What Does It Actually Cost to Move from South Africa to Australia?

Why a Clear Budget Matters

Relocating to Australia is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Many South Africans underestimate the total cost because they focus only on the visa fee. The reality is that visa fees make up roughly 30-40% of your total spend. The rest goes to skills assessments, medical exams, police clearances, English tests, shipping, flights, and getting set up in your new city.

Planning in advance also matters because of South African exchange control regulations. You need to understand how SARB allowances work and how to move your money legally. Getting this wrong can delay your move by months.

Visa Application Costs

Your visa type determines your single biggest expense. Here are the main options for South Africans, with fees in both AUD and approximate ZAR (at roughly R11.50 per AUD):

Skilled Independent (subclass 189): AUD 4,640 (≈R53,400) for the primary applicant. Add AUD 2,320 (≈R26,700) per adult dependent and AUD 1,160 (≈R13,300) per child under 18.

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190): AUD 4,640 (≈R53,400) for the primary applicant. Same dependent costs as the 189.

Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491): AUD 4,640 (≈R53,400) for the primary applicant. This visa requires you to live in a designated regional area for three years before applying for permanent residency.

Employer Sponsored (subclass 482): AUD 1,730-3,035 (≈R19,900-R34,900) depending on the stream. Your employer may cover some or all of this cost, but don't assume they will — confirm in writing.

Working Holiday (subclass 417): AUD 650 (≈R7,500). Available to South Africans aged 18-30. The cheapest visa option but limited to one year initially.

These fees increase periodically. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current amounts before you apply.

Skills Assessment Fees

Most skilled visas require an assessment from an Australian assessing authority. The cost depends on your occupation:

Engineers (assessed by Engineers Australia): AUD 1,200-1,800 (≈R13,800-R20,700). If you're registered with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa), your qualifications generally assess well under the Washington Accord. Keep your ECSA registration certificate and CPD records ready.

Accountants (assessed by CPA Australia, CAANZ, or IPA): AUD 1,100-1,500 (≈R12,700-R17,300). SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) qualifications are well-regarded, but you may need to complete bridging subjects for full Australian CA equivalency.

Tradespeople (assessed by TRA): AUD 500-1,500 (≈R5,750-R17,300) depending on whether you need a full skills assessment or a provisional one. South African trade qualifications (especially electrical and plumbing) may require a practical component.

IT professionals (assessed by ACS): AUD 550-600 (≈R6,300-R6,900). The assessment typically takes 6-8 weeks.

Medical professionals (various bodies): AUD 1,000-4,000+ (≈R11,500-R46,000+). Doctors need AMC assessment, nurses need ANMAC. These are among the most expensive and time-consuming assessments.

English Language Test

South Africans who completed their education in English often still need to sit an English test for visa purposes. Having an English-language degree from a South African university may exempt you — check with your migration agent.

If you need to test:

- PTE Academic: R4,500-5,500 depending on the test centre
- IELTS: R4,200-4,800
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: R4,000-5,000

Book early. Test slots in Johannesburg and Cape Town fill up fast, especially around peak migration planning periods (January-March).

Health and Character Requirements

Medical examination: R3,500-5,000 per person. You must use a panel physician approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Panel physicians are available in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.

Chest X-ray: Usually included in the medical exam fee, but some clinics charge separately (R800-1,500).

South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): R150 from SAPS (Criminal Record Centre). Processing takes 10-15 business days. Apply well in advance — delays are common.

Australian Federal Police check: AUD 42 (≈R480) if you've lived in Australia before.

Biometrics: AUD 0 (included in visa fee for most subclasses, but you may need to travel to a collection centre).

SARB and Moving Your Money

This is where many South Africans get caught off guard. Understanding South Africa's exchange control rules is essential.

Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA): R1 million per calendar year. You can transfer this amount abroad without tax clearance. You apply through your bank (authorised dealer).

Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA): R10 million per calendar year. Requires a SARS tax clearance certificate. Your bank will process this for you as the authorised dealer.

Tax emigration: Since March 2021, South Africa no longer has formal "financial emigration." Instead, you change your tax status with SARS to "non-resident." This unlocks your retirement annuity for withdrawal (subject to tax) and removes exchange control limits on your capital.

Practical tip: Start the SARS tax emigration process 3-6 months before you plan to move. Processing times vary and delays are common. Your retirement annuity fund may take 3-6 months to pay out after you've changed status.

Bank fees for international transfers: Budget R2,000-5,000 per transfer depending on the amount and your bank. Compare rates between your bank's forex desk and specialist transfer services. The difference on a R1 million transfer can be R15,000-30,000.

Flights

One-way flights from Johannesburg to Perth: R8,000-18,000 per person depending on airline and booking window.

One-way flights from Johannesburg to Sydney or Melbourne: R10,000-22,000 per person.

Excess baggage: R3,000-8,000 per extra bag. Most airlines allow 23kg checked luggage on international flights. If you're moving permanently, consider paying for extra bags rather than shipping small items.

Perth remains the most popular destination for South Africans because of the direct flight options, the time zone (only 6 hours ahead of SA), and the established South African community.

Shipping and Removals

Full container (20ft): R80,000-150,000 from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Perth, Sydney, or Melbourne. Transit time is 4-8 weeks by sea.

Shared container / groupage: R30,000-60,000 for a smaller load. Transit time is longer (6-12 weeks) because the container waits to fill.

Excess baggage shipping (boxes): R5,000-15,000 for a few boxes via air freight (1-2 weeks) or R3,000-8,000 via sea freight (6-8 weeks).

