Moving to South Africa Guide

Moving to South Africa Guide

Bishop’s Move have years of experience in moving people and their property to and from South Africa.

Our South Africa removals experts have come up with this mini guide for relocation to South Africa and to the UK from South Africa.

Household Effects

All new residents may import their household and personal effects duty free. Returning South Africans must have been out of the country for an unbroken period of at least 6 months to be eligible for duty free entry. The client must be in South Africa before the arrival of the consignment in order to process the clearance and present the original stamped passport.

All new items are liable for duty.

Customs checks are often made on consignments of household and personal effects, the costs of which are payable to customs locally. Cargo dues are also payable at destination. In some circumstances these can be pre-paid at origin.

Required documentation from client:

  • South African Customs Form DA304 and P1.160 (supplied at destination )
  • Passport
  • Permanent residence form or temporary residence permit and work permit

Motor Vehicles

First time residents may import motor vehicles duty free if the owner has personally used the vehicle for at least one year before the vehicle’s arrival, is importing the vehicle for their own use or will undertake in writing not sell or dispose of the vehicle within two years after importation. VAT at the current rate will be calculated on the imported value of the vehicle.

Temporary residents can import the vehicle by paying a cash bond, refundable upon re-export. Returning South Africans will pay full duties and taxes.

All vehicles must have a “Letter of Authority” for import issued by the South African Bureau of Standards. This must have been issued before the vehicle is shipped.

Required Documentation from client:

  • Vehicle registration papers
  • Customs form DA 304/A
  • Proof of use or ownership for 1 year previous to importation such as sales or purchase invoice or insurance certificate etc 
  • Letter of Authority

Find out more about our International Removal Services and how we can help with your move to South Africa.