Considering a move to Pretoria? Named Tshwane in 2005, Pretoria is known for its historical significance, vibrant cultural life, and picturesque jacaranda trees. Pretoria serves as the administrative captial of the country, being one of South Africa’s three capital cities. For New Zealanders, moving to Pretoria presents a unique blend of excitement and opportunity. The city offers a warmer climate, lower cost of living compared with New Zealand, and many employment opportunities.
Whether you are pursuing work opportunities, establishing a business, looking for quality education for your children, or seeking a change of scenery, Pretoria meets every expectation. Its government sector, diplomatic community, and growing business districts continue to attract professionals from around the world, included New Zealand. The University of Pretoria is known for it’s innovation and is ranked as one of the top five universities in South Africa. Pretoria is also recognised for it’s parks, gardens and nature reserves, including the National Zooological Gardens,the largest zoo in South Africa.
New Zealanders making this transition will find Pretoria to be a welcoming city with a diverse expatriate community, excellent educational institutions, and good employment opportunities. As with any move overseas, there will be adjustments to make. While Afrikaans is the predominant language, English is widely used, especially within business and educational settings. However, learning some Afrikaans will help towards settling into Pretoria. Being prepared for load shedding (scheduled power outages) and staying informed about local safety risks will also help with settling in. From its iconic purple jacaranda-lined streets to historic landmarks such as the Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria offers a relaxed, family friendly city lifestyle that blends African heritage with modern urban living.
Crown Relocations NZ makes international moving to Pretoria 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 Pretoria.
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 Pretoria. 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 Pretoria 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.
Imagine your team thriving in their new home in Pretoria, enjoying the different South African and expat 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.
Pretoria’s strategic location and skilled workforce 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 Pretoria, exploring local services, and even career support for relocating partners, so everyone can feel at home.
Contact our World Mobility specialists with your questions. on: 0800 243 578, or (+64) 9 415 7300.
You can also email us at: [email protected] or complete our contact form.
New Zealanders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. This is perfect for holidays or short business trips. If you’re planning to live in Pretoria for work, study, or to join family, you’ll need a relevant visa from the South African Department of Home Affairs.
For work opportunities, New Zealand professionals should look into the Work Visa (for those with a confirmed job offer) or the Critical Skills Work Visa (fast-tracked for professionals in shortage occupations like engineering, IT, and medicine). Business-minded individuals can apply for a Business Visa, which requires employing South African citizens. Retirees with sufficient financial resources can obtain a Retirement Visa, while students need a Study Visa with confirmed enrollment in a South African educational institution.
Each visa category has specific requirements, including financial proof, health insurance, and background checks. It’s advisable to apply well in advance and consider seeking assistance from an immigration consultant if necessary. After living in South Africa for five years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
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 Pretoria involves various expenses, including shipping costs, visa applications, securing accommodation, and airfares. While the cost of living in Pretoria is generally lower than in New Zealand’s major cities, initial relocation expenses need careful consideration.
Crown is best placed to help you enjoy a stress-free move at a reasonable cost, with offices in both New Zealand and Pretoria. 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.
Pretoria offers numerous advantages for New Zealanders looking to relocate. The city provides excellent job opportunities, especially in government, diplomacy, and education sectors. Pretoria’s warm climate, with abundant sunshine throughout the year, offers a welcome change from New Zealand’s often unpredictable weather.
English is widely spoken in Pretoria alongside Afrikaans and various indigenous languages, making communication relatively easy for New Zealanders. However, learning some basic Afrikaans phrases can help you connect with locals and enrich your experience.
The city offers a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and historical landmarks, along with modern amenities including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. South Africans are known for their warm hospitality, making it easier to build new social connections.
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 Pretoria, assisting with both moving and settling into your new home.
To ensure a smooth, successful move to Pretoria 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.
Pretoria offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive character and advantages. Brooklyn is a prestigious area with modern apartments and excellent amenities, making it popular among professionals and expatriates. Waterkloof, home to many diplomats and high-ranking professionals, offers secure, upscale residences with beautiful views.
Menlyn has become a rapidly growing commercial hub with modern apartment complexes and convenient access to shopping and entertainment. Lynnwood provides a family-friendly environment with top schools and pleasant green spaces, ideal for those relocating with children. For students and young professionals, Hatfield is particularly popular due to its proximity to universities and vibrant atmosphere.
