Moving to UK from South Africa – 2024 Returning Guide

Are you considering moving to UK from South Africa?

In the years since you moved to South Africa, it may seem as if so much has changed!

With so many significant events in the last few years more and more people are reevaluating what is most important to them.

Some people may choose to take on new projects, reconnect with friends and family, or purchase their first home.

White & Company are here to assist you no matter what your reasons are for wanting to live in the UK.

You may need to make some extra planning for your move since the relocation process has changed so much.

The purpose of this article is to cover the most important aspects of relocating to the UK.

It is our hope to provide you with all the information you need to make your move as smooth as possible.

This guide will hopefully assist you with moving to UK from South Africa.

House Prices

Properties in the UK may be more expensive than you expect. Image credit: Pexels

If you’re planning to move to the UK from South Africa, it’s important to be aware that property prices here are likely to be higher than what you’re accustomed to.

Currently, the average price of a property in the UK stands at £285,000.

Considering this, selling your home in South Africa before making the move could be a wise decision, allowing you to start anew and invest in the UK’s housing market with a clean slate.

Gaining a thorough understanding of the UK property market is crucial before moving.

Fortunately, the internet provides easy access to a wealth of information, with platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla offering up-to-date insights into current property prices.

These websites can be incredibly helpful for those moving from South Africa to the UK and will help to give you a realistic idea of what to expect when it comes to housing costs.

In recent years, the UK has seen some dramatic fluctuations in property prices, with the last 12 months seeing prices rise by an average of £11,000.

Understanding the dynamics of the property market and preparing accordingly can ensure a much smoother transition to life in the UK, setting you up for a successful new chapter.

Cost of Living in the UK

The cost of living in UK will be higher than in South Africa. Image credit: Unsplash

In the UK, the cost of living is notoriously high and continues to increase at a rate that may concern many residents.

This upward trend in daily expenses means that upon your arrival in the UK, you should prepare yourself for significantly higher living costs.

However, it’s worth noting that living expenses will vary somewhat depending on where you choose to live within the country.

Generally, there’s a noticeable decrease in living costs as you move towards the northern regions, offering a slight respite from the financial demands of the south.

Despite the steep living expenses, it’s important to remember that wages in the UK are comparatively higher than in South Africa, which can help mitigate the impact of the cost of living increase.

According to the latest data from Numbeo, for a similar position, you could earn on average 127% more in the UK than in South Africa.

This significant wage difference is a key factor to consider when preparing for your move, as it will substantially affect your ability to maintain a comfortable standard of living.

Before undertaking your journey from South Africa to the UK, it’s essential to conduct thorough financial planning.

Ensure that you have a realistic understanding of both the potential earnings and the living expenses you’ll face.

This preparation should include researching the cost of housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other daily essentials in the area of the UK where you plan to live.

By doing so, you can make an informed decision about whether the move is financially viable for you and your family.

Driving in the UK

Driver’s licenses are a crucial consideration when moving to UK from South Africa.

Contacting the DVLA is essential if you own a foreign licence.

It will then be possible for you to exchange your licence for a valid UK driving license.

For a period of 12 months, holders of a South African driving licence can drive in the United Kingdom.

The UK Department for Transport states that South Africans moving to the UK won’t need a foreign driving license for the first year.

South African drivers with permanent residence in the United Kingdom, however, will not need to take another driving test to exchange their licences.

When you become a citizen of the UK, you will have the ability to switch your license for a period of 5 years.

Organising Your Finances

Getting your finances in order is a must if you are moving to UK from South Africa.

Since this is such a big move, we are sure this is already a top priority for you.

Nevertheless, the importance of your finances when moving from South Africa should not be overlooked.

When it comes to moving internationally and finances, there are so many factors to consider.

Your first step should be to open a bank account in the UK.

You may already be familiar with the process of opening a UK bank account if you have lived here before.

As far as finances are concerned, notifying HM Revenue & Customs of your returns and understanding your pension should also be top priorities.

Financially, moving to the UK from South Africa won’t be that different, but you’ll still have to arrange your finances a bit differently.

So be fully prepared.

Visas

There are various ways to get a visa when coming to the UK. Image credit: Envato Elements

Make sure you can actually move to the UK before hiring a removal company to move your household contents.

There are various ways to obtain a visa, but it can be a pricey venture.

Although getting a British passport can be expensive, time spent in the UK on an Ancestral visa contributes to permanent settlement rights.

There are several other visa options available to individuals who want to relocate to the UK but do not qualify for ancestral visas or British passports.

There are increased opportunities for skilled South African workers in the years following Brexit.

The UK’s Migration Advisory Committee announced the Seasonal Agricultural Scheme that started in the spring of 2019.

The scheme is open to all South Africans and provides a new visa route to the UK.

Shipping Your Belongings

You will need patience and precise planning to move your belongings when moving to UK from South Africa!

First, determine if you will be bringing back all your belongings when moving your goods.

In most cases, people moving from South Africa will return with all their belongings.

It is important to contact a reputable international mover if this is the case.

Picking one may seem overwhelming since there are so many options to choose from!

However, it is imperative to ensure your chosen removals company is a member of FIDI, BAR, and Omni.

A very high standard of auditing is consistently applied to companies that are members of these organizations.

This way you will be receiving the highest level of service when moving to the UK from South Africa.

Be sure to get in touch with White & Company in the UK.

We have been working with reliable partners across the globe for years.

To ensure your move goes smoothly, White & Company can provide you with the contact details of our trusted partners in South Africa.

Afterwards, your removal company will explain the export process and assist with UK import documentation.

Ready to Start Moving to UK from South Africa?

White & Company Truck

Are you thinking of moving to UK from South Africa?

Moving abroad can be a tricky process for everyone concerned.

That’s why White & Company are here to help your move to the UK be as stress-free as possible.

Over the years, White & Company has positioned itself as the international removals firm of choice for removals worldwide.

Our experience is second to none. As members of BAR, FIDI and OMNI, White & Company have been relocating people to destinations worldwide for 150 years.

Our experienced teams located across the UK will pack and prepare your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture ready for export

To find out more about how we could get your dream move underway, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.

Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form or chat with our bot and we’ll get in touch with you straight away.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.