23 Apr Where to Stay on a Retirement Visa in South Africa

Just imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, enjoying your morning coffee with mountain or ocean views, and spending your days exploring charming towns, vibrant markets, and warm communities.

South Africa offers all of this and much more, making it an ideal place to enjoy your retirement years. With a retirement visa in hand, the next step is finding the perfect place to settle down.

The Best Retirement Destinations in South Africa

The Western Cape is widely considered to be the top province to retire in South Africa. You can pick and choose between diverse settings from coastal towns like Hermanus or Plettenberg Bay, and wine country like Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, to quiet country living in Montague and Tulbagh, or opt for Garden Route towns like Knysna or George.

Why Choose to Retire in South Africa’s Western Cape

1.   Higher Quality of Life

The Western Cape provides a strong focus on lifestyle, particularly beaches, vineyards, mountains, and nature reserves, all in one. This province also boasts some of the cleanest and well-maintained towns and suburbs.

2.   World-class Healthcare

As we age, our health becomes increasingly important. The Western Cape provides some of the best private hospitals and specialists in the country, including Mediclinic, Netcare, and Life Healthcare.

3.   Safety

While no area is particularly crime-free, many towns like George, Hermanus, and Somerset West in the Western Cape have lower crime rates and active neighbourhood watch communities.

4.   Retiree-Friendly Communities

Towns like Knysna are built with retirees in mind, with everything nearby, and the pace of life is slower. With well-established retirement villages, active community groups, and support services, you will find that the Western Cape is one of the best destinations to retire.

5.   Mild, Pleasant Climate

If you wish to avoid extreme heat or cold, South Africa’s Western Cape is famous for its Mediterranean-style weather with warm summers and mild, wet winters.

Requirements to Maintain a Retirement Visa

In accordance with Section 20 of the Immigration Act, the retirement visa allows for either temporary residence, which is usually up to four years, or permanent residence, depending on the applicant’s financial situation and intent to settle.

The main financial requirement for applicants is providing proof of a monthly income of R37,000.00, which is approximately $2,000.00 acquired from an irrevocable annuity.

Some South African embassies may accept proof of assets or a lump sum, which is equivalent to the total income requirement over four years, instead of a monthly income. This is especially relevant when you apply for temporary residence, but it is not uniformly accepted.

Note that a retirement visa does not grant you the right to work, a separate work endorsement can be applied for, under different conditions. When applying for a retirement visa, you will be required to submit proof of medical insurance and accommodation in South Africa. For permanent residence, you will need to present the same income indefinitely, not just for a temporary stay.

With the right legal guidance, retiring in South Africa can be a seamless and rewarding experience. June Luna Immigration Attorneys offers expert support that goes beyond visas. Get in touch with us to find out all you need to know about the application process to get your retirement visa and start enjoying your retirement years today!