Housing in Pretoria ranges from apartments in areas like Hatfield and Menlyn (ideal for young professionals or students) to freestanding houses in the suburbs with yards and security features. Gated estates are particularly popular with expatriates due to their 24/7 security and community amenities.
Most expatriates choose to rent rather than buy property, at least initially. Rental prices are generally lower than in New Zealand, and contracts typically require a deposit of one to three months’ rent. Using a reputable real estate agent is recommended to navigate the rental market effectively.
Our team at Crown can help you find accommodation before moving to Pretoria, making your relocation easier.
Pretoria offers both public and private healthcare systems. While public healthcare is available to everyone regardless of residency status, most expatriates opt for private healthcare due to the superior quality of services and shorter waiting times.
The city is home to several excellent private hospitals, including Mediclinic Medforum, Life Groenkloof Hospital, and Netcare Pretoria East Hospital, all known for their high standards of care and modern facilities. It is highly recommended that expatriates obtain comprehensive health insurance before arriving in South Africa to ensure access to quality medical care without financial strain.
Pretoria boasts excellent educational options for families. The city offers both public and private schooling, with private institutions generally preferred by expatriate families due to their high academic standards and modern facilities. International schools following the British, American, or International Baccalaureate curricula are available, making the transition easier for children from New Zealand.
For higher education, the University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s leading research institutions, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Other notable institutions include the Tshwane University of Technology and UNISA (University of South Africa), which is one of the world’s largest distance learning universities.
With Crown, our team can help you to find the best school for your child with our school search programme.
Opening a local bank account is essential when moving to Pretoria. 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 New Zealand, offering a potentially higher standard of living for the same budget.
As in Johannesburg, it’s important to factor in private security, which is a standard expense in many suburbs. Card payments are widely accepted in urban areas, though it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.
Most residents in Pretoria rely on private vehicles as the primary mode of transportation. South Africa drives on the left side of the road, just like New Zealand, making the transition easier for Kiwi drivers. A valid New Zealand driver’s license can be used for up to 12 months after arrival.
The Gautrain, a high-speed rail service, connects Pretoria to Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport, providing a safe and efficient transit option. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and affordable, offering a convenient alternative to driving. Traditional taxis are less commonly used by expatriates due to safety concerns.
Pretoria offers a rich cultural tapestry, blending African heritage with European influences. The city hosts numerous cultural events, museums, and historical sites that showcase this diversity. While English is widely spoken and understood, Afrikaans is also commonly used, along with several indigenous languages.
Learning basic Afrikaans phrases can be beneficial for daily interactions and shows respect for the local culture. The pace of life in Pretoria is generally more relaxed than in major New Zealand cities, with a strong emphasis on family and social connections. Business and social etiquette often combines Western professionalism with the warmth and hospitality characteristic of African cultures.
Crown offers language learning as part of our additional services, helping you feel more confident when moving to Pretoria from NZ.
Building a social and professional network is essential when relocating to a new city. Pretoria offers numerous opportunities for networking through expatriate groups, professional associations, and community events. Many international clubs and organizations host regular gatherings, making it easier to connect with fellow expatriates and locals.
The diplomatic community in Pretoria is particularly active, with embassies often hosting cultural events that are open to their nationals. Sports clubs, particularly those focused on rugby, cricket, and golf, provide excellent social opportunities. Additionally, volunteering with local charities can be a rewarding way to integrate into the community while making a positive contribution.
Moving to Pretoria? Go knowing
Relocating to Pretoria from New Zealand offers an exciting opportunity to experience a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its jacaranda-lined streets to its diverse neighborhoods, Pretoria provides a unique blend of African heritage and modern living. The city’s lower cost of living, warm climate, and excellent amenities make it an attractive destination for expatriates seeking a change of pace and new experiences.
With proper planning and support, the transition to life in Pretoria can be smooth and rewarding. Understanding the local customs, navigating the practical aspects of relocation, and embracing the opportunities for personal and professional growth will enhance your experience in this vibrant South African city.
Ready to start your new chapter in Pretoria, South Africa? Take the first step today with Crown Relocations NZ and discover everything this historic 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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