South Africa

South Africans spending millions to move to this island

Kirsten Minnaar • 2 September 2025

A growing number of South Africans are emigrating to New Zealand, drawn by its quality of life, job opportunities, and safety.

However, experts warn that the move could be extremely costly, as South Africans face tax and financial obligations, and even modest properties cost millions of rands.

Tax Consulting South Africa’s tax and remuneration specialist, Tanya Tosen, explained that in 2024, South Africans made up 10% of the 40,000 people granted New Zealand citizenship.

This made them the third largest group of overseas-born nationals to become citizens. The latest census confirmed that more than 95,000 South Africans now call New Zealand home, up from 71,382 in 2018.

From January to July 2025 alone, South Africans submitted nearly 1,700 visa applications, including dependents, indicating that New Zealand’s appeal remains strong.

According to the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, South Africans overtook Filipinos to become the third largest group of overseas-born citizens granted citizenship in 2024.

A total of 4,132 South Africans obtained citizenship, compared to 3,387 in 2023. This trend is also reflected in Statistics South Africa’s 2024 Migration Report, which places New Zealand among the top five destinations for South Africans residing abroad since 2010.

At the end of July 2025, 29,600 South Africans lived in New Zealand on valid residence visas, referring to individuals who have held residency for five years or less.

After five years, residents are considered citizens for census purposes and are no longer counted separately.

Quinton Keyser, Network and Growth Manager for the real estate agency CENTURY 21 New Zealand, said the country is attractive for South Africans, primarily due to its high quality of life, safety, and beautiful landscapes.

South Africans are drawn to New Zealand by lucrative job opportunities or to join family members who already live there. The predominantly English-speaking environment adds to the allure.

In 2025, New Zealand topped the Global Life Work Balance Index for the third consecutive year. The index factors in paid leave, with New Zealanders getting 32 days a year.

It also looks at healthcare access and strong legislative protections like paid parental leave, with New Zealanders getting up to 26 weeks to support families. New Zealand is also a strong rugby nation, which resonates with many South Africans.

Financial and tax considerations

Tax Consulting South Africa’s emigration tax specialist, John-Paul Fraser, stressed the importance of considering important tax, financial planning, banking, and compliance issues when considering a move abroad.

He said there are various critical areas to consider, with the first being the ability to get money out of South Africa.

If someone’s tax and exchange control status is incorrect, they will not be able to move money out of South Africa.

The system has completely changed how money moves in and out of South Africa, and the correct tax status with SARS is critical.

A South African bank will not allow the flow of funds where SARS has not given them the correct tax clearance. SARS will only issue this where the status is correct as a non-resident and their record is up to date.

Another important consideration is an emigrant’s tax status and South African exit taxes. Those leaving the country must inform SARS, follow the correct process, and pay any applicable exit taxes.

South Africans must also carefully examine their retirement savings, policies, bank accounts, and future inheritances to avoid mistakes.

It is also important for South Africans to be aware of New Zealand property prices compared to those in South Africa.

As of June 2024, New Zealand’s median house price was NZD$770,000 (R7.99 million). In comparison, South Africa’s median is around R937,000.