Life in South Africa
A. Working and living in South Africa
South Africa is a vibrant, sunny and beautiful country with friendly people, cultural diversity and tolerance, a rich wildlife, and endless opportunities.
As other countries around the globe make it more and more difficult to migrate to, South Africa has eased its restrictions. The intention of the South African Government is to attract skilled workers to the country. South Africa is short of 500,000 graduates in various fields including IT, Engineering, Business and many other technical fields. One of the strategies is for South Africa to become the call centre capital of the world. This requires skilled people and investment. This is why the numbers of people interested in emigrating and working in South Africa annually increases. Addition to that The 2010 World Cup is at the forefront of people's minds and business opportunities are opening up.
B. Health
South Africa's health system consists of a large public sector and a smaller but fast-growing private sector. Health care varies from the most basic primary health care, offered free by the state, to highly specialised hi-tech health services available in the private sector for those who can afford it.
If you’re treated at a state hospital in South Africa and are a non-resident, you must pay and South Africa has no reciprocal health agreements with other countries; even citizens and residents often have to pay, the amount depending on your salary and how many dependants you have (hospitals have rating scales to calculate the amount to charge you). Charges are often low (by Western standards), however: for example, pensioners pay only around R13 (£1.13) for a consultation, medicine and in some cases tests.
C. Housing
When you’re looking for a rental property for long term, it’s best not to rent unseen but to rent a holiday apartment for a week or two to allow yourself time to look around for a long-term rental.
Short-term rentals (i.e. up to three months) can be found through local tourist offices in South Africa and the South African State Tourist Offices abroad, travel agents, the internet and many overseas newspapers.
Should you need further information please click here
D. Transport
Modern highways, trains and airways make travel both comfortable and convenient. As new ideas and technologies are embraced in partnership with foreign companies, South Africa continues to serve as the African role model for modern transportation.
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English.
E. Tax
As and when you earn in excess of R60,000 during a tax year, you are required to register for tax in South Africa.
In general, if you become tax resident in South Africa you will be subject to South African tax on worldwide income. If you are a non-resident of South Africa you will be subject to South African tax on income related to services performed in South Africa irrespective of where the income is paid. Non-residents generally are entitled to the same deductions and personal rebates as are residents.
The following tax rates apply for year of assessment commencing 1 March 2007:
Taxable income exceeds (Rand) | But does not exceed (Rand) | Tax payable |
0 | 112,500 | 18% |
112,500 | 180,000 | 20,250 +25% |
180,000 | 250,000 | 37,125 + 30% |
250,000 | 350,000 | 58,125 +35% |
350,000 | 450,000 | 93,125 + 38% |
450,000 + |
| 131,125 +40% |
Should you need further information regarding the South Africa`s tax system please click here.
APPLYING TO WORK IN SOUTH AFRICA
German Citizens who intend to apply for a position in South Africa need to produce the following documents with their application:
1. Passport (Certified Copy)
2. Filled application form
3. Birth certificate (Translation + Certified Copy)
4. Medical Check Report5. Radiological Check Report
6. Police clearance (Translation)
7. Power of attorney
8. Curriculum vitae
9.Marriage certificate (Translation + Certified Copy)
10.Divorce decree (Translation + Certified Copy)
11.Degrees/qualifications (Translation + Certified Copy)
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA EMBASSY IN GERMANY
Tiergartenstr. 18
10785 Berlin
Tel.: +49-30-22073-0
Fax: +49-30-22073-190
Consular Section
Fax: +49-30-22073-202
