Relocating To South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful country with a high quality of life and low cost of living. While South Africa is currently in the midst of political changes, the country welcomes people from other countries who have a specific skill that is needed or have money that they can invest in the country. While they would prefer to fill employment positions with people from South Africa, they realize that this is not always possible. Therefore, they are willing to accept people with the right qualifications and experience.

The country has some basic general requirements for entering. You must have a good character and give them reason to believe that you will be a benefit to the country. If they feel that you will be harmful in any way, they will not accept you into the country. The other basic requirement is that your occupation is unique and is not already filled by the people in the country. In other words, you must prove that they need you.

If you plan to work in South Africa, you need to be between 18 and 51 years of age. Your employer must already be registered within the country of South Africa. Your proven qualifications and experience must line up with the employment opportunity being offered in South Africa. Your employer needs to explain why a citizen of South Africa cannot fill the position or why someone cannot be trained to fill the position.  Your prospective boss must prove that he has advertised for help in South Africa and has either received no suitable applications and/or that a South African person would not be suitable for the position.

If you have family members that live in South Africa and you have money, you may apply for permanent residence if your family promises to support you until you get a job.  Regardless of rather you are married or engaged to someone from South Africa, you must first be considered as a prospective immigrant in your own right. People who want to retire to South Africa must prove that they are self-supporting and have evidence to prove that.

Once you know that you are moving to South Africa, you need to think about getting your belongings moved as well.  One of the first things you need to do is contact a few companies that specialize in worldwide moving. These people should be able to give you all of the information you need to learn how to get your things moved. Plan to ask many questions so you can compare the various moving companies to find the one that can best serve you and fulfill your needs at a reasonable cost.

Make certain that you hire a moving company that specializes in international moving.  They are familiar with the laws of all the countries and will be able to ensure that your goods arrive in South Africa at the right time and in excellent condition.  If you are considering taking your car, you can ask them about international auto shipping when you call. They will be able to give you the various options on how to move your car in the safest and least expensive manner. Be sure and make a note of important information so you can refer back to it later.

Once you arrive in South Africa, you will need a place to live.  Renting is the easiest way to go at first because you don’t need as much paperwork. You will likely be required to pay at least six weeks in advance on a rental. Agents in the country will help you find a place, at which time they will ask for the deposit. They will then agree on a price with the owner.  Once an agreement is made, they will do a credit check. This may mean calling references from your homeland, verifying information from your bank and also checking with your employer. 

There will be various options and other costs involved such as a rental agreement which will have clauses regarding your notice if you plan to move out. Also, you may have to pay for electricity, water, and telephone and there is a deposit on those items as well. You may have to maintain a garden and pool and thus, have to pay a gardener for upkeep. Most likely, you will have the opportunity to hire a live-in maid or servant. There will be a separate contract and expense for this as well.

As you can see, the customs and life in South Africa is interesting and probably unlike your homeland.  It’s a wonderful place to live and once you are settled, you will become more accustomed to their ways. Also, taking the time to socialize is important to the African people and will make it easier for you to make new friends.