Moving to Marshall Islands from South Africa

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What to Expect

Everything you need to know before relocating from South Africa to Marshall Islands — costs, safety, healthcare, and practical first steps.

If you moved from South Africa to Marshall Islands. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.

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Key Indicator Comparison

Key indicators for anyone considering a move from South Africa to Marshall Islands.

Is it safe?

Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

ZA
24.5
MH
11.9

Marshall Islands performs significantly better than South Africa across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

ZA
$1,354
MH
$874
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

ZA
8.1
MH
4.6

South Africa generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Marshall Islands leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

ZA
6.9t
MH
0.0t

Marshall Islands performs significantly better than South Africa across all environment metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

ZA
3.3
MH
2.3

South Africa performs better than Marshall Islands across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

ZA
28.0%
MH
36.0%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

ZA
$14,300
MH
$6,800

South Africa performs better than Marshall Islands across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

ZA
65.3 yrs
MH
74.7 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

ZA
25.9
MH
21.7

Marshall Islands performs significantly 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 South Africa and Marshall Islands. To live, work, or study long-term in Marshall Islands, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Marshall Islands's immigration authority.

South Africa passport

South Africa passport holder visiting Marshall Islands

Visa on Arrival
South Africa passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Marshall Islands.
Marshall Islands passport

Marshall Islands passport holder visiting South Africa

Visa Required
Marshall Islands passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Marshall Islands?

Internet is rarely the blocker — Marshall Islands has 2.3 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people. The real questions are legal: digital nomad visa eligibility, your employer's overseas-work policy, and tax residency in both countries.

Is Marshall Islands safe for expats?

Marshall Islands performs significantly better than South Africa across all safety metrics.

How is healthcare in Marshall Islands compared to South Africa?

South Africa generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Marshall Islands leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 4.6 doctors per 10,000 people in Marshall Islands, compared to 8.1 in South Africa. Marshall Islands scores 59 on the WHO universal health coverage index (South Africa: 71).

What language do they speak in Marshall Islands?

The official languages in Marshall Islands are English and Marshallese. In South Africa, the official languages are Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

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At a Glance

ZA MH
Population 57,516,665 79,906
Currency South African Rand (ZAR) United States Dollar ($)
Languages Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu English, Marshallese
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +27 +692
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 10111