Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving to Johannesburg from New Zealand

Relocating to Johannesburg

Thinking of moving to Johannesburg? Affectionately known as” Jo’burg” or “Jozi”, Johannesburg is the heart of South Africa and a launchpad for possibility. Known for its golden sunshine, vibrant energy, and cultural depth, it offers an exciting new chapter for those ready to embrace life abroad. For New Zealanders, moving to Johannesburg presents a unique mix of career opportunity, lifestyle variety, and warm hospitality.

As South Africa’s commercial capital, Johannesburg is driven by innovation, growth, and ambition. Whether you are pursuing work, launching a business, enrolling your children in school, or seeking a change of scenery, the city delivers on all fronts. It’s tech hubs, financial districts, and creative industries continue to attract professionals from around the world—including a growing number from New Zealand.

With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, outdoor living thrives. From art walks and open-air markets to wildlife parks and rooftop cafés, there’s always something to discover. Skyscrapers rise beside Edwardian landmarks, and modern malls meet traditional craft markets—a blend that defines Johannesburg’s dynamic soul. Whether you’re drawn by the weather, the culture, or the career prospects, relocating to Johannesburg from NZ offers the chance to build something remarkable.

Johannesburg South Africa City Centre Jacques Nel
Johannesburg City Centre. Photo by Jacques Nel

International Shipping to Johannesburg

Crown Relocations NZ makes international moving to Johannesburg, simple and stress-free with customised relocation services to meet your needs. We understand every part of international relocations, with 60 years of experience in providing international shipping around the world, including reliable shipping to Johannesburg.

Whether you have a houseful of furniture or just a few precious items, Crown offers flexible international shipping options to suit your needs and budget, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home in Johannesburg. Dedicated (sole-use) containers can be used for large items and households, while shared container shipping is a cost-effective option for smaller loads. We also offer air freight shipping for priority items that need to arrive more quickly.

With Crown, you can leave all the paperwork to us. Our team handles all necessary clearances and import documentation, assisting with South Africa’s customs regulations and shipping requirements. We make sure your move complies with all regulations.

Our comprehensive international moving services includes transit protection insurance, a free relocation checklist, as well as assistance with relocating your vehicles and beloved pets. With Crown, you can go knowing that every aspect of your international move to Johannesburg is managed with care and professionalism.

For an international moving quote, call our friendly team on: 0508 227 696 or complete our online form for more information.

NZ to Johannesburg Corporate Mobility Services

Imagine your team thriving in their new Johannesburg home, enjoying the new cultures and excelling in their roles. At Crown Relocations, we make this vision a reality. Whether moving on a temporary basis or permanently, our worldwide expertise ensures your employees and their families experience a seamless company relocation.

We oversee every part of your team’s move from beginning to end, making sure they are looked after throughout their journey. Our consulting services are tailored to your company’s unique needs. This involves helping you build a strategy that moves your employees successfully and supports them throughout their transition.

Johannesburg’s multicultural and dynamic work environment offer exciting possibilities for your team. Our mobility specialists provide comprehensive support, from navigating immigration requirements to offering settling-in support and orientation services.

Our employee settling-in services go beyond the basics. We help your team and their families connect with their new home, tailored to their needs. This can include language training, school and house hunting in Johannesburg, exploring local services, and even career support for relocating partners, so everyone can feel at home.

Contact our World Mobility specialists with any questions: 0800 243 578, or (+64) 9 415 7300.

You can also email us at: [email protected] or complete our contact form.

Johannesburg skyline at sunrise. Photo by Johann Swanepoel
Johannesburg skyline at sunrise. Photo by Johann Swanepoel

Moving to Johannesburg FAQs:

New Zealanders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. This is perfect for holidays or business trips. If you’re planning to live in Johannesburg for work, study, or to join family, you’ll need a relevant visa from the South African Department of Home Affairs. You will need documents showing your financial situation, health, and any criminal record. It usually takes four to eight weeks to process. If you plan to stay long-term, you can apply for South African citizenship after living here for five years.

Our team at Crown can guide you through the South African immigration process, making your relocation journey simpler. Call us today on 0508 227 696

Relocating from New Zealand to Johannesburg can be expensive. Shipping costs, applying for visas, securing accommodation and airfares, are some of the costs to consider when relocating. Crown is best placed to help you enjoy a stress-free move at a reasonable cost, with offices in both New Zealand and Johannesburg. As well as providing packing and relocation services, we offer additional services such as: moving insurance, international vehicle transport and pet relocations, to make your move as stress-free as possible.

To find out how much it will cost, give our friendly team a call on 0508 227 696 or fill in our online form to get a quote.

Johannesburg offers plenty of job opportunities, especially in finance and tech. The city has plenty of sunshine, which is a nice change from New Zealand’s often cloudy weather. As English is widely spoken in Johannesburg alongside Zulu, Afrikaans, and Sotho, there won’t be too much of a language barrier. However, learning a few words in the local languages will always be advantageous. Johannesburg offers a lively arts and music scene, passionate sports culture at venues like Ellis Park and The Wanderers, and convenient services like 60-minute grocery deliveries. There is local government information well as friendly Kiwi expats to help you settle in.

Our team at Crown provides customised services, to make your transition easy and hassle-free. We offer help with packing, shipping, customs clearance, visa guidance, along with information about living and working in Johannesburg. assisting with both moving and settling into your new home.

