More and more British nationals are thinking of immigrating to South Africa, due to the republic’s natural beauty and diverse cultural influences. To prepare you for what to expect, here are some of the steps in the immigration process.
The first thing you need is a visa with which to enter the country. South African embassies offer a wide variety of visas depending on your purpose and length of stay. If you plan on staying in the country for a short period of time, you can apply for a visitor’s permit, which is valid for three months. You may also apply for a permanent visa before your temporary visa expires. Those wishing to relocate for employment purposes can look for a potential South African employer, who will then petition for a work visa on your behalf. A study visa is also available for students who want to pursue their education in South Africa and is valid for the duration of studies.
Upon reaching South Africa, you must register with numerous government bodies and public services, such as health and insurance. You can also apply for permanent residence in the country if you wish to become a naturalised citizen in the future. A number of British immigrants have become permanent residents of South Africa because of its low cost of living. Surveys have tagged South Africa as one of the many business friendly countries in the world. Many professionals have migrated to South Africa to meet the country’s demand for highly skilled workers.