Customs and quarantine: Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Wooden furniture may need fumigation treatment. Food items are heavily restricted. Budget R5,000-10,000 for customs clearance fees on a full container.

Insurance for shipped goods: R3,000-8,000 depending on the declared value.

Many South Africans moving to Perth find it cheaper to sell furniture in SA and buy second-hand in Australia through Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. A furnished start using Ikea and op shops can save R50,000-100,000 compared to shipping a full household.

First-Month Settlement Costs

This is the expense that catches most people by surprise. You need cash on hand from day one.

Accommodation bond and advance rent:
- Perth: AUD 2,000-2,600 (≈R23,000-R30,000) for a two-bedroom apartment
- Sydney: AUD 3,200-4,000 (≈R36,800-R46,000)
- Melbourne: AUD 2,400-3,200 (≈R27,600-R36,800)
- Brisbane: AUD 2,000-2,800 (≈R23,000-R32,200)

You'll typically pay two weeks' bond plus two weeks' rent in advance.

Temporary accommodation (first 2-4 weeks while searching): AUD 1,000-2,500 (≈R11,500-R28,800) for an Airbnb or serviced apartment.

Car (if needed): AUD 5,000-15,000 (≈R57,500-R172,500) for a reliable used car. Perth is car-dependent. Sydney and Melbourne have better public transport.

Phone, internet, utilities setup: AUD 200-400 (≈R2,300-R4,600) for activation fees and first month.

Groceries and household basics: AUD 800-1,200 (≈R9,200-R13,800) for your first grocery shops plus cleaning supplies, bedding, and kitchen basics.

Where South Africans Settle

The city you choose affects your costs significantly.

Perth is by far the most popular destination. The South African community in suburbs like Willetton, Canning Vale, and Joondalup is well-established. You'll find biltong shops, braai areas in parks, and Afrikaans-speaking communities. Perth is also the most affordable major city for housing.

Sydney's North Shore (Chatswood, Lane Cove, Neutral Bay) has a sizeable South African community. Sydney is the most expensive city for rent but offers the widest job market.

Brisbane and Gold Coast are growing destinations, with South Africans settling in suburbs like Mt Gravatt, Sunnybank, and Upper Coomera. More affordable than Sydney with a subtropical climate that feels familiar.

Melbourne has a smaller but growing South African community, particularly in the eastern suburbs.

Total Cost Summary

Here's a realistic budget range for a single skilled worker on a subclass 189/190 visa:

| Category | Low Estimate (ZAR) | High Estimate (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application | R53,400 | R53,400 |
| Skills assessment | R6,300 | R20,700 |
| English test | R4,200 | R5,500 |
| Medical + police clearance | R3,650 | R6,500 |
| Flights | R8,000 | R22,000 |
| Shipping | R30,000 | R150,000 |
| Money transfer fees | R2,000 | R5,000 |
| First-month settlement | R65,000 | R130,000 |
| Total | R172,550 | R393,100 |

For couples, add roughly 50-70% to these figures. For a family of four, double the single estimate as a starting point.

These figures don't include a car purchase or the cost of a migration agent (typically R25,000-60,000 for a full-service MARA-registered agent).

How to Save on Costs

Apply for your police clearance early. SAPS processing times are unpredictable. A last-minute rush won't save money, but delays can cost you if your visa application timeline slips.

Compare skills assessment bodies. Some occupations can be assessed by more than one authority. Check which one is cheaper and faster for your specific qualifications.

Ship smart. Get three quotes from international removalists. Consider a groupage shipment if you're not moving a full household. Sell bulky furniture and buy in Australia.

Transfer money strategically. Don't move all your funds through your bank's standard forex desk. Compare specialist money transfer services — the savings on a large transfer can cover your first month's groceries.

Use your tax emigration timing wisely. If you're withdrawing a retirement annuity, the timing of your tax status change affects how much tax you pay on the withdrawal. Get advice from a cross-border tax specialist before you act.

Next Steps

Start with a visa options assessment to understand which visa pathway suits your situation. Once you know your visa type, you can build a precise budget using the figures above.

Read our guides on transferring money to Australia, what to do in your first week, and settling in Australia from South Africa for detailed next steps.

If you're moving to Perth, our settling guide covers the South African community, suburbs, schools, and job markets in detail.

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Related Resources

- South Africa to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
- South Africa to Australia Visa Options
- Document Authentication for South Africans Moving to Australia
- Settling in Australia from South Africa
- Best Way to Transfer Money to Australia
- Compare International Removalists for Shipping to Australia
- How Much Money Should I Bring to Australia?
- First Week in Australia Checklist

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How much money can I take out of South Africa when emigrating?

SARB allows a R10 million single discretionary allowance for individuals who have formally emigrated through the financial emigration process. You can also use the R1 million annual discretionary allowance. Speak to an authorised dealer (your bank) for the application process.

Do I need to financially emigrate before moving to Australia?

South Africa replaced formal financial emigration with a new process in March 2021. You now apply for a tax emigration status change through SARS and transfer funds through your bank as an authorised dealer. This doesn't affect your citizenship.

What is the cheapest Australian visa for South Africans?

A Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa costs AUD 650 (roughly R7,500) and is the cheapest entry point for South Africans aged 18-30. Skilled visas start at AUD 4,640 for a subclass 189.

How much rent should I budget for my first month in Australia?

In Perth — the most popular destination for South Africans — expect to pay AUD 500-650 per week for a two-bedroom apartment. You'll typically need four weeks' rent upfront (two weeks' rent as bond plus two weeks in advance), so budget AUD 2,000-2,600 before you move in.