12 Feb All the Benefits of Retiring in South Africa

Many foreign nationals have chosen South Africa as their retirement destination, leaving behind notable first-world countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Germany, and the United States.

Retiring in South Africa has always been a top choice for many foreigners interested in retiring outside of their native country. Here’s why.

Reasons to Retire in South Africa

Many immigrants choose to retire in South Africa for two main reasons: the improved lifestyle and the lower cost of living, compared to many Western countries. Did you know — 5,000 and counting foreign nationals are set to retire in South Africa.

Affordability

Retirement in South Africa is affordable, despite rising housing prices. The average home costs around R1.135 million, which can buy a one-bedroom apartment in the Western Cape or a three-bedroom house in other provinces (BusinessTech, 2024). Dining out ranges from casual meals to fine dining, which typically costs between R100 and R500 per person, depending on the restaurant. Retirees usually find that activities like going to the theatre or cinema are more budget-friendly, making their pensions stretch further than in many other countries.

Climate

Retirement in South Africa offers plenty of sunshine and a pleasant climate, with long sunny days perfect for poolside relaxation or golfing. Summer lasts from December to February, while winters are generally mild and dry. With an average of about eight and a half hours of sunshine daily, South Africa is among the sunniest countries in the world.

Attractions and Hobbies

South Africa boasts much natural beauty, from beaches to beautiful mountains and wildlife-filled parks such as the Kruger National Park, which is home to the Big Five. Activities. Attractions abound in the form of Table Mountain, coastlines such as Durban and Cape Town, the Garden Route, the winelands, and many others. It is important to remember its rich heritage throughout history and what’s more, Nelson Mandela’s legacy. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities with more than 450 high-quality golf courses and a fine coastline for swimming, surfing, and boating.

Rainbow Nation

South Africa treats immigrants warmly. It boasts rich cultural heritage with diverse traditions and cuisines. The vibrant expatriate community provides support and connections, with English speakers experiencing few language difficulties. What’s more, speakers of French, German and Dutch can all find large networking groups to help them settle.

Medical Facilities

This is not a subject any of us like to think about but as we age, it becomes increasingly important. There are some excellent care services available. It’s important to note that having private medical insurance is essential, as the cost provides access to outstanding private medical care.

Household Support

In South Africa, it is common to hire household staff. Typically, gardeners and maids are paid approximately R200 per day. Employing staff can help you save time on more demanding chores, allowing you to enjoy leisure activities instead.

Tax Environment

Tax may not be glamorous, but it is an important consideration for retirees immigrating to South Africa. They are not required to bring any funds but need to prove stable income from pensions or investments to qualify for a retirement visa. Residents are taxed on worldwide income, but foreign pension income is exempt. South Africa also has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) to prevent double taxation and make your money go further.

Communications

Keeping in touch with loved ones back home is an important consideration, and South Africa offers all the modern forms of communication you may be used to. Whether it’s through Skype, Google Meet, internet calls, or cell phones, the country provides a variety of options for staying connected. While traditional home phones are less common nowadays, mobile phones and internet-based communication services are widely available, with reliable coverage in major cities.

Infrastructure – Getting Around

Getting around South Africa is relatively easy, especially for retirees who wish to explore the country. South Africa has several international airports, including those of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, providing convenient access to global destinations. The country also boasts thousands of kilometres of well-maintained roads and urban areas are connected by systems like the Gautrain and Rea Vaya buses. There are licensed taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt for local travel.

How It Works

After evaluating your case, our specialists will explain what retiring in South Africa entails, including required documentation and an estimated timeline. A temporary retirement visa is valid for up to four years, while permanent residency allows you to stay indefinitely. We understand the immigration process can be challenging and will keep you updated on your application progress.

If you are interested in retiring in South Africa or want to hasten the processing of your pending application for temporary or permanent residency, don’t hesitate to contact June Luna Immigration Attorneys.