Verify professional registration, get fee quotes in writing, keep copies of advice, and use specialists for cross-border tax, immigration, estate and regulated-profession issues.
Language options: English is widely available among professionals. Afrikaans is common in legal/accounting/property contexts; African-language support varies by region and practice.
Immigration attorney / practitioner
R1,500-R4,000/hour; full visa packages can be R15,000-R60,000+ How to find: Use reputable law firms, referrals, professional associations and reviews; avoid guaranteed-outcome agents.
Legal Practice Council
💡 Ask for written scope, DHA/VFS strategy and document checklist. Beware anyone offering shortcuts through Home Affairs.
Tax practitioner / accountant
R1,000-R3,500/hour; annual return R1,500-R10,000+ depending complexity How to find: Search SAIT/SAIPA/SAICA registered practitioners or expat-tax specialists.
SAICASAIPASAIT
💡 Use a cross-border specialist if you have foreign income, trusts, pensions, crypto or tax-residence questions.
Conveyancing attorney
Transfer fees scale with property value; often tens of thousands of rand How to find: Property agent/bank referrals or law-firm directories.
Legal Practice CouncilLaw Society regional bodies
💡 The seller usually appoints conveyancer, but buyers can still get independent advice before offer.
Employment lawyer
R1,500-R4,500/hour How to find: Legal Practice Council, specialist labour firms, union/CCMA referrals.
Legal Practice Council
💡 For dismissal, CCMA deadline is short. Act within 30 days.
Financial adviser
Commission, asset-based fee or R1,500-R4,000/hour planning fee How to find: Check FSCA authorisation and adviser references.
FSCAFPI
💡 Ask whether advice is independent, product-tied, fee-based or commission-based.
Medical broker
Often commission-paid by scheme How to find: Medical-scheme brokers, employer HR, expat referrals.
Council for Medical Schemes
💡 Compare waiting periods, hospital networks, chronic cover and maternity before choosing.
Security consultant / armed response
R500-R1,500/month for armed response; installations extra How to find: Neighbourhood recommendations and PSIRA-registered providers.
PSIRA
💡 Ask neighbours which provider responds fastest in your suburb, not just cheapest national brand.