Checklist of things to do before you leave South Africa

VITAL Documents

✅ South African Passports – Keep Them Up to Date

Make sure your SA passport is valid with at least 18–24 months remaining before you leave.

Renewals from Ireland take a long time, and your Irish residency permission will only be issued for the remaining validity of your passport.

Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary delays or early renewals abroad.

Home Affairs Documents

Home Affairs contacts and Agents

South African Passport renewals in SA and Ireland

✅ Unabridged Marriage Certificate – Essential for Immigration

Ensure you have an unabridged marriage certificate — not an abridged or handwritten version.

• These take a long time to obtain, so order well in advance of your move.

• This certificate is required for most immigration applications, including naturalisation as the spouse of an Irish citizen.

Do not assume your existing marriage certificate is sufficient — check that it is the full unabridged version.

Home Affairs Documents

Home Affairs contacts and Agents

✅ Unabridged Birth Certificates – Order Before You Leave SA

You’ll need unabridged birth certificates for each child under 18.

• You may not need them for yourself or your spouse immediately, but they are required for naturalisation later.

• These documents are costly and difficult to obtain from abroad, so it’s best to order them while still in South Africa.

• Note: Some immigration applications now require them for adults, so as a precaution, it’s wise to order for everyone in the family.

Home Affairs Documents

Home Affairs contacts and Agents

✅ Apostilled Documents – Only Needed in Specific Cases

You do not need apostilled documents for Irish residency or citizenship.

However, you may need them if:

• You or your children plan to get married in Ireland

• You are applying for citizenship in another EU country

• You are entering Ireland under the EU Treaty Rights route — in which case apostilled documents are required for the Entry Visa

If none of the above apply, apostillisation is generally not necessary.

Home Affairs Documents

Home Affairs contacts and Agents

✅ Divorce Decree – Have It Ready If Applicable

If you’ve been previously married, your divorce decree may be required for certain immigration applications — especially under the EU Treaty Rights route.

Even if not immediately needed, it’s wise to have a certified copy on hand, just in case it’s requested later for legal, immigration, or documentation purposes.

Documents for Ireland

✅ Police Clearance Certificate – Recommended for Certain Cases

A police clearance certificate is not required for all applicants, but it’s strongly recommended if:

• You plan to work with children, vulnerable people, or in data-sensitive roles (GDPR-related)

• Your employer requests it as part of the recruitment process

• You want to strengthen rental applications with proof of good conduct

• You are applying under De Facto or British & South African pre-clearance routes, where it may be required

It’s valid for 6 months, so time your application accordingly.

Police Clearance, Tax Clearance and Driver’s licence letter of Entitlement

Documents for Children

✅ Parental Consent Affidavit – Required When One Parent Travels Alone with Children

If only one parent is flying with the children, you must carry a signed Parental Consent Affidavit from South African Home Affairs.

• This form confirms that the non-travelling parent consents to the child’s travel.

• It is a legal requirement for leaving South Africa and may also be checked on arrival in Ireland.

Ensure the affidavit is signed by a Commissioner of Oaths or SAPS and is no older than 4 months at the time of travel.

Documents for Ireland

Entry in to Ireland

Tips on the flying process

✅ Parenting Plan or Court Order – Required for Separated or Divorced Parents

If you are divorced or separated from your child’s other biological parent, you must have a legal parenting plan or court order proving you have the authority to make decisions for the child without the other parent being present in Ireland.

• This is essential for travel, school enrolment, medical care, and day-to-day decision-making.

• A court order is now mandatory for British & South African (BP & SA) family combinations.

It’s strongly advised to consult a South African family lawyer and secure this documentation before emigrating.

Documents for Ireland

✅ School Letters & Reports – Recommended for Older Children

For children aged 12/13 and older, request the following from their current school in South Africa:

• School report cards

• A letter outlining any learning difficulties or special needs

• A brief character reference from a teacher or principal

These documents can be helpful when applying to Irish schools, especially those that are full or near capacity, and may support placement decisions.

Documents for Ireland

Children in Ireland (& Education)

✅ Proofs for Dependants – Prepare in Advance

If you are bringing dependants (e.g. children over 18, parents, or partners), you must provide evidence of dependency — requirements vary depending on:

• The age of the dependant

• The nature of the relationship

• Your passport type and immigration route

Check the specific documentation needed for each dependant category and gather proofs early to avoid delays in entry or residency processing.

