Relocation Guide
Moving From Republika Południowej Afryki To Wielka Brytania
South Africans moving to the UK need a visa even to visit, and applicants from South Africa need a TB test. Many qualify for the Skilled Worker visa; some also have a UK Ancestry route through a grandparent born in the UK. Exchange control and SARS rules shape how you move money and when you stop being South African tax resident.
Updated 1 października 2026
Quick answer
South African citizens move to the UK mainly on the Skilled Worker visa (sponsored job offer) or the Global Talent visa; those with a UK-born grandparent may qualify for UK Ancestry. South Africans need a visa for visits and a TB test certificate when applying from South Africa. Skilled Worker fees are £819 or £1,618 plus the £1,035 yearly surcharge.
As of 1 października 2026
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Short visits | Visa needed, even for visitsSource · checked 2 października 2026 |
| Visa appointments | We confirm this for your case |
| Documents | Apostille accepted: your country is in the Hague Apostille ConventionSource · checked 2 października 2026 |
| TB test | Needed: a TB test from a Home Office approved clinicSource · checked 2 października 2026 |
| Double tax treaty | A comprehensive income tax treaty is in forceSource · checked 2 października 2026 |
| Dual citizenship | We confirm this for your case |
What is different from Republika Południowej Afryki
Visa even for visits
South Africans are visa nationals for the UK, so even scouting trips need a visitor visa, applied for at a visa centre in South Africa.
TB test
Applicants resident in South Africa need a TB certificate from a Home Office approved clinic.
UK Ancestry
Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK can apply for a five-year Ancestry visa to work in the UK without a sponsor. We check your family documents.
Money and tax
Plan transfers within exchange-control allowances and notify SARS when you cease to be resident; an exit charge on capital gains can apply.
Routes open to you
Figures are statutory minimums from official sources. Official fees are estimates and change; our own fees are quoted for your case.
Skilled Worker visa
People with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence.
- Official fees
- Application fee (outside the UK): £819 up to 3 years; £1,618 over 3 years (a new fee table is due on 8 October 2026)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year
Global Talent visa
Leaders or potential leaders in research, arts and culture or digital technology, endorsed by a UK body.
- Official fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year
Not sure which route fits?
An adviser checks your eligibility from Republika Południowej Afryki and replies within one working day.
Step by step from Republika Południowej Afryki
Check Ancestry eligibility
A UK-born grandparent can open the Ancestry route.
Secure sponsorship
Otherwise, get a job offer and certificate of sponsorship.
TB test
Book an approved clinic in South Africa.
Apply and give biometrics
Apply online, then attend the visa centre in South Africa.
Money and SARS
Arrange transfers and tax residence changes before you travel.
Documents and legalisation
Get public documents (birth and marriage certificates, police certificate, degrees) apostilled in Republika Południowej Afryki, then have them translated by a sworn translator where the destination asks for it.
You will usually need a police certificate from Republika Południowej Afryki and from every other country you have lived in recently.
Where to apply
Apply online on GOV.UK, then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in the country where you live (or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app where eligible).
Tax: what to check before you move
Double tax treaty: A comprehensive income tax treaty is in force
General information, not tax advice. Tax points on this page are awaiting review by a tax specialist.
Sources and review
Last updated 1 października 2026
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa
- GOV.UK: countries where you need a TB test
- GOV.UK: Immigration Health Surcharge
- South African Reserve Bank: exchange control (individuals)
- SARS: ceasing to be a tax resident
- GOV.UK: tax treaties
Parts of this page are awaiting review by our legal team; we confirm every point for your case before you apply.
Speak to a senior adviser
Not Sure Which Programme to Choose?
Book a one to one video consultation. We look at your goals, family and budget, then set out which programmes fit you, with the costs, timelines and next steps.
- Confidential, covered by an NDA
- Led by a senior adviser
- Final price shown before you book
Programme Review
You review your booking and pay securely on the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Do South Africans need a visa to visit the UK?
Yes, South African citizens need a visitor visa for the UK.
Do South African applicants need a TB test?
Yes, if you are applying from South Africa for more than six months.
What is the UK Ancestry visa?
A five-year visa for Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent, allowing work without a sponsor and leading to settlement.
Is there a UK–South Africa tax treaty?
Yes, a comprehensive double tax treaty is in force.
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
Explore further
Programmes, guides, insights and tools related to this page.