Moving to Nauru from South Africa

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What to Expect

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

If you moved from South Africa to Nauru.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Nauru compared to South Africa.

Is it safe?

Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

ZA
24.5
NR
8.0

Nauru 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
NR
$2,474
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

ZA
8.1
NR
12.5

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

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

ZA
6.9t
NR
0.0t

Nauru 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
NR
9.3

Nauru performs significantly better than South Africa 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%
NR
23.0%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

ZA
$14,300
NR
$11,400

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

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

ZA
65.3 yrs
NR
67.9 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

ZA
25.9
NR
7.8

Nauru 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 Nauru. To live, work, or study long-term in Nauru, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Nauru's immigration authority.

South Africa passport

South Africa passport holder visiting Nauru

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

Nauru passport holder visiting South Africa

Visa Required
Nauru 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 Nauru?

Connectivity is usually fine (Nauru: 9.3 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Nauru offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Nauru safe for expats?

Nauru performs significantly better than South Africa across all safety metrics.

How is healthcare in Nauru compared to South Africa?

South Africa generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Nauru leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 12.5 doctors per 10,000 people in Nauru, compared to 8.1 in South Africa. Nauru scores 60 on the WHO universal health coverage index (South Africa: 71).

What language do they speak in Nauru?

The official languages in Nauru are English and Nauru. 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 NR
Population 57,516,665 9,811
Currency South African Rand (ZAR) Australian Dollar (A$)
Languages Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu English, Nauru
Driving side Left Left
Calling code +27 +674
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 10111