✅ Travelling with Pets – Meet All Requirements

If you’re planning to bring your pets to Ireland, make sure they meet all travel and import regulations, including:

• Vaccinations (e.g. rabies)

• Microchipping

• Pet passports or veterinary health certificates

• Approved travel routes and carriers

Start this process well in advance, as preparation and paperwork can take several months.

Animals and Plants 

✅ Pet CV – Helpful for Finding Rental Accommodation

Due to the housing crisis in Ireland and the added difficulty of finding rentals that accept pets, it’s a good idea to prepare a Pet CV, including:

• Your pet’s name, age, breed, and temperament

• Vaccination and health records

• Training or behaviour certificates, if applicable

• A brief note from your vet or previous landlord confirming good behaviour

This can help show landlords you are a responsible pet owner and increase your chances of securing a pet-friendly home.

Animals and Plants 

 Banking related

✅ Selling Your Home – Notify the Bank Early

If you own property in South Africa and plan to sell it before emigrating, you must give your bank at least 90 days’ notice of your intention to sell.

• Failure to do so may result in the bank charging you early termination penalties on your bond (home loan).

Contact your bank as early as possible to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

✅ Mortgage Statement – Useful for Rental Applications

A recent mortgage statement can serve as proof of financial responsibility and consistent payment history.

• This can be helpful when applying for a rental in Ireland, especially if you don’t have a local rental history yet.

• It demonstrates that you are a reliable tenant with a proven track record of managing financial commitments.

Include it with your application to help strengthen your case with potential landlords

 Setting up Home

✅ Power of Attorney – Plan for Managing Affairs in South Africa

You may need to appoint someone to act on your behalf for matters such as:

• Banking

• Property transactions

• Other administrative or legal affairs

Ensure the Power of Attorney (POA) is in a format accepted by your bank or institution — not all formats are recognised.

✅ Tip: Ask your bank for a copy of the exact POA template they require to avoid delays or rejections.

✅ Close or Maintain Your South African Bank Account – Choose Wisely

If you are not planning to use your South African bank account after emigrating:

• Close it before you leave to avoid ongoing monthly fees and charges.

However, if you still have:

• Tax obligations,

• Debts, or

• Bills in South Africa,

it’s best to keep the account open for ease of payment and financial management.

Make the decision based on your individual financial situation.

✅ Notify Your SA Bank Before Leaving the Country

If you plan to use your South African bank or credit cards in Ireland, make sure to:

• Inform your bank of your international travel plans before you leave

• Provide dates and destination to avoid transaction blocks

If you don’t notify them, your cards may be declined abroad due to security measures detecting foreign activity.

✅ Speak to a Financial or Tax Professional Before You Leave

Before emigrating, consult with a qualified tax practitioner or financial advisor in South Africa to help you:

• Close off your SARS profile if required

• Plan and manage the movement of funds abroad legally and efficiently

• Understand the process for drawing down pensions or accessing retirement funds

• Determine how to safely and legally remove all funds from South Africa if desired

Professional advice can help you avoid tax penalties, delays, or compliance issues down the line.

✅ Plan for Financial Emigration After 3 Years

Speak to a tax or financial advisor about the process of financial emigration — typically done after 3 years of residence outside South Africa.

• This allows you to formalise your non-resident tax status with SARS

• May be required for accessing retirement annuities or pension funds

• Can help simplify your long-term financial obligations and reporting

Planning early ensures you’re fully informed and prepared when the time comes.

✅ Tax Clearance Certificate – Good Practice, Not a Requirement

You can request a Tax Clearance Certificate from SARS to confirm that your tax affairs are fully up to date.

• While not required for immigration, it’s a good document to have for your own records and peace of mind.

• It can also be useful for financial transactions or if you’re planning to move large sums of money out of South Africa.

It’s a simple way to ensure you leave with a clean tax record.

 Police Clearance, Tax Clearance and Driver’s licence letter of Entitlement

✅ Update OTP Settings for SA Bank Cards

If you plan to use your South African bank cards after moving:

• Change your One-Time PIN (OTP) settings to be delivered via email or mobile banking app, instead of SMS.

