Moving to South Africa from Central African Republic

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Central African Republic to South Africa? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Central African Republic to South Africa, and you’d need to navigate life in Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left.

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Who Else Is Making This Move?

What the data shows about people moving from Central African Republic to South Africa.

Living there in 2020
140 ↑ 16% vs 2015

people born in Central African Republic live in South Africa · UN DESA

Who's moving to South Africa?

Top countries of origin for South Africa's foreign-born residents.

Foreign-born population · UN DESA (2020)

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in South Africa compared to Central African Republic.

Is it safe?

Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

CF
25.9
ZA
24.5

South Africa performs significantly better than Central African Republic across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

CF
$137
ZA
$1,354
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

CF
0.2
ZA
8.1

Central African Republic generally does better on health & wellbeing, though South Africa leads in doctors per 10,000 people.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

CF
98.0
ZA
47.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

CF
0.1t
ZA
6.9t

Central African Republic generally does better on environment, though South Africa leads in air pollution deaths.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

CF
0.0
ZA
3.3
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

CF
0.3%
ZA
66.9%

South Africa generally does better on infrastructure, though Central African Republic leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

CF
6.3%
ZA
28.0%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

CF
$1,000
ZA
$14,300

South Africa generally does better on employment & economy, though Central African Republic leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

CF
55.5 yrs
ZA
65.3 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

CF
83.0
ZA
25.9

South Africa performs significantly better than Central African Republic across all family life metrics.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Central African Republic and South Africa. To live, work, or study long-term in South Africa, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check South Africa's immigration authority.

Central African Republic passport

Central African Republic passport holder visiting South Africa

Visa Required
Central African Republic passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa.
South Africa passport

South Africa passport holder visiting Central African Republic

Visa Required
South Africa passport holders need a visa to enter Central African Republic.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from South Africa?

Connectivity is usually fine (South Africa: 3.3 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does South Africa offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is South Africa safe for expats?

South Africa performs significantly better than Central African Republic across all safety metrics.

How is healthcare in South Africa compared to Central African Republic?

Central African Republic generally does better on health & wellbeing, though South Africa leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 8.1 doctors per 10,000 people in South Africa, compared to 0.2 in Central African Republic. South Africa scores 71 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Central African Republic: 32).

What language do they speak in South Africa?

The official languages in South Africa are Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. In Central African Republic, the official languages are French and Sango.

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At a Glance

CF ZA
Population 5,454,533 57,516,665
Currency CFA Franc BEAC (FCFA) South African Rand (ZAR)
Languages French, Sango Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +236 +27
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 10111