Moving to South Africa?

Moving to South Africa

Have you decided to move to South Africa? Then you have come to the right place. At De Haan Relocation, we offer complete, end-to-end international moving services to and from South Africa. Whether you are relocating or emigrating, we are here to support you throughout the entire process.

Our experienced team is ready to ensure your international relocation to South Africa is seamless and stress-free. You will be assigned a dedicated Move Coordinator, your personal point of contact for all your questions and arrangements. This gives you peace of mind during what is often a hectic time. 

What you need to arrange when moving to South Africa

Relocating to South Africa involves much more than packing your belongings. Your household goods must be professionally prepared for overseas transport, and the correct customs documents for South Africa must be gathered. You may also need to investigate suitable schools for your children or temporary housing. At De Haan, we support you through every step of your emigration to South Africa.

For many years, De Haan has successfully relocated private individuals, families, and expatriates to and from South Africa. We can handle the shipping of your entire household—or just a portion of it. Thanks to our global partner network, we always have the right local solution. You can rest assured that De Haan only works with trusted moving companies in South Africa. Complex customs procedures are familiar territory for us, so you do not have to worry about surprises. 

Expert support for your move to South Africa

To ensure your household goods arrive safely and intact, proper packing, trusted local partners, and correct customs handling are essential. Here is how De Haan supports you:

• We use custom-made, sustainable packing materials. Our professional movers are trained in seaworthy packing techniques,an essential skill for international shipping.
• At your destination, we work exclusively with certified partners within our global FIDI and OMNI network. These companies are carefully selected based on strict quality standards and ongoing performance evaluations. We often know their teams personally and have worked with them for many years.
• De Haan arranges the complete customs process and shipping—whether by sea or air. Your personal Move Coordinator manages the logistics, maintains contact with our international partners, and keeps you updated throughout.
• The documentation required, and the regulations that apply, depend entirely on your personal situation. For example, importing a vehicle as part of your household goods is subject to strict rules in South Africa, and you must be physically present at customs clearance. We are happy to guide you through this complex and often stressful documentation process. 

Key questions about moving to South Africa

You cannot simply relocate to South Africa without preparation. Strict customs requirements apply, including detailed inventory lists for importing your household goods. You also cannot bring a vehicle without an official import permit. We will gladly assist you with this.  However, it is your responsibility to arrange a valid residence permit or visa for South Africa. The costs of moving to South Africa depend on your personal situation. In addition to visa and documentation fees, you should consider airfare, moving costs, housing, cost of living and other monthly expenses. 

Housing and cost of living in South Africa

Is it expensive to live in South Africa? That depends on the region. For current information on cost of living, we recommend visiting websites like Numbeo. Real estate agents in South Africa operate similarly to their Western counterparts—they are professional, certified, and offer reliable service. Rental prices can be quite high due to elevated mortgage rates. Lower rental prices may indicate less desirable neighborhoods. It is common to negotiate the rent, especially for long-term stays. Always visit the property in person before making any decisions. 

Safety and daily life in South Africa

Many blogs raise concerns about safety in South African cities. While the country does have security challenges, like many major cities around the world, expatriates often report feeling safe when they follow basic precautions. The people are generally friendly, the culture is fascinating, and the natural beauty is breathtaking.

As one expat, Ineke, described it: “South Africa is the world in one country. There is so much to see and experience,everything from elephants to penguins.” Another expat, Jorien, shared: “I travelled to South Africa alone as a young woman. I never felt unsafe, as long as I followed the usual safety tips like not walking alone at night.” 

Moving from South Africa to the Netherlands

Are you planning to return to the Netherlands? De Haan not only supports relocations to South Africa, we also handle international moves from South Africa to the Netherlands. We assist you with the necessary documentation for importing your household goods. Thanks to our international network, you can expect the same high level of quality at both ends of your move, from packing in South Africa to unpacking in the Netherlands. Home Sweet Home!