• SMS-based OTPs often don’t work abroad, especially if your SA number becomes inactive or lacks roaming.

Updating this in advance ensures you can continue to make secure transactions from outside South Africa.

✅ Plan How You’ll Move Your Money to Ireland

Before you leave South Africa, decide how you’ll transfer your funds to Ireland. Key considerations:

• It’s a very good idea to open a non-resident bank account in Ireland within the first 6 months of your move

• Opening a full Irish bank account often depends on having a rental lease and utility bills in your name

You can also consider:

• Multi-currency cards

• Specialist money transfer companies

Research each option carefully — costs, timelines, and accessibility vary, and choosing the right method can save you time and money.

 Banking in Ireland: Proofs of Address, Non-resident accounts, Retail banks and Credit Score

Open an Irish bank account within 6 months of your move

✅ Opening an Irish Bank Account from Outside Ireland

Some Irish banks, such as Bank of Ireland, allow you to open a bank account remotely before arriving in the country.

• You’ll need utility bills that match the exact name on your proof of identification

• Alternatively, consider using the AIB app, which offers account setup with digital verification

Plan ahead and ensure your documents are consistent to avoid delays or rejections during the account opening process.

 Banking: Proofs of Address, Non-resident accounts, Retail banks and Credit Score

✅ Update Your Will for Irish Legal Requirements

Your South African Will may not be valid in Ireland, as it typically only covers SA-based assets.

• Once you’ve moved, it’s important to draft a new Will under Irish law

• Ensure it addresses:

  • Guardianship arrangements for your children

  • Residency and custody considerations if something happens to the sponsoring passport holder

Having an up-to-date, Ireland-specific Will provides legal clarity and protects your family’s interests.

 Wills, Death, Guardianship and Residency

 Work related

✅ Recognition of SA Qualifications in Ireland

In some professions, your South African qualifications may need to be formally recognised before you can work in Ireland.

• Contact NARIC Ireland (now part of QQI) to assess how your qualifications compare to Irish standards

• You may also need to register with a professional body or licensing authority in Ireland, depending on your field

Always check the specific requirements for your career path before applying for jobs. Recognition processes can take time.

Getting Employed: CV writing and Recruiters

Work permits going deeper into the information and getting a job offer whilst still in SA 

✅ Prepare Your CV for the Irish Job Market

Whether you choose to write your CV yourself or hire a professional, it’s essential that your CV is formatted to meet Irish employer expectations.

• Irish CVs typically differ in style, structure, and tone from South African ones

• A properly formatted CV can make a significant difference in getting noticed by recruiters

Read dedicated guides or articles on CV writing for Ireland to ensure your application stands out.

Getting Employed: CV writing and Recruiters

Work permits going deeper into the information and getting a job offer whilst still in SA 

 Medical related

✅ Medical Reports – Build a Health History in Ireland

Request medical reports from your doctors in South Africa before you move.

• These documents help establish a medical history with your new GP in Ireland

• They are especially important for ongoing treatments, chronic conditions, or specialist referrals

Having a documented history can improve continuity of care and reduce delays in accessing appropriate treatment.

 Medical in Ireland 

✅ Bringing Prescribed Medication to Ireland

You are allowed to bring up to 6 months’ worth of prescribed medication, provided:

• The medication is packed with a valid prescription from your doctor

• It is carried in your luggage, not shipped separately

Once in Ireland:

• Register with a local GP as soon as possible

• Your GP will review your medication, and may order tests or issue local prescriptions if needed

This gives you time to settle while ensuring your treatment continues without interruption.

 Medical in Ireland 

What should I or can I bring with me to Ireland? 

✅ Check Your Medical Aid Before Emigrating

Before you leave South Africa, contact your medical aid provider to:

• Confirm whether your plan covers international relocation

• If it doesn’t, arrange to cancel the policy

If you have any unused savings in your medical aid account, you are usually entitled to a refund once the policy is officially cancelled. Be sure to request it.

 Medical in Ireland 

✅ Update Medical Devices Before Leaving South Africa

If you use any medical devices (e.g. hearing aids, CPAP machines, glucose monitors), have them checked and updated before you leave:

• In Ireland, you may need to repeat all diagnostic tests before a replacement or update is approved

• These tests and devices are often not covered by medical insurance

Updating devices while your medical history is still accessible in South Africa can save you significant time, hassle, and cost after arrival.

