I-Passport Index

Africa

South Africa

Baseline rank

#102 / 116

Baseline score

59.2

Factor scores

How South Africa performs

Tax

65.4

Strong

High taxes. South Africa has one of the heaviest tax burdens in the index, 105th of 123. A large share of income and profit goes to tax, so it suits people who are not moving for tax reasons. Personal income tax 18-45%, corporate tax 0-27%, VAT 15%.

Source: Heritage Foundation, Index of Economic Freedom (Tax Burden sub-score)

Safety

53.8

Limited

Serious concerns. South Africa is one of the least peaceful countries in the index, 96th of 117. Check current travel advice before planning a move.

Source: Institute for Economics and Peace, Global Peace Index

Cost of Living

82.3

Very strong

Average cost. Everyday costs are mid-table: South Africa is 50th of 118.

Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Index

Education

35.2

Weak

Below average. Education here is weaker than in most countries we cover (88th of 120). Families may want to look at international schools.

Source: UNDP & MBRF, Global Knowledge Index

Every figure is published by the institution named against it. We do not adjust, model or estimate the underlying values. See the formulas.

Tax and citizenship

The detail behind the scores

Taxation

Corporate income tax	0-27% Applicable tax rate varies based on the amount of income
Personal income tax	18-45% Applicable tax rate varies based on the amount of income
Standard VAT	15%

Rates change without notice. Confirm with the relevant tax authority before acting.

Naturalization Requirements and Immigration Pathway

Residence for naturalization: 5 years
Language requirement: Yes
Proficiency in any one of the official languages of South Africa, which are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, South African Sign Language, Tshivenda, Xitsonga
Investment Immigration Pathway: South Africa Permanent Residency
Official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga and South African Sign Language
Dual citizenship: Allows dual citizenship

Pathways

1 immigration pathway

South Africa Permanent Residency

Minimum investment: ZAR 120,000

Program details

Program terms change. Always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before acting. This page is informational and is not legal or tax advice.

Compare

Elsewhere in Africa

#10 baseline