaffairs.gov.au: Skilled visa processing priorities

New Zealand: Accredited Employer Work Visa and Skilled Migrant Category

Entry (A): Immigration New Zealand's visa waiver list does not include South Africa. A notice of 7 October 2016 says visitor visa requirements for South African nationals wishing to visit were set to start on 21 November 2016. Work route (B): the Accredited Employer Work Visa needs a job offer of at least 30 hours a week from an accredited employer, with an approved job check, and 2 years or more of relevant experience or a level 4 or higher qualification. The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa has 3 pathways; all need age 55 or younger and a skilled job, or an offer of one, with an accredited employer.

immigration.govt.nz: Visa waiver countries and territories immigration.govt.nz: Visa changes for South African nationals (7 October 2016) immigration.govt.nz: Accredited Employer Work Visa immigration.govt.nz: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

New Zealand: family and South Africa-specific checks

Family (C): the resident visa can include a partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger; the Accredited Employer Work Visa cannot include them, but an Accredited Employer Work Visa holder may be able to support a visitor or work visa for a partner and visitor or student visas for children, depending on pay and job skill level. South Africa-specific (D): South Africa is not among the citizenship countries accepted as English ability for skilled residence visas.

immigration.govt.nz: Accredited Employer Work Visa immigration.govt.nz: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa immigration.govt.nz: English language requirements for skilled residence visas

Ireland: Critical Skills Employment Permit

From 10 July 2024, nationals of South Africa must obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, and a transit visa to transit through Ireland. A valid employment permit is needed first, and work over 90 days needs a long stay employment visa before coming. Work route (B): the Department of Enterprise says the Critical Skills Employment Permit needs a job offer of at least 2 years; no Labour Market Needs Test is required. Minimum annual remuneration, in operation from 1 March 2026, is €40,904 for listed occupations needing a relevant degree (€36,848 where that qualification was obtained in the 12 months before applying) and €68,911 for all other eligible employments. Family (C): a spouse, civil partner or de facto partner, and an unmarried child under 18, may apply to join immediately, subject to financial thresholds. South Africa-specific (D): South Africa is not in the lists we read for the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or working holidays.

irishimmigration.ie: Visa & Non-Visa Required Nationalities gov.ie: Minister McEntee announces new visa requirements for South African and Botswana nationals irishimmigration.ie: Coming to work in Ireland irishimmigration.ie: What are my work visa options? enterprise.gov.ie: Critical Skills Employment Permit irishstatutebook.ie: S.I. No. 643/2025 - Employment Permits (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2025 irishimmigration.ie: Joining a non-EEA/non Swiss national irishimmigration.ie: Short stay visa waiver programme irishimmigration.ie: Working holidays in Ireland

Germany: EU Blue Card and skilled-worker visas

Entry (A): the Federal Foreign Office table of 3 June 2026 lists South Africa as "yes" for entry visa required; the German Embassy Pretoria, on the site for the German Missions in South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, says South African passport holders need a Schengen visa for short stays and a national visa for stays over 90 days, and an employment visa for any employment. Work route (B): the EU Blue Card, for skilled workers with an academic qualification, needs a job offer of at least six months and a gross salary of at least EUR 50,700 a year for 2026, or EUR 45,934.20 in the reduced-threshold cases.

auswaertiges-amt.de: Overview of visa requirements/exemptions for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany southafrica.diplo.de: Visa — German Embassy Pretoria southafrica.diplo.de: Employment Visa (Qualified Professionals) gesetze-im-internet.de: Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) — Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet bundesanzeiger.de: Bekanntmachung zu § 18g des Aufenthaltsgesetzes über die Mindestgehälter für die Blaue Karte EU (BAnz AT 18.12.2025 B3)

Germany: family and South Africa-specific checks

Family (C): the Residence Act gives the spouse of a Blue Card holder a residence permit where, among its conditions, both spouses are 18 or older; the Federal Office says spouses of skilled workers need not prove simple German before entry. South Africa-specific (D): South Africa is in neither section 41 list of nationals who may enter without a visa for longer stays. The Federal Ministry of the Interior says multiple nationality has been generally accepted since 27 June 2024.

gesetze-im-internet.de: Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) — Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet bamf.de: Nachzug zu ausländischen Familienangehörigen gesetze-im-internet.de: Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) — section 41, Vergünstigung für Angehörige bestimmter Staaten bmi.bund.de: Staatsangehörigkeitsrecht (Federal Ministry of the Interior)

Netherlands: highly skilled migrant permit

Entry (A): for stays up to 90 days in 180, the Dutch visa wizard (NetherlandsWorldwide) gives a South African on a regular passport, without a Schengen permit or visa, a Schengen visa result; an EU regulation lists South Africa in Annex I of nationals needing a visa at the external borders. For stays over 90 days in paid work, the wizard result is an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV). The wizard result is not legally binding. Work route (B): a highly skilled migrant needs a residence permit applied for by an IND-recognised employer, an employment contract and a market-rate salary. The 2026 gross monthly amounts are EUR 4,357.00 under 30, EUR 5,942.00 for 30 or older and EUR 3,122.00 with the reduced criterion. Family (C): a spouse, partner and minor children need their own residence permit. South Africa-specific (D): South Africa does not appear in the IND's tuberculosis-test exemption appendix or its Working Holiday list.