✅ Keep Your Child’s Road to Health Book Updated

Before leaving South Africa, ensure your child’s Road to Health book is fully up to date with all vaccinations recorded.

• Ireland follows a different vaccination schedule, and your child may need additional boosters or catch-up doses after arrival

• Irish healthcare providers will review the Road to Health book to assess what has already been administered

A complete and accurate record ensures your child receives the appropriate vaccinations in Ireland without delay.

✅ Get Dental Work Done Before You Leave South Africa

Dental care in Ireland is expensive, and routine or corrective treatments can cost significantly more than in South Africa.

• Consider completing all necessary dental work before emigrating

• Orthodontic treatment (e.g. braces) is particularly costly, and many Irish dentists won’t take over another dentist’s treatment plan — they may insist on starting from scratch

Plan ahead, get updated dental records, and speak to your current dentist about completing or documenting ongoing treatment before you move.

✅ Update Glasses and Stock Up on Contact Lenses Before You Move

While glasses and contact lenses are not extremely expensive in Ireland, it’s a good idea to:

• Have your eyes checked before you leave

• Update your prescription if needed

• Bring a few months’ supply of contact lenses with you

Taking care of this before your move means one less task to manage during your early days in Ireland.

 Home, cars and bills related

✅ Sell Household Contents Before You Move

To sell your household items efficiently before emigrating:

• Use Facebook Marketplace to connect with local buyers

• Contact a local auctioneer or a cash buy company for bulk or quick sales

Start early to ensure you get fair value and avoid last-minute stress.

What should I or can I bring with me to Ireland? 

✅ Shipping Goods or a Car – Research Thoroughly

If you plan to send personal belongings, furniture, or a car to Ireland:

• Research all shipping options – air, sea, and door-to-door services

• Check what items can or cannot be imported under Irish regulations

• Understand potential import duties, VAT, and customs charges

• Make sure your moving company is reputable and provides insurance

Planning ahead helps avoid delays, unexpected costs, or having items rejected at Irish customs.

What should I or can I bring with me to Ireland? 

✅ Selling Your Car Before Emigration

To sell your car before moving to Ireland:

• Use Facebook Marketplace for private sales

• Contact a local auctioneer or a cash buy company for a faster sale

Compare offers and timelines to get the best value while staying on schedule for your move.

✅ Importing a Car to Ireland – Do Thorough Research First

If you’re considering bringing your car to Ireland, make sure you:

• Thoroughly research the process, regulations, and associated costs

• Understand Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), customs duties, and VAT that may apply

• Check if your car meets Irish and EU standards for emissions and safety

• Factor in the cost of converting the vehicle if required (e.g. headlight alignment, speedometer)

Importing a car can be complex and expensive

 Importing a car from South Africa

✅ Cancel Your SA TV Licence Before Leaving

If you have a TV licence with the SABC, make sure to cancel it before emigrating:

• Failure to cancel may result in you being blacklisted in South Africa

• This could affect your credit history if a South African credit check is ever done (e.g. when purchasing property in Ireland with SA ties)

📧 Email: tvlic.info@sabc.co.za
✅ Keep written records of all communication for your own protection
💡 You don’t want to return to SA one day and discover years of unpaid licence fees waiting for you.

 Link

✅ Cancel Security and Tracking Services Before You Leave

If you are subscribed to a security company (e.g. home alarm) or vehicle tracking service in South Africa:

• Be sure to cancel your contract in advance

• Most providers require a notice period (typically 30 days)

Check your contract terms and give notice in writing to avoid continued charges after you’ve left.

✅ Get Your No-Claims Bonus Letter from the Underwriter

If you’re requesting a no-claims bonus letter for car insurance purposes in Ireland:

• It must come from the underwriting insurance company, not the broker.

  For example: If you are insured through the AA, but your policy is underwritten by Auto & General, the letter must come from Auto & General.

• The letter must:

  • Be on official company letterhead

  • Include contact information

  • Clearly state your claim-free history

Irish insurers may not accept documents issued by brokers alone, so ensure it’s issued correctly.

✅ Letter of Entitlement – Required for SA Licence Exchange in Ireland

As of September 2022, a Letter of Entitlement is required when exchanging your South African driver’s licence for an Irish one.

