Over 95,000 South Africans have moved to the top country in the world for work-life balance
Over 95,000 South Africans now live in New Zealand, making it one of the most popular destinations for those leaving the country.
According to Quinton Keyser, Network and Growth Manager for CENTURY 21 New Zealand, many South Africans make the move because of the country’s attractive work-life balance.
In fact, New Zealand is the world’s top country for work-life balance. In 2025, it topped the Global Life Work Balance Index for the third year in a row.
The ranking, done by global HR software provider Remote, takes into account paid leave (New Zealanders get 32 days a year), healthcare access, and strong family support, including 26 weeks of paid parental leave.
In 2024 alone, 4,132 South Africans became citizens, up from 3,387 the year before, and by mid-2025, nearly 1,700 more visa applications had already been submitted.
South Africans now make up 10% of all new citizens in New Zealand, overtaking Filipinos to become the third-largest group of overseas-born nationals.
In 2018, just over 71,000 South Africans lived in New Zealand. Today, there are more than 95,000 people, not counting the 29,600 who are still on residence visas and will likely become citizens in the years ahead.
South Africa’s own migration reports have consistently listed New Zealand among the top five destinations for its emigrants since 2010.
According to Keyser, South Africans are drawn to New Zealand for its high quality of life, safety, and stunning landscapes.”
Many move for better job opportunities, while others join family members already living there. The shared language helps, and so does the cultural connection through rugby.
“It is a shared love, with a fierce but respectful rivalry between the two nations that goes back generations,” said Keyser. However, settling in comes with challenges, especially when it comes to property.
“Purchasing residential property in New Zealand is largely restricted to citizens and resident visa holders, so eligibility is the first hurdle South African buyers must clear,” Keyser explained.
What South Africans are paying
Even once they qualify, the cost can be high. The median house price is around NZD $770,000, about R8.25 million, compared to South Africa’s median of R937,000.
Because of this, most South Africans start off renting. The rental market, however, is tight, especially in the most popular areas.
“Foreign tenants should start their search well in advance and, if possible, work with local real estate agents,” said Keyser.
For those ready to buy, he recommended working with a mortgage broker to get pre-qualified and set a budget before house-hunting.
Once a property is found, a Sale and Purchase Agreement is drawn up. “The process of buying a residential property in New Zealand can be remarkably efficient for well-prepared buyers,” Keyser noted.
However, he stressed that buyers must review the agreement with a solicitor and complete all due diligence, including finance, building checks, and land information, before it becomes legally binding.
Beyond property, emigrating South Africans must consider their tax and financial status before leaving.
John-Paul Fraser, emigration tax specialist at Tax Consulting South Africa, warned that many overlook this step.
“Emigrating is about more than packing your bags and shipping your belongings abroad,” he said. “There are important tax, financial planning, banking, and compliance matters that must be addressed.”
A key issue is moving money out of South Africa. “If your tax and exchange control status is not correct, you will not be able to move money out of South Africa,” Fraser explained.
Banks now require confirmation from SARS that you are tax compliant before allowing transfers.
“Your bank will not allow the flow of funds where SARS has not given you the correct tax clearance.
SARS will only issue this where your status as a non-resident is correct and your record is up to date.” SARS uses advanced systems and data, making it impossible to circumvent the rules.
Fraser also highlighted exit taxes, which apply to certain assets when leaving the country permanently. “You need to inform SARS through the proper process and also pay any applicable exit taxes,” he said.
“There are some assets on which you must pay exit tax, and others are exempt. A bit of planning can save a lot of taxes.”
New Zealand
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