BEST EMIGRATION OPTIONS FOR INDIANS

Table of Contents
Part A: A History of Indian Emigration...........................................................................................3
Part B: Non-Indian Resident Success Stories..................................................................................6
Part C: Deciding to Make the Move: The Introduction..................................................................9
AUSTRALIA...........................................................................................................................12
CANADA................................................................................................................................33
EUROPE..................................................................................................................................57
SINGAPORE...........................................................................................................................87
HONG KONG.......................................................................................................................110
SOUTH AFRICA...................................................................................................................130
Part D: SUMMARY....................................................................................................................155

PART A: A HISTORY OF INDIAN EMIGRATION

The story of Indian migration throughout the world is a bloody one filled with colonization,
exploitation, and imperial rule. While not all Indian exiled people the world over, they
constrained them into their position, a substantial segment of them was. At least 6 million of the
original Indian immigrants left as a result of British colonization, labor slavery and indentured
servitude. When immigration became a choice, most headed to the United Kingdom due to the
scarcity of laborers there. Others moved throughout the rest of Europe, and a few moved to
Western parts of the United States. Others moved to Canada.
Movement during Colonial Rule
During the last 175 years and particularly during the 19th century, most of the migration from
India occurred because of colonial rule throughout the area. It all started when British
colonialists invaded the area and relied on slavery from India to meet much of their labor needs.
The colonies would not only depend on them to get work done in the Indian colonies, but they
would also ship them back home to work there as well. The immigration of Indian citizens
throughout Britain and surrounding countries during the 19th century was because of this factor.
Even after the stoppage of slavery in 1833, the pattern of immigration continued, and some
would argue that it intensified. The British colonies and the country itself still needed lots of
labor, and the only thing that changed was the fact that work wasnt free any longer. British
citizens started paying Indian laborers small amounts of money for their work. Poverty in South
Asia was the primary reason that citizens decided to leave the area and work for the meagre pay.
While it wasn't much, it gave them a means to a better life that they could build on. This practice
expanded to France, Portugal, and the Netherlands as well. In the year 1834, Britain also began
sending Indian labor over to Mauritius as well. Indians were shipped all over the world to serve
as laborers, and by the year 1878 they were located in Guyana, Natal, Suriname, Fiji, and
Trinidad. It was because the British colonists had need of laborers, and they became reliant on
Indians to meet that role over the years.
How Indentured Contracts Worked
After abolishing slavery, the main indentured servants of slavery for over 80 years were Indians.
The citizens around the world were allowed to continue to take advantage of the Indians and use
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them for the affordable labor that they needed. The servants would sign up for a five-year
contract to get started working for a home in a different country. Apart from those who escaped
after five-year contract, most were advised to extend the contract for payment or piece of land.
The other option was that they just continued working under the original agreement after the first
five years to avoid being shipped back home. Indentured servants did not become full citizens of
the country they went to, and when they were no longer of use, they could be sent away once
again.
Throughout the colonization of India and extending through the period of indentured servitude of
the people of India, it's estimated that around 6 million left Indian shores to head off to different
countries. Around 1.5 million made it to Sri Lanka, 2 million went to Malaya, and another 2.5
million went over to Burma, among other locations.
Emigration to North America
Between the years of 1820 and 1900, around 700 people travelled from India to the United
States. Thirty years after that period, the number rose to around 8,700 immigrants, most of whom
made the trip to work in agriculture in California.
In 1904, about 100 Indians made their way to Canada as part of the British Empire. Over the next
three years, that number rose to over 5,000 Indians. Then the country began restricting the flow
of Indians to the area through new legislation that demanded that anyone entering Canada come
directly from their original country of citizenship, which was impossible for those living in India.
Curbing the flow of Indians to the area until it changes in the law allowed it to open back up with
a vengeance some 60 years later.
Emigrating to Britain
Throughout the period of the British Raj, there was a small amount of free Indian emigration to
Britain, but it there was a restriction to the well-educated citizens only. Anyone who didnt come
from a moneyed background or a high level of education would have to verify that they had a job
coming up in Britain before being allowed into the country. However, this kept most lower-class
Indians from emigrating. The Indian population did grow to between 5,000 and 8,000 in Britain
over that period, though.

