Hi,
I'm planning a trip over to South Africa in October for a couple of weeks. I've been offered a place to stay etc etc, However I get the feeling that if I like it, I might want to stay there on a more permanent basis, maybe for a couple of years.
Now, how would I go about this? Do I need a visa?
Has anyone else done this before?
Many thanks.
I can speak from first hand experience, however I won't bore you (or others) with all the details, suffice to say there are a number of loopholes that can be passed in order to get residency there.
The only advice I'll offer is go first and then see how you feel. It truely is a remarkable country, has a lot to offer depending on your profession and location.
'Industrial wise' it's probably way way ahead of other countries in the world but is severely lacking in the 'technology' stakes, power sharing, 1Mb internet connection at the equivalent of £20pm is quite common and I personally found that Cape Town was the only real place that was trying to keep up with the rest of the world.
I don't think the guy will mind, but try contacting a gentleman called Mark at:
http://www.intergate-immigration.com
He himself is if I remember rightly from Devon area and moved over to South Africa a few years ago. Helped me immensly in terms of what visa options were available and the little loop holes (or tricks) that are available.
But definately visit first, get a GOOD feel for the place. I'd certainly quite easily live there for a few years but would never ever consider it a home from home.
As for why I never went up going, pretty simple for me: I acquired a job on the outskirts of Johannesburg at a place called Secunda and had a friend living about 50km away (50km travelling to work is pretty normal over there). He lived on his own, was able to offer me accommodation but unfortunately (or fortunately for him!) he works for BHP Billiton and got offered a chance in a lifetime opportunity to move over to Houston. He went, along with my chances of acquiring a visa.
Don't be put off too much about the violence/troubles. Yes it's a DAMN dangerous place at times, but common sense and good wits prevails.
