South Africa has just been ranked one of the best places in the world for British expats… and that’s not only good for them, it’s great for us too.
Global (15 May 2025) – Yes, our headlines are often filled with chaos. Loadshedding, politics, potholes and people leaving. But every now and then, something happens that reminds us just how special South Africa really is… and that maybe, just maybe, we don’t always see it because we’re living in it.
This is one of those times. And honestly, we are here for it.
South Africa has just been named one of the top three countries for British expats to move to in 2025, and that’s not only a proud moment… it’s a powerful one. It’s a reminder that despite everything, the world still sees the beauty and magic in our country.
The list, released by British relocation experts U.K.ABROAD, highlights what we already know in our bones: this place is pure gold. From the sunshine and scenery to the lower cost of living (for someone coming with Pounds) and our incredible quality of life, South Africa is drawing people in.
The World Sees What We Sometimes Forget
With more than 5.5 million British citizens currently living outside of the UK, South Africa has quietly become one of their favourite spots to start over. And that’s not small news. That’s massive. The list puts us in the same league as places like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. But unlike those countries, South Africa isn’t just another expat destination; it’s got a soul.
According to the study, some of the reasons why include the fact that English is widely spoken, our warm weather and the ability to live here visa-free for up to 90 days are major drawcards. Add to that the sunshine (over 2,500 hours a year!), the affordability and our laid-back lifestyle… and suddenly it makes sense why thousands of Brits are choosing to move here every year.
And with around 200,000 Brits already living in South Africa, this isn’t a new trend, it’s one that’s growing.
Why This is Good News for South Africa
When expats choose to live, work, and even retire here, they’re not just sipping wine in Franschhoek or surfing in Jeffreys Bay. They’re investing. They’re creating jobs. They’re contributing to our local economy. They’re enrolling their kids in our schools, shopping in our stores, hiring local teams and sharing their love for SA with the rest of the world.
And when more people see South Africa as a great place to live? Tourism rises. International confidence increases. Local communities benefit. The more we’re seen for our potential. And the more we grow.
It’s also a much-needed reminder (to us South Africans) that what we have is worth celebrating.
We often look at other countries and think the grass is greener. But people are literally moving here for the exact reasons we sometimes overlook: the lifestyle, the views, the energy, the diversity, the people.
From Penguins to Pinotage… It’s All Right Here
A retiree from Manchester now spends mornings walking along the cliffs of Hermanus, watching whales breach in the bay. A couple from London has opened a guesthouse in Stellenbosch, serving local Pinotage to guests as the sun sets in shades of blush and gold. A young family from Birmingham is raising their children in Durban North, where schooldays include learning Zulu and afternoons are spent barefoot in the garden.
This isn’t a dream. It’s already happening.
From the penguins of Boulders Beach to the cliffs of the Drakensberg and even the electric buzz of Johannesburg, South Africa offers a kind of magic that simply can’t be found anywhere else. And the world is finally starting to notice.
The financial perks are just as attractive. According to William Russell, the cost of living here is roughly 65% lower than in the UK, giving British expats the chance to stretch their pensions further, build a better life, and in doing so, contribute positively to our communities too.
We’re More Than Our Headlines
Yes, South Africa has challenges. We all know it. But we also know how to make the most of every single day. We know how to dance in the rain and braai during loadshedding. We know how to show up for one another and how to find joy in the chaos.
And now the rest of the world is starting to see that too.
“I wake up every morning to blue skies and Table Mountain, it still feels like a dream,” said one British expat now living in Cape Town.
We’re glad you feel that way. We do too.
So, if you needed a sign today that South Africa still holds immense potential, this is it. When people from around the globe choose to pack up their lives and start fresh here, it says a lot about what we have and what we offer.
It’s not just about expats choosing South Africa… it’s about the world choosing us. Again.
And that is a very good thing.
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