Indians Become Free to Travel

Up until 1966 the ability to travel out of India was based on a decision by the Indian government.
If they decided you were worthy, then you were free to go to a different country. If not you
would be stuck in India. After a ruling had deemed that Indians had a "right to travel", there was
a large-scale immigration from India to the United Kingdom. A mix of low-skilled, highly
skilled, and professional citizens made the trip across the water to find to a new life in what was
then a post-war country. Many of these workers were welcomed to the area during that period
because there was a real need for low-skilled labor in the field at the time.
The Indian Population Grows in the United Kingdom
From the 1960's to late 90's the United Kingdom was the main destination for Indian emigrants
interested in Europe. About two-thirds of all the ethnic Indians in Europe resided in the United
Kingdom. By 2001, there were more than one million ethnic Indians in the United Kingdom.
Native Indians Head for North America
While there was a minor level of emigration from India into North America before 1965, the
levels picked up significantly after the 1965 Immigration Act. They got rid of national origin
quotas, and it became possible for highly skilled Indian workers to go to the United States along
with their families. After the original Immigration Act, the Indian population began to grow
substantially in the United States and Indian workers were quickly recognized as highly skilled
and reliable.
In 1995, the Immigration Act of 1990 went into full effect and made it possible for highly
qualified Indian professionals to immigrate to the country using the H-1B temporary worker
category. The visa gives experts with a bachelor's degree or higher permission to work in
specialty occupations like engineers, IT specialists, and scientists. Since the development of the
H-1B designation, Indian nationals have been the most frequent nationality to use it to get to the
United States. The temporary visa gives a particular employer the ability to hire a foreign
national to work at the business for three years. After that period, the company can apply for
another three years of work from the workers. When that time reached, it's possible to apply for
full citizenship for the employee if the company wants to pursue the option.

Between 1986 and 2005, the total number of Indian immigrants coming to the country jumped up
from 27,000 a year to 85,000. By 2008, Indians made up about 5.7 percent of all people applying
for lawful permanent living arrangement in the United States, as per the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. By 2007, the total size of the Indian community within the United States
passed the 2.5 million markers, making them a significant portion of the population that arrived
as highly professionals immigrants.
Indians Bring Skill and Education to the United States
Indian workers being known for being highly skilled and well-educated in the United States,
mostly because the only immigrants accepted into the country are highly trained and provide top
quality work. They are well-known for filling valuable computer roles in the country, and by
2001, 82 percent of all the H-1B beneficiaries in the computer industry were Indian-born
citizens.
Looking at these statistics, if you are interested in emigrating from India to the United States, it's
in your best interests to build a career in a computer-related industry. If you don't enjoy working
with computers, you can rely on another specialized career such as engineer or scientist to help
you obtain an H-1B visa as well. Immigrating to the United States isn't as easy as it used to be,
but with the right credentials it's still a relatively straightforward process. Indians have been
migrating all around the world since the beginning of the 19th century, and that's not about to
change anytime soon. If you're interested in living in another country, your best option is either
North America or Europe. They have some of the most open immigration policies, with local
economies that support specialist positions.
PART B: NON-INDIAN RESIDENT SUCCESS STORIES
Having success through immigration largely depends on the skills that you have to offer and how
you leverage them. Plenty of successful non-resident Indians started by building up their
education at their native home before heading out abroad. If you want to be successful yourself,
it makes sense to try and decide on the career that interests you most, and then pursue it at home
before leaving. There is a variety of career options to choose from, and with the right approach
you can be successful at any of them. Essentially verify that you have done your research and

