What South Africans need to know about living, studying or investing abroad
South Africa is a stunning, vibrant country – but with a volatile economy and uncertain future. It’s impossible to know what’s around the corner, but you can plan ahead to ensure long-term security for you and your family.
If you’ve ever considered internationalising yourself, your wealth, or your business, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
The question is, what does this look like for you?
Do you want to expand your horizons by studying or living abroad, diversify your investment portfolio with exposure to offshore markets, attain second citizenship for you and your family, or grow your business into global hubs?
Now there’s one place where you can explore all your options: Sable International’s Global Citizenship and Emigration Expo.
From 27 October to 09 November, the Expo will be visiting four of South Africa’s major cities — Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town — so you can access a full range of international expertise at a single destination. Best of all, tickets are free.
Ahead of the Expo, we look at some of the most popular paths that South Africans choose for global expansion and security.
British citizenship and immigration
A British passport grants you visa-free entry to 108 countries versus South Africa’s 59. Even if you have no intention of ever living in the UK, the enhanced global mobility makes dual citizenship a compelling prospect.
Due to the complexity and reach of the former British Empire, many South Africans have connections to the UK that qualify them for that coveted British passport, sometimes without them knowing.
Recent law changes to address discrimination in old nationality laws mean that, even if you did not previously qualify, you may now be eligible.
If you can prove that you, your parents, or your grandparents would have received British citizenship were it not for prior unfairness in the law, such as gender discrimination, you might now be able to claim your British citizenship and secure a “plan B” for your future.
Even if you do not have a direct route to citizenship, the UK remains a popular destination for South African emigrants thanks to similarities of language and culture and its proximity to Europe.
The “Big Smoke”, London, continues to be a global financial and cultural hub, but the burgeoning economies in places like Manchester and Edinburgh are also compelling for those looking to grow their career.
To naturalise in the UK, you need to live in the UK for five years on a valid visa, followed by a year as a permanent resident.
Unfortunately, the naturalisation process isn’t always straightforward. Document requirements, financial obligations as well timelines need to be carefully checked.
It probably comes as no surprise that the British are sticklers for detail and any error on your application can seriously set your timeline back.
For example, many people don’t know that when it comes to the residential requirements to naturalise, you need to be physically present in the UK on the first day of your qualifying period, even though you may spend a certain amount of time outside of the UK during that qualifying period.
Sable International is a world leader in British citizenship and immigration. If your parent or grandparent was born in the UK, you can take this opportunity to book a free personal British Nationality Consultation at the Expo to see if you can now qualify for a passport.
Alternatively, stop by the UK immigration stand to find out which visa route could be right for you and your family. Our experienced consultants can talk you through common questions like what skills you need, how much it will cost and how long the process will take.
Book your ticket for Sable International’s Global Citizenship and Emigration Expo.
Australian visas and immigration
Australia is one of the top emigration destinations for South Africans and it’s little wonder with our shared appreciation of sunshine, braais (“barbies”), beer and sports.
Despite our fierce rivalry with the Aussies on the field, they are a warm and welcoming people. A growing community of South African expats enjoy a high quality of life, prosperous economy and pleasant climate in the land Down Under.
Many countries with developed economies require that you have an offer of employment before you can migrate there.
Australia, however, has a general skilled migration route. Which means that, if you have the right skills, you do not need to find an employer before you can move to Australia (although employer-nominated visas are also popular).
If you have an occupation on one of the skill shortage lists, and are under the age of 45, come stop by the Australian migration stand at the Expo and our consultants will be happy to discuss your options and talk you through the migration process.
Book your ticket for Sable International’s Global Citizenship and Emigration Expo.
Another popular route to Australian migration is through studying at an Australian university. If your goal is permanent residency, it’s important to choose the right industry and occupation to study.
Not all occupations have equal weight on the skilled visa system, so feel free to also visit our Study Abroad stand at the Expo to ensure you get the right advice before applying.
Study abroad advice and applications
Studying at an international university can be a first step to broader horizons and options. Not only can you go overseas, get a job and potentially stay depending on your circumstances, but you can also build a global network that will last a lifetime.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity if you’ve just finished matric, but it is also particularly attractive for post-grads looking to gain international experience or a fast-track route to emigration.
Post-grad courses usually last just one or two years, compared to a full undergrad, which also makes an international post-grad a more affordable option.
It can be hard to know where to start, though. Which is why it’s worth speaking to an expert. Chat to our Study Abroad team at the Expo to find out what study options are available to you.
We have over 250 education partners around the world and our advisers are well versed in everything you’ll need to apply for both your course and your visa.
Book your ticket for Sable International’s Global Citizenship and Emigration Expo.
Cross-border financial planning and wealth management
Even if you love South Africa and have no intention of ever leaving, you can create a more secure future for yourself and your family by taking a strategic approach to investing offshore.
Diversification is one of the core tenets of a solid investment strategy and, when you consider that the South Africa’s economy only represents 0.31% of the world economy (as of 2021), investing abroad makes a lot of sense.
However, this can be complicated for South Africans. Many local advisers do not have cross-border experience or multi-jurisdictional licenses.
As a cross-border wealth planning and advisory firm, we provide a unique set of skills for clients seeking to diversify their investment portfolio.
We can help make the complicated simple by tailoring a low-cost, diversified investment portfolio around your specific needs as well as create a full financial plan that covers your short-, medium- and long-term requirements.
Our wealth team will be available at the Expo if you want to chat to them about how we can help you increase your offshore exposure and achieve your personal financial goals.
Book your ticket for Sable International’s Global Citizenship and Emigration Expo.
Offshore real estate investment
Offshore property is also a great opportunity for building global wealth and diversifying your investment portfolio.
Not only can a property generate income in the short term (through rental or yields), but it’s an asset that can be passed down to future generations.
What many South Africans don’t know is just how attainable it is to own international property.
It’s often possible to get a mortgage at a very low interest rate and then cover the repayments through rental. In established property markets, like the UK, it’s easy to find a management agent who will take care of the day-to-day, so you don’t have to worry about finding or dealing with tenants directly.
To maximise your investment, you need an expert who can advise you on which areas are best placed for investment and can assist you with every stage of the process, from finding the right location, to helping you secure the right property (and mortgage, if required), to conducting due diligence on your behalf and even helping you draw up a lease.
Meet Sable International’s Offshore Real Estate team at the Expo to find out how we can simplify the complex process of investing in offshore property.
Book your ticket for Sable International’s Global Citizenship and Emigration Expo.
Citizenship- and residency-by-investment
Citizenship- or residency-by-investment offers South Africans the best of both worlds: it is possible to remain physically in South Africa, enjoying all that our beautiful country has to offer, while holding onto a solid investment offshore that also provides increased travel options and a possibility for the future, should you ever want or need to leave.
While there are a wide range of countries that offer these programmes, they can differ significantly in suitability and benefits.
Some of our favourite programmes are those offered by Portugal, Grenada, Ireland, Greece, Malta and the USA. However, each investor’s needs will vary depending on their personal circumstances.
It’s essential to work with an experienced partner who not only has direct experience in the location and jurisdiction where you are investing but who can also work with you to find the right programme that is the best fit for you and your family.
Our investment migration team will be available at the Expo to answer all your questions and help you identify which programme might be the best fit.
In an uncertain world, it’s more vital than ever to understand your international options.
Come to Sable International’s Global Citizenship and Emigration Expo to discover your opportunities for second citizenship as well as living, working, studying or investing abroad.
If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or by calling +27 (0) 657 2120. We look forward to seeing you there.
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