South African companies and professionals are looking for stability, and they’re finding it in a surprising place: the Isle of Man.

This small island, located between England and Ireland, has become a hotspot for South Africans, both individuals and businesses.

According to the latest census, there are now around 1,218 South African residents living there, making up 1.45% of the island’s population. And that number is expected to keep growing.

So what’s drawing them in?

Cecilia Albertyn, who heads Locate Isle of Man, the official government department in charge of attracting talent and investment, says it comes down to three main things:

• A welcoming South African community already in place
  
• Strong business and job opportunities across sectors like finance, tech, and eGaming
  
• A great quality of life with safety, excellent healthcare, and top-class education
  

For families, the presence of institutions like the University College Isle of Man, offering vocational and higher education, makes the island even more appealing.

But it’s not just individuals making the move. More than 35 South African-run businesses, including big players like Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Derivco, are now operating either directly in the Isle of Man or across both regions.

Albertyn explains:

“There are opportunities here for innovators, investors, business start-ups, and skilled workers.

The island’s economy is diverse and growing, and it welcomes South Africans looking for a fresh start.”

One of the biggest incentives for South African businesses is the tax setup.

In South Africa, successful companies pay up to 27% in corporate tax, and individuals in higher brackets can lose up to 45% of their income to taxes.

Plus, doing business in South Africa has become increasingly difficult, with the IMF ranking it last among 49 countries for ease of doing business, thanks to tight regulations and heavy red tape.

In comparison, the Isle of Man offers a much more attractive package.

Christopher Kinley, managing director at Kinley Legal, which specializes in immigration and business services, explains:

“Most companies on the Isle of Man pay 0% corporate tax.

For individuals, the top rate is just 21%, and there’s no inheritance tax or capital gains tax.

It’s no surprise that many wealthy South Africans are making the move.”

The trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The Isle of Man has set ambitious targets for the future, aiming to double its GDP to £10 billion and create 5,000 new jobs by 2032.

The government is focused on expanding established industries and building new ones, all of which means they are eager to welcome skilled South Africans.

In addition to opportunities in finance, tech, and engineering, there’s a big demand for professionals in healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

This year, the island is particularly looking for paramedics, midwives, police officers, and teachers to join its growing workforce.

Albertyn said:

“The Isle of Man is not just a safe place to do business; it’s a place where people and families can build secure, successful futures.”