knew how you plan to proceed. The following success stories show what is possible through hard
work, and each should help motivate you to pursue your success a little bit more.
So Many That Moved and Were Successful Within Australia
One of the primary destinations for Indians to migrate to is Australia, especially since 1973 after
lifting of White Australia Policy. There were over 40,000 Indians living in the country since it
seemed more appealing than South Africa or Europe. In this unappealing nations, one still might
be faced additional charges and pressure for migrating to these other countries for a new start.
There are so many Indians that moved to Australia and started a new life, which it is hard to
choose just one of their stories. Here are a handful of Indian-Australians that continue to make a
difference in their new country.
Lisa Singh was the first Indian federal politician for Australia. She was originally a Labor
Senator for Tasmania law, and currently, she is still in political office as the Shadow
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change, and Water. In addition to her
story, many other Indian-Australians have found their calling in Australian politics and
government positions.
Professor Veena Sahajwalla well known for winning numerous awards throughout the years for
the work that she has done. One of the most notable awards was the 2008 New South Wales
Scientist of the Year Award. The President of Engineers in Australia is Marlene Kanga, also an
Indian. Dr. Harry Harinath is the Chairman of the Cricket New South Wales Board. Another big
name in Australia that came from Indian roots is Aravind Adiga, who wrote White Tiger and won
the 2008 Man Booker Prize for the best-written book.
Rohinton Mistry Makes his Success in Canada
If you haven't heard of Rohinton Mistry, he's an Indian-born writer of acclaimed success who
today lives in Canada. He started his life in Mumbai and earned a bachelor's degree from St.
Xavier's College. In 1975, he made the move from India to Canada with his wife. It wasn't until
1987 that he published his first book, a set of 11 connected short stories called Swimming
Lessons and became known as a talented writer. His second novel, Such a Long Journey, was
published in 1991 and was highly successful around the world. It became shortlisted for the
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Booker Prize; although it didn't receive the award, it did earn the prize for best book of 1991 by
Commonwealth Writers. His third book, A Fine Balance, is his most popular yet and was
published in 1995. During the Booker Prize, it came as a finalist for the, and Rohinton Mistry
became, a successful Canadian writer with deep Indian origins. Each of his stories based in India,
and they are a perfect example of a person using his strengths and differences to find success.
Rohinton Mistrys books are unlike any others in Canada and the United States, and that's why
they are so popular.
Salman Rushdie Becomes a Successful British Writer
Most people have heard of Salman Rushdie one way or another. He's a highly successful British
writer, but he got his start in Mumbai many years ago. The author managed to snag the Booker
Prize in 1981 with his novel Midnight's Children. He even attained a rating of number 13 on the
Times list of Top 50 British Authors, which is pretty impressive in and of itself.
Salman Rushdie was born in 1947 and has a long and controversial history. He first studied at
Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. He then went on to Rugby School in
Warwickshire and King's College and at the University of Cambridge.
The Satanic Verses was his second major literary work, and it was highly controversial. The
novel its publication came in 1988. The book was said to have an irreverent depiction of
Muhammad in it, and because of that Rushdie had a few assassination attempts made on him by
large Muslim communities. Some places like India, Iran, Sudan, South Africa, Kenya, and
Thailand banned the book. Even with all the controversy around the book, it is still very popular.
The Queen of England later knighted Rushdie, and he became designated as the Commandeur de
l'Ordre des Expressions et des Lettres of France in 1999. He is a highly recognized non-resident
Indian over the years, and should serve as a genuine motivation to anybody hoping to become
famous, especially authors.
Amrit Barman Emigrates to Singapore and Becomes Widely Known
Amrit Barman once dreamed of larger things happening in life; he moved where his destiny lied
much faster and more thoroughly than he had a chance of doing in his homeland. After
graduating from IIT Kharagpur, he decided to move to Singapore in 1997. It is through this place
that he found his calling and decided to make his name and the company he worked for known
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throughout the rest of the world. He is currently the head of managed services business in South
East Asia for the IT giant SAP.
In addition to this feat, he is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. programme in management through
Singapore Management University while continuing to work with the business full time. He
stated that Singapore offers more and more opportunities for Indians who are looking for a
change in their life, or for a better life overall. Many parents are even sending their children there
for their undergraduate studies because of this reason.
Gill Mohindepaul Singh has made his Name Known in Hong Kong, Along with his Wife
Migrating to Hong Kong, and being able to make himself more widely known, not in politics,
but in the television world, Singh wanted to make a positive difference in the world around him.
Moving to Hong Kong is difficult enough, and many of those that currently live in the large city
are already feeling the effects of being of a different nationality. However, this didn't stop Gill
from putting himself out there to get signed for a big television deal.
Singh signed on with TVB after he was part of their hit game show, Minutes to Fame. After
that, many shows scheduled him on, making him even more well-known through a Bollywood
type of career. However, when his wife was denied citizenship for Hong Kong, Singh announced
his intention of moving to Scotland so he could continue his acting career. Singh didnt stay gone
for too long, though; he returned with his wife later in that same year to continue doing the work
at which he was so successful.
Hashim Amla is a South African Indian that cannot be stopped
Living in the world where violence happens almost every day. And where that violence is being
directed towards those races that are the least understood. Hashim knows that he has to play hard
to keep his spot and his title within his team. He made it from the ground up and is now a part of
something much bigger. Because of this, his parents were hopeful when it comes to assimilation.
And where he does not have to consider the racial issues being involved with many of the other
things that his family does throughout the days.
He plays cricket for South Africa, and couldn't imagine life without the bat in his hand and the
wind as he races, as he tries to win the game with his fellow teammates. Born in 1983, he didn't
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see the trials of how his race had to fight to survive when they first immigrated to the home
country. And for whom he plays in their sporting events. He was named one of the fastest
cricketers in centuries and continues to hold medals and awards for the winning job that he does
for the team. He was also named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2013, as well as
being the fourth cricketer to ODI in centuries against all test playing countries. He played the
sport throughout school and continued to play for the country while living there with his family.
These are success stories for non-resident Indians all around the world, but a vast portion of
migrs reside in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. By reading each of the
above stories, it would be easy to assume that you have to be well-educated to become a
successful non-resident Indian, but that's not entirely the case. However, being well-educated
makes immigration easier and pursuing education is often enough to get you into the country
suits your interest.

PART C: DECIDