Angola

Obtaining a residency in Angola involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge compared to other countries. The most common types of visas for expats looking to obtain residency are the Temporary Residence Visa and the Work Visa. The Temporary Residence Visa is suitable for those who intend to stay in Angola for more than 90 days for reasons such as family reunification, study, or work under a contract. This visa is valid for up to 1 year and is renewable as long as the conditions under which it was granted are still valid. The Work Visa is intended for those who have a job offer from an Angolan company and is also valid for 1 year and renewable. To apply for a residency visa, expats must first gather the required documents, which typically include a passport valid for at least 6 months, a duly completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, a criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence, a health certificate, proof of means of subsistence, and an accommodation verification. For a Work Visa, a contract of employment from an Angolan employer and a letter from the employer are also required. The application process generally starts at the Angolan consulate or embassy in the expat's country of residence. After submitting the application, it is then sent to the Migration and Foreigners Service (SME) in Angola for approval. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes a few weeks to a few months. Once the visa is approved, the expat can travel to Angola. Upon arrival, they must report to the SME within 8 days to start the process of obtaining a Foreigner Identity Card, which is necessary for legal residence in the country. The process can be bureaucratic and time-consuming, and it is advisable to have all documents correctly prepared and to be patient with the process. It is also recommended to seek assistance from a local contact or a professional visa service to navigate the complexities of the Angolan system.

Healthcare in Angola

The system in Angola is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is widely available to the population, but it often suffers from a lack of resources, including medical supplies and trained healthcare professionals. The quality of public healthcare varies significantly, with urban areas typically having better services than rural regions. Private healthcare in Angola offers higher quality services with more modern facilities and equipment, but it is also more expensive and less accessible to the average citizen. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare, but it is recommended that they have private health insurance to ensure access to better quality care and private hospitals. Many expats and digital nomads choose to have medical procedures done in their home country or in South Africa due to the higher quality of care available there.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Angola, particularly in the capital city of Luanda, is considered high. Expatriates and locals alike face high prices for housing, goods, and services, which can be attributed to the country's reliance on imports and the high cost of doing business.

Weather

Angola's climate is predominantly tropical with a wet and dry season. The coastal strip is tempered by the cold Benguela Current, which results in a climate that is somewhat cooler and drier than one might expect. The interior highlands have a mild climate with a higher rainfall, while the far north and northeast have a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity.

Educational System in Angola

The educational system in Angola has been undergoing reconstruction and improvement since the end of the civil war in 2002. Education in Angola is compulsory and free for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The system is divided into three levels: primary education, secondary education, and tertiary education. Primary education lasts for six years, leading to a certificate upon completion. Secondary education is divided into two cycles: the first cycle is four years, and the second cycle is either two or three years, depending on the course of study. Students who complete the first cycle receive a General Basic Education Certificate, while those who finish the second cycle receive a Secondary Education Certificate, which is required for university admission. The school year in Angola typically starts in February and ends in December, with breaks in between. The quality of education varies significantly, with urban schools generally better resourced than those in rural areas. Portuguese is the language of instruction in all public schools. There are also private and that offer education in other languages and follow different curricula, catering to expatriate communities and those seeking an international standard of education. Graduation from secondary school usually occurs around the age of 18 or 19, after which students may choose to enter the workforce or pursue higher education.