The real numbers behind the dream — because “affordable” means nothing until you see it in Rand.

Every few weeks I get the same message in my DMs. Different wording, same question underneath it: “Liezl, I don’t have savings like other people who emigrate. Is this even possible for me?”

Yes. It is. But I’ve learned that “small budget” means something different to everyone, so instead of just naming countries again, I want to actually break down the numbers this time — visa costs, monthly budgets, what you need saved before you go. The stuff that turns “maybe one day” into an actual plan.

If you haven’t read my full destination guide yet, start there for the complete list of countries. This post is the numbers-first companion to that one — think of it as the spreadsheet version.

First, Let’s Talk About the Rand

Here’s the thing nobody says out loud: your Rand isn’t weak everywhere. It’s weak against the Dollar, the Euro, the Pound. But against the Mauritian Rupee, the Thai Baht, or the Vietnamese Dong? It can actually stretch further than it does at home.

That’s the whole trick to moving on a small budget. You’re not trying to out-earn your South African salary. You’re trying to find places where your existing money — even a modest amount of it — buys more life than it does here.

The Four Places Where a Small Budget Actually Works

I’m not going to repeat my full top 10 here (go read that post for Bali, Georgia, Albania and the rest). But if I had to pick the four places where South Africans specifically have the smoothest path in with the least money down, it’s these.

1. Mauritius — the “test the waters” option

Two and a half hours from Joburg. Same time zone. English and French widely spoken. This is the easiest possible first move if the idea of leaving South Africa still feels scary.

• Visa: Premium Visa — one year, renewable, needs roughly $1,500/month in foreign income
• Tax: Flat 15%, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax
• Monthly budget: $1,200–$1,800 for a comfortable, non-flashy life

✓ Familiar culture   ✓ Short flights home   ✗ No path to citizenship   ✗ Imported goods are pricey

2. Thailand — the DTV changed everything

If you haven’t looked at Thailand in a while, look again. The Destination Thailand Visa opened the door for remote workers without needing a job offer or a sponsor.

• Visa: DTV — around $291, five years of access, 180 days per entry
• Monthly budget: $800–$1,800 depending on Bangkok vs Chiang Mai
• Rent in Chiang Mai: $250–$450 for a central one-bedroom

✓ Excellent private healthcare   ✓ Huge expat network   ✗ Insurance minimums have gone up recently

3. Vietnam — the tightest budget of the lot

If Thailand still feels like a stretch, Vietnam is roughly 20–30% cheaper for a comparable lifestyle. This is where the real geo-arbitrage happens.

• Visa: 90-day e-visa — about $25
• Monthly budget: $800–$1,200 outside Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
• Some long-termers get by on: ~$500/month, no-frills

✓ Cheapest option on this list   ✓ Growing digital nomad scene   ✗ No formal retirement visa yet   ✗ 183+ days triggers local tax residency

4. Portugal — the one Western Europe option that fits

Everyone wants Europe. Most people assume it’s out of reach on a small budget. Portugal’s D7 visa is the exception.

• Visa: D7 — needs around €920/month in passive income
• Path to citizenship: Permanent residency in 5 years, citizenship in 10 (7 for CPLP/EU nationals)
• Reality check: Qualifying on Rand income alone is genuinely hard — this suits people earning upward of roughly R200,000/year

✓ Legal path to an EU passport   ✓ Established South African community in Lisbon and the Algarve   ✗ Taxes worldwide income

Quick Comparison

Destination	Entry Visa Cost	Monthly Budget (single person)	Path to Citizenship
Mauritius	~$1,500/mo income proof	$1,200–$1,800	No
Thailand	~$291 (DTV)	$800–$1,800	No
Vietnam	~$25 (e-visa)	$500–$1,200	No
Portugal	~€920/mo income proof	Moderate (Western Europe pricing)	Yes, 5–10 years

Figures are approximate and will move with exchange rates — always check current numbers before you commit.

Not Ready to Leave? Semigration Is a Real Option Too

I always want to mention this because it gets skipped in almost every emigration article: you don’t have to leave South Africa to get more breathing room. Semigrating — moving to Cape Town, the Western Cape, or a smaller coastal town — solves a surprising amount of the same problems (safety, infrastructure, cost of living) without visa stress, currency risk, or leaving your support system behind entirely.

It’s not for everyone. But if the idea of an international move still feels too big right now, this is a legitimate stepping stone, not a consolation prize.

What You Actually Need Saved Before You Go

This is the part people skip past because it’s less exciting than picking a country. But it’s the part that determines whether your move actually works.

• Visa costs — the application fee, plus renewal costs down the line
• Flights — your one-way ticket, plus at least one trip home in year one
• First month’s rent + deposit — often 1–3 months upfront
• Health insurance — non-negotiable, even where healthcare is cheap
• 3–6 months of living expenses — your runway while you find your feet

As a rule of thumb, I tell people to aim for at least 6 months of expenses saved before they book the flight. It won’t make the move painless. But it removes the panic of needing everything to go perfectly from day one — and something always goes slightly sideways.

My Biggest Advice

You don’t need every detail figured out before you go. You need enough of a plan to land safely — the rest you figure out on the ground.

I say this in almost every post because it’s the one thing I wish someone had told me earlier. Waiting for the “perfect” savings number or the “perfect” visa often just means waiting forever. Careful planning plus a willingness to adapt beats a bigger bank balance every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest country for South Africans to move to?
On pure cost of living, Vietnam currently comes out cheapest — budget-focused expats manage on $800–$1,200 a month. Mauritius and Thailand aren’t far behind and offer easier visa routes specifically for South Africans.

Can South Africans move abroad without a job offer?
Yes. Mauritius’s Premium Visa, Thailand’s DTV, and Portugal’s D7 are all built for remote workers, freelancers, and people with passive or retirement income rather than a local job offer.

Will I lose my South African citizenship if I emigrate?
No — a Constitutional Court ruling struck down automatic loss of citizenship for South Africans who take up citizenship elsewhere. Your destination country’s own dual-citizenship rules still apply though, so it’s worth checking those separately.

Is semigration a real alternative to leaving South Africa?
Yes, and it’s a common first step for people who aren’t ready for an international move. Relocating to Cape Town or the Western Cape addresses a lot of the same concerns — safety, cost of living, infrastructure — without visa costs or currency risk.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move?

If you’re dreaming of leaving South Africa but don’t know where to start, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide that walks you through building an income first, then choosing the right country for your budget and lifestyle.

Check Out My Escape Blueprint →