Moving to South Africa from Greenland
What to Expect
Considering a move from Greenland to South Africa? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.
If you moved from Greenland 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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Key Indicator Comparison
The numbers behind daily life in South Africa compared to Greenland.
Is it safe?
per 100,000 people per year
Greenland performs better than South Africa across all safety metrics.
What about the environment?
tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year
South Africa performs significantly better than Greenland across all environment metrics.
Will I have good infrastructure?
fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work
Greenland performs better than South Africa across all infrastructure metrics.
What are the job prospects?
percentage of the labour force without work
a broad measure of economic output per person
Greenland performs better than South Africa across all employment & economy metrics.
Is it good for families?
average years of life at birth
deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better
government spending on education as % of GDP
percentage of adults who can read and write
Greenland performs better than South Africa across all family life metrics.
Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank
Visitor Visa Requirements
Short-stay tourist visa rules between Greenland 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.
South Africa passport holder visiting Greenland
Visa RequiredData: 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?
Greenland performs better than South Africa across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in South Africa is 45.5 per 100,000 people, compared to 5.4 in Greenland.
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 Greenland, the official language is Greenlandic.
Compare further: Greenland vs. South Africa
At a Glance
GL
|
ZA
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Population | 57,792 | 57,516,665 |
| Currency | Danish Krone (DKK) | South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Languages | Greenlandic | Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu |
| Driving side | Right | Left |
| Calling code | +299 | +27 |
| Time zones | 4 | 1 |
| Emergency number | — | 10111 |