NetherlandsWorldwide visa wizard data file (version 20-08-2026) eur-lex.europa.eu: Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 listing the third countries whose nationals must have a visa for the external borders (consolidated text) netherlandsworldwide.nl: Do I need a visa for the Netherlands? ind.nl: Highly skilled migrant ind.nl: Residence permit for work as a highly skilled migrant (IND publication) ind.nl: Required amounts income requirements ind.nl: Requirements that apply to everyone ind.nl: Appendix: exemption from the obligation to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test ind.nl: Residence permit Working Holiday

United Arab Emirates: employer-sponsored work permit

Entry (A): the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list shows "Visa Required" for the Republic of South Africa. On 25 June 2026 the ministry announced a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival for South African ordinary passport holders and accompanying family members who hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Work route (B): working without a valid MoHRE work permit is illegal; the employer must apply for the standard work visa, valid for two years and renewable. Family (C): residents may bring a spouse, unmarried daughters, sons under 25 and children with special needs; the sponsor needs a minimum salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. South Africa-specific (D): the tourist visa page, for those not eligible for visa on arrival, names no condition specific to South Africans.

mofa.gov.ae: Visa information to enter the country (list of nationalities: visa free / visa required) mofa.gov.ae: UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Nationals of Six Countries Residing Outside Their Home Countries u.ae: Tourist visa u.ae: Work permits u.ae: Work visa u.ae: Residence visa for families of employees

United States: employment-based green card and H-1B

Entry (A): this page does not state the U.S. entry rule for South African passport holders, because the official page it relied on could not be retrieved and checked on 8 October 2026; confirm it with the U.S. State Department. Work route (B): USCIS describes employment-based green cards in five preference categories, some needing a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer. H-1B needs a specialty occupation, a bachelor's or higher degree (or its equivalent) in a directly related specialty, and a certified Labor Condition Application. Family (C): the spouse and unmarried children under 21 may seek H-4 admission; certain H-4 spouses can apply for work authorization once the H-1B holder has started the green card process.

uscis.gov: Permanent Workers uscis.gov: H-1B Specialty Occupations

United States: check D, dated H-1B measures

South Africa-specific or dated (D): see 'Read this first' above for the measures naming South Africa; also, a proclamation of 18 September 2026 extends the 2025 H-1B entry restriction from 21 September 2026 until 21 September 2027: entry is restricted unless petitions carry a payment of $100,000, subject to national-interest exceptions. Earlier, on 8 June 2026, a federal district court vacated agency guidance implementing the $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions; USCIS says an appeals court refused to pause that order on 24 July 2026 and DHS will comply while it considers next steps. The pages we read do not say how that order applies to the 2026 proclamation.

uscis.gov: H-1B Specialty Occupations whitehouse.gov: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (Proclamation of September 18, 2026)

What changed recently or is about to change: South Africa, the UK and Canada

In South Africa, a draft bill would limit the spousal donations tax exemption to a resident spouse from 25 February 2026; the pages we read do not show it enacted. In the United Kingdom, the English requirement for settlement on routes including Skilled Worker rises from B1 to B2 on 26 March 2027, including for people already on those routes, and earned settlement is still being considered. Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan proposes a new federal high skilled class and the repeal of the Federal Skilled Worker Class; it is a proposal only.

sars.gov.za: Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2026 (draft for comment) sars.gov.za: Draft Documents for Public Comment – Due Date Passed treasury.gov.za: 2026 Budget Review, Annexure C: Additional tax policy and administrative adjustments gov.uk: Explanatory memorandum to the statement of changes in the Immigration Rules: HC 1691, 5 March 2026 gov.uk: Higher standard of English now required to settle in the UK gov.uk: Earned settlement (closed consultation) canada.ca: Forward Regulatory Plan: regulations amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to modernize the federal high skilled classes

What changed recently or is about to change: Ireland, the Netherlands and the United States

From 1 June 2026 Ireland no longer allows appeals of short-stay visa refusals, with an exception under EU free movement rules. In the Netherlands the 30% ruling falls to 27% on 1 January 2027 for rulings started after 1 January 2024, and the income-requirement increase has no effective date yet.

irishimmigration.ie: Appeal a negative decision business.gov.nl: 30% ruling: compensation for expats down to 27% business.gov.nl: Rules for highly skilled migrants to change

What this page does not cover

This page does not cover costs, processing times, quotas, how points are scored or individual tax outcomes. Check the official pages for them.