To ensure a smooth, successful move to Johannesburg from NZ, call our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or fill in our online form.

Crown Relocations has a variety of international shipping options that can be tailored to meet your budget and relocation needs. Whether you’re shipping a few items, or a full household, we are experts in moving internationally. With 60 years of experience, we guarantee a reliable and simple relocation experience, helping you with every step of your journey.

Talk with our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote.

What do I need to know about moving to Johannesburg?

What are the Best Places to Live in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has many neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Sandton, Bryanston, and Rosebank are popular areas known for large shopping malls, including Nelson Mandela Square, and lots of restaurants. Sandton, in particular, is great for those looking for luxury living. For families, Bryanston and Rivonia are perfect, with parks and schools. Rosebank is known for the Rosebank Art & Craft Market, adding a fun cultural touch to the area. If you’re looking for more affordable options, Fourways and Randburg offer great choices.

Housing in Johannesburg

Housing consists of standalone properties with good sized sections, apartment living mainly in the city centre, and luxury estates. Due to security concerns, many houses have security bars on their windows and large fences. Sandton, Rosebank, and Bryanston are known for having good security, with many homes gated and offering 24-hour protection. These places come with additional expenses such as community levies. A three-bedroom house in a secure area typically costs less to buy than similar sized houses in NZ. Renting is also affordable, even in the city centre, although prices are higher in upscale neighborhoods.

Our team at Crown can help you find accommodation in Johannesburg, making your move much simpler.

Healthcare in Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers both public and private healthcare options. In South Africa, anyone can access public healthcare regardless of their residency status. This means public medical centers can have long waiting times as they are often full. Specialist treatment does require a valid visa. Private hospitals are modern and offer excellent service, which is why many people choose private healthcare for quality service.

Education in Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers many educational choices with public and private schooling options. Public schools are mostly funded by the government, but they also charge tuition fees. However, the quality of public schools can vary significantly, and some classes may have over 40 students.

For better quality schooling, private schools offer excellent education. Tuition fees for private schools are more expensive than public schools in Johannesburg. However, these fees are still more affordable in comparison with private schooling in New Zealand. For flexible schooling options, online schools offer high-quality online learning in small classes. Homeschooling is accessible with tutoring or curriculum support services available. JoziKids provides a fantastic directory of everything educational and family-related across Johannesburg.

Johannesburg boasts 23 higher educational institutions, some specialising in areas such as business, theology, beauty and management. Also included are Johannesburg Poytechnic, University of Johannesburg, and University of the Witwatersrand – also known as Wits University.

With Crown, our team can help you to find the best school for your child with our school search programme.

Money in Johannesburg

You’ll need to open a local bank account when moving to Johannesburg. This requires your passport, visa, and proof of address. The Rand (ZAR) is the local currency, and everyday costs like rent, food, and private schools are often lower than in NZ. However, it’s important to factor in private security, which is a standard expense in many suburbs. Primary and secondary schools have uniform costs on top of tuition fees. Card payments and mobile apps like SnapScan are widely used.

Transport in Johannesburg

In Johannesburg, most people use private cars since the city is designed for car travel. Traffic can get heavy, especially during rush hours. South Africa drives on the left side of the road, just like New Zealand. If you don’t want to drive, Uber and Bolt are popular ride-hailing services. The Gautrain is a fast, reliable option connecting key areas like Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport. Metrobus also operates across the city.

Cultural and Language Differences in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a multicultural city where you’ll experience a blend of African, European, and international cultures. South Africa is a westernised society, but people still hold onto their unique traditions. The city’s diversity is also reflected in the languages spoken. English is common, but Zulu, Afrikaans, and Sotho are also widely used. Learning some phrases in Zulu or Afrikaans can help you connect with local residents in your new community.

Crown offers language learning as part of our additional services, helping you feel more confident when moving to Johannesburg from NZ.

Networking in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is known for its warm hospitality, and a handshake or smile is the common way to greet others. Opportunities to network in Johannesburg, both professionally and personally can be found online at places like Meetup and LinkedIn.

South Africans love cricket, rugby, and English football. Rugby and cricket fans will find many clubs to get involved with. If you prefer tennis, joining one of the many Padel clubs is another great way to meet new people. Getting involved in local events or community projects can also build long-lasting connections with your new community in Johannesburg.

Zebras in Pilanesberg National Park, not far from Johannesburg South Africa Robbie Cheadle

Moving to Johannesburg? Go knowing

Trust Us to make Your Journey to Johannesburg Simple

Relocating to Johannesburg from New Zealand offers a chance to experience a city full of life and endless possibilities. From its growing economy to world-class education and healthcare, Johannesburg is an ideal destination for expats. The city’s arts scene, warm hospitality, and rich culture make it truly unique. With remote work on the rise and global mobility more accessible than ever, there’s never been a better moment to embrace change and explore a new lifestyle. Johannesburg gives you the space to grow, connect, and thrive—both personally and professionally.

Ready to start your new chapter in Johannesburg? Take the first step today with Crown Relocations NZ and discover everything this vibrant city has to offer. Go knowing you can trust Crown to make your move simple and hassle-free.

Call us on 0508 227 696 or fill in our online quote request, or visit Crown Relocations NZ for more information.

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