Travelling and exploring the world is something that South Africans love to do. If you’re one of them, and you’re thinking about spreading your wings and taking flight, we’ve put together a quick list of some of the best countries for expats for your inspiration. Whether you’re looking for the best places to live abroad, or the best countries for expats to work, you’re bound to find at least one of these destinations intriguing. Let’s take a look!

 

Greece is one of the best places for expats to live and it’s not that hard to get in

What’s not to love about the birthplace of democracy? Greece really does have it all, from unbelievable weather all year round to incredible food, welcoming locals and rich history and culture. The pace of life? Simply enviable. Why is Greece such a great place for South African expats? It’s one of the most affordable places to live in Europe, and prices for daily essentials like foods and transport are much, much cheaper than you would expect to pay. Even accommodation is surprisingly affordable, and by using public transport, avoiding tourist traps and shopping at local markets, it’s possible for South African expats to live quite comfortably on a rather small budget. 

Interested? Learn more about Greece’s Golden Visa program.

 

Ecuador is one of the best countries for South African expats to live

You might have heard of the Galapagos Islands, which is an archipelago of volcanic islands and a double World Heritage site that can be found off the coast of Ecuador. This country has one of the best, most welcoming immigration policies, both for visitors and wannabe expats.  Ecuador is made up of three geographical mainland zones on the mainland, plus the above mentioned Galapagos Islands, which means that South African expats can choose between living near the beaches of the Pacific, or taking residence in the cooler highland climates or soaking up the balmy tropical climate near the Amazon Basin.

Ecuador is one of the best countries for expats to move to, because the cost of living is low. Some expats take advantage of the low costs to elevate their lifestyle, and in Ecuador it’s possible for foreign residents to have a primary home in the city along with a holiday home in the country or at the seaside. There are several routes to residency in Ecuador and it’s possible to apply for citizenship after 21 months of residence, which makes it one of the easier countries for expats to settle in.

 

Paraguay is also one of the best places for expats to visit, work and live abroad

In addition to a killer rugby team, Paraguay is attractive to South African expats to visit because visa-free entry is possible, and it’s the safest country in South America. There are multiple property and investment options for South Africans in Paraguay, and it’s possible to become a permanent resident in just three months. Best of all? In Paraguay, the quality of life is unparalleled and foreign-sourced income is tax exempt.  It’s interesting to note that Paraguay is one of the few expat destinations looking to attract more than just wealthy immigrants. The cost of their immigration process is one of the lowest in the world, and while you’re waiting for your permanent residence permit you’re able to look for work or start a business.

 

Costa Rica is one of the best places for expats to visit

With its plans to go carbon neutral by 2021, Costa Rica is a top destination for sustainable adventure-seekers. With roughly 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity within its borders, Costa Rica has something for everyone. More than 300 incredible beaches, plus more nature than you can shake a stick at with volcanoes, hummingbirds, sloths and an actual cloud forest, if you’re planning on doing the tourist thing, take your time because no visa is required for stays of up to 90 day.

 

Interested in reading more about the best countries for expats?

• These are the best countries for expats that offer the best quality of life.
• Immigrating to Portugal from South Africa.
• Countries South African expats find it the easiest to ease into.
• Easiest countries to immigrate to from South Africa.
• Emigration from SA: some interesting destinations.

 

FinGlobal: for South African expats everywhere

No matter where you travel or which destination you choose to settle down in, FinGlobal will always be there for you. All our services are delivered remotely and securely at your convenience, giving you peace of mind that your cross-border financial requirements will be handled with speed, confidentiality and expertise.

We offer a full suite of financial services for South African expats and promise optimal payouts over a shorter period at better exchange rates than commercial banks. All our services are fully compliant with the necessary financial services authorities. Our teams are ready to help you with:

• Financial emigration
• Tax emigration
• Retirement annuity withdrawal
• Pension income
• Pension, provident and preservation funds
• Tax refunds
• Tax clearance
• Foreign exchange

To start your personal, no-obligation consultation to discuss how FinGlobal can make your life easier, please request a callback.