Moving from Europe
to South Africa
Moving from Europe to South Africa? Simplo's overseas groupage service gives you a professional, fully managed move at an affordable price. You share container space with other shipments on the same route — paying only for what you use — while we handle everything from collection anywhere in Europe to door-to-door delivery at your South African address.
We serve all major South African ports: Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and East London, with onward delivery to Johannesburg, Pretoria, and inland destinations.
Calculate my moving cost
Why use groupage for your move to South Africa?
South Africa is a well-established moving route from Europe, especially from the UK, Netherlands, and Belgium. Groupage is ideal for moves of all sizes — from a single bedroom to a full family home. Because the route is active year-round, consolidation is efficient and transit times are predictable.
Key benefits
- You only pay for the cubic metres you use
- Regular sailings from Rotterdam to Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth
- Flexible collection from anywhere in Europe
- SARS customs clearance fully coordinated at destination
- Door-to-door delivery including inland cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria
- Optional packing, storage, and insurance
Transit times — Europe to South Africa
Sea freight is the standard method. South Africa is one of the more accessible long-haul routes from Europe. Typical door-to-door times:
| Route | Transit time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Europe → Cape Town | 5-8 weeks | Groupage incl. consolidation |
| Europe → Durban | 6-9 weeks | Slightly longer Atlantic routing |
| Europe → Johannesburg / Pretoria | 7-10 weeks | Via Durban + inland transport |
Note: Groupage adds 1–2 weeks consolidation at origin. SARS customs and delivery add 1–2 weeks at destination. Full container loads (FCL) run 4–7 weeks; shared containers run 7–11 weeks door-to-door.
South African customs — what you need to know
South African customs is managed by SARS (South African Revenue Service). Simplo works with licensed clearing agents at every major South African port to ensure smooth, compliant clearance.
What is duty-free
- New immigrants can import used household goods completely free of duty
- Returning South African residents can import duty-free if they have been outside the country for at least 6 months
- Goods must be for personal use and owned before departure — new items, gifts, and souvenirs attract duty
- Alcohol is dutiable regardless of residency status
Vehicles
- New immigrants can import one vehicle duty-free with an import permit, provided it was owned abroad for at least 12 months and will not be sold within 2 years of importation — VAT is still payable
- Returning South African residents pay full duty and VAT on vehicles
What is restricted or not allowed
- Firearms require an import permit and a South African Police Service (SAPS) Firearm Registrar certificate
- Brand new furniture and brand new household items attract import duty
- Plants and plant products require phytosanitary certificates
Key documents required
- Original passport with appropriate visas or immigration status documents
- Detailed itemised inventory with declared values and replacement costs
- Completed customs declaration form (Bill of Entry)
- Proof of overseas residency and ownership of goods
Simplo's team and our South Africa clearing agents manage all documentation from departure to delivery.
How your move works,
step by step
1. Get an instant quote
Enter your origin country, destination, and estimated volume. Our calculator gives you an immediate price estimate for your groupage move to South Africa.
2. We plan your shipment
Once you confirm, we match your shipment with others on the same route. Your collection date is scheduled at a time that works for you.
3. Collection and consolidation
We collect your belongings from anywhere in Europe and consolidate them at our hub near Rotterdam, ready for ocean freight.
4. Ocean freight
Your container departs on a scheduled service. We track progress and keep you informed throughout the transit.
5. Customs clearance
Our local partner at the destination port handles all customs and biosecurity documentation on your behalf.
6. Door-to-door delivery
Your goods are transported from the port to your final address. Optional unpacking and storage are available.
Additional services
Alongside the core groupage service, you can add:
- Professional packing at your home
- Packing materials supplied in advance
- Short- or long-term storage at origin or destination
- Transit insurance coverage
- Vehicle shipping alongside household goods
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from Europe to South Africa?
Groupage pricing is based on volume (cubic metres). South Africa is one of the more competitively priced long-haul routes from Europe. Use our instant quote tool for a real estimate for your volume and destination.
How long does shipping from Europe to South Africa take?
Door-to-door groupage typically takes 7–11 weeks depending on your South African destination. Cape Town is the fastest port at 5–8 weeks; Johannesburg via Durban adds inland transport time. We recommend booking at least 8 weeks before your target delivery date.
Are my household goods duty-free when moving to South Africa?
Yes — new immigrants can import all used household goods completely free of import duty. Returning South African residents also qualify for duty-free import if they have been outside the country for at least 6 months. New items, gifts, and alcohol are not included in the duty-free allowance.
Can I ship my car to South Africa?
Yes. New immigrants can import one vehicle duty-free (VAT still applies) with an import permit, provided they have owned the vehicle abroad for at least 12 months and will not sell it within 2 years. We manage the required SARS documentation and import permit application.
Do you collect from all European countries?
Yes — we collect from all European countries. Our consolidation hub near Rotterdam is ideally positioned for Belgium, Netherlands, and the rest of Europe. Collections are arranged at a time and location that suits you.
Ready to move?
Start your groupage quote and get an instant estimate for your overseas move.
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