• This letter confirms your driving history and licence validity

• It must be issued by the South African licensing authority

Request this document before you leave South Africa, as it can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain from abroad, but it must be within 6 months old when you hand it in in Ireland

  Police Clearance, Tax Clearance and Driver’s licence letter of Entitlement

✅ Update Your Email Address Before You Move

If your current email address is linked to a South African internet provider (e.g. @mweb.co.za, @telkomsa.net), it may become inactive once you cancel your service.

• Set up a new, independent email account (e.g. Gmail or Outlook/Hotmail)

• Update your contact details across all important accounts before leaving

This ensures you don’t lose access to banking, billing, or immigration communications once abroad.

✅ Cancel Store Cards Before You Leave South Africa

If you have store cards or retail credit accounts (e.g. for clothing, jewellery, electronics):

• Settle any outstanding balances

• Formally cancel the accounts with each retailer

• Request written confirmation of account closure

Leaving them open may result in ongoing charges, interest, or negative marks on your credit profile — even after you’ve emigrated.

✅ Cancel or Convert Your Cell Phone Contract Before Leaving

If you’re on a cell phone contract in South Africa:

• Be prepared to pay off the remaining balance if you cancel early

• To avoid losing your number, consider switching to a pay-as-you-go (top-up) plan

This allows you to keep the SIM active for a period after emigration, which can be useful for receiving OTPs or final communications.

✅ Check Network Lock & Roaming Before You Leave

Before emigrating, make sure your mobile phone is ready for international use:

• Test if your phone is unlocked:
  Insert a SIM card from another network — if it works, your phone is unlocked

• If keeping your SA SIM:

  • Ensure international roaming is activated with your provider

  • Check for any roaming charges or usage limits

An unlocked phone gives you the flexibility to use an Irish SIM immediately on arrival.

✅ Get Rental or Personal References Before You Leave

If you’re currently renting or have rented property in South Africa:

• Request a rental reference letter from your landlord or property manager

• It should confirm your payment history, tenancy duration, and property condition

If you own your home:

• Ask the estate agent selling your property for a letter confirming its condition and upkeep

• Also consider personal references from reputable individuals (e.g. employer, neighbour, community leader)

These references can help strengthen your rental applications in Ireland, where housing is competitive.

 Setting up Home

✅ Scan and Back Up All Vital Documents

Before you leave South Africa, digitise all important documents by scanning and saving them securely.

• Save copies to a USB drive, external hard drive, and a cloud storage service (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)

• Include documents such as:

  • Passports

  • Birth and marriage certificates

  • Medical records

  • Police clearances

  • Education and employment documents

Having digital backups ensures you can access essential information quickly in case of loss, damage, or administrative requests abroad.

Organise a Shipment

✅ Plan Your Shipment – What to Bring and Store

Your shipping plan depends on your situation:

• If you’ve bought a house in Ireland for cash, you may want to send over more personal belongings or furniture.

• If you’re renting or staying temporarily, you might prefer to store items in SA until you’re settled.

• For smaller shipments, consider sending just essentials via air freight or unaccompanied baggage.

🧳 Good Ideas of What to Bring:

• Important documents (originals + copies)

• Children’s favourite toys or comfort items

• Medical devices and prescriptions

• Clothing for all seasons, especially warm winter gear

• Small appliances (check voltage compatibility)

• Personal items that are expensive or hard to replace in Ireland

Think practical, personal, and replaceable — don’t over-ship unless you’re ready for full resettlement.

 What should I or can I bring with me to Ireland? 

Tips to literally live by – weird and wonderful advice by people just like you

 Flights and Flying

✅ Flight Bookings – One-Way is Fine, But Watch UK Transit Rules

• If you are immigrating to Ireland, you do NOT need a return ticket — a one-way flight is acceptable.

• However, if your flight transits through the UK (e.g. Heathrow, Gatwick), and you hold a South African passport, you will likely need a UK Visitor in Transit Visa.

Always check your transit visa requirements based on your passport and route before booking flights.

 Entry in to Ireland

 Tips on the flying process

 Flights from South Africa to Ireland (Baggage and allowances) 

✅ Arrange Temporary Accommodation Before Arrival

Due to Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis, it’s essential to:

• Secure temporary accommodation for at least 2–4 weeks in advance of your arrival

• Have written proof of your booking to show at the airport or border, if requested

• Use reputable platforms (e.g. Airbnb, Booking.com) and avoid deals that seem too good to be true

Scams are common — never pay upfront via untraceable methods and always verify listings before confirming.

Setting up Home

✅ Check Travel Insurance – Not All Policies Cover Immigration

Before departing, review your travel insurance options carefully:

• Some medical aids include limited international cover — check if it applies to immigration, not just holidays

• Ensure your policy covers:

  • Medical emergencies

  • Cancelled or delayed flights

  • Lost or damaged luggage

• Credit card travel insurance often only covers short-term holiday travel, not permanent relocation

Always read the full policy terms to make sure you’re covered for your specific immigration needs.

Medical in Ireland 

✅ Plan Your Transport from the Airport to Your Accommodation

Before arriving in Ireland, make sure you’ve arranged or researched how you’ll get from the airport to your first place of stay:

• Book car hire or a private airport transfer in advance, especially if arriving with children or heavy luggage

• Alternatively, familiarise yourself with public transport routes (buses, trains, airport shuttles) and timetables

• Know your exact destination address and have directions or transport connections ready

Being prepared will reduce stress on arrival and help you avoid unnecessary delays or confusion.

 The public transport system 

✅ Flight Paperwork – Know What’s Required for Your Passport Type

The documents you’ll need for your journey to Ireland are highly dependent on your passport and visa status.

• Each passport and immigration route has different entry requirements

• You must create a customised checklist based on your family’s passports and any visas or pre-clearance letters required

Refer to the correct guidance page or official source for your specific passport combination to avoid missing critical paperwork.

Entry in to Ireland

 Tips on the flying process

 Flights from South Africa to Ireland (Baggage and allowances) 

✅ Know Your Passport Combinations and Entry Requirements

Each passport combination (SA, UK, EU, dual nationality, etc.) has different documentation requirements for:

• Check-in at the airport

• Exit from South Africa

• Transit (if applicable)

• Entry into Ireland

Make sure you:

• Know exactly who in your family holds which passport

• Understand who needs to show what, where, and when

• Are prepared for different queues, checks, and paperwork at each stage

Being organised with the right documents for the right person at the right time will help ensure a smooth journey.

Entry in to Ireland

 Tips on the flying process

 Flights from South Africa to Ireland (Baggage and allowances) 

✅ Letter of Invitation – For Joining Family in Ireland

If you are joining a family member already in Ireland (e.g. a partner who moved ahead, or you’re staying with friends/family), you will need a Letter of Invitation.

This letter should include:

• The name and address of the person inviting you

• Their contact details (phone and email)

• A clear statement confirming that you are staying with them and your relationship

• The dates of your intended stay

This letter is often requested at immigration on arrival, so carry a printed copy with you.

Letter of Invitation

✅ Bring Proof of Funds – Helps with Rentals and Immigration

Having proof of financial means (e.g. bank statements) can be very useful:

• It may help secure a rental by showing you can afford rent without state support

• It can also reassure immigration officers at the airport that you will not be a financial burden on the Irish state

Bring recent statements showing available funds, savings, or support from family (if applicable).

✅ Parental Consent Form – Required for Solo Parent Travel

If one parent is flying alone with children, a Parental Consent Affidavit from South African Home Affairs is required.

• It must be signed by the non-travelling parent and certified by a Commissioner of Oaths

• This form confirms legal permission for the child to travel internationally

Always carry a printed copy when travelling — it’s a legal requirement for exiting South Africa and may also be checked on arrival in Ireland.

Entry in to Ireland

 Tips on the flying process

 Flights from South Africa to Ireland (Baggage and allowances) 

✅ Essential Immigration Documents – Bring the Right Papers

Depending on your immigration route and passport type, ensure you carry:

• Pre-clearance approval letters (required for De Facto partners, dependants, or specific visa categories)

• Copies of work permits (if you or your sponsor are entering under a work permit route)

• EU Treaty Rights Directive documents (if entering under the EU Treaty Rights path with an EU family member)

These documents may be required at border control, check-in, or when applying for residency in Ireland — keep printed and digital copies safely accessible.