Eswatini
Profiled in Mbabane · Southern Africa
Africa's last absolute monarchy, a small highland kingdom of forested escarpments and craft workshops, wedged between South Africa and Mozambique.
Cost of living
What a month costs
The lilangeni is pegged one-to-one to the South African rand, and most goods come across that border, so prices track South Africa closely.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Mbabane
- Mantenga FallsBroad falls in the Ezulwini valley below the cultural village.
- Sibebe RockEnormous granite dome, second only to Uluru in bulk.
- Ngwenya GlassRecycled glass studio and one of the country's best-known workshops.
- LobambaRoyal and legislative capital, home to parliament and the national museum.
- Swazi CandlesCraft centre in Malkerns producing hand-poured wax art.
- House on FireSculptural arts venue hosting the Bushfire festival.
- Ngwenya MineOne of the world's oldest known mines, worked for haematite.
- Mlilwane Wildlife SanctuaryThe country's first protected area, walkable and close to Mbabane.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Hlane Royal National ParkLowveld reserve with rhino, elephant and lion.
- Malolotja Nature ReserveHigh grassland, waterfalls and a canopy walkway.
- Mantenga Cultural VillageReconstructed homestead with sibhaca dancing.
- Ezulwini ValleyCraft markets and hot springs between the two capitals.
- Mkhaya Game ReservePrivate reserve known for black rhino tracking.
Residency
Residence follows work or investment permits, and the kingdom does not run an investor programme. Eswatini is a Southern African Customs Union member, and land tenure is split between titled and Swazi Nation land.
Tax
Personal rates are progressive to 33% and the corporate rate is 27.5%, with 15% VAT. There is no capital gains tax on individuals, and no wealth or inheritance tax.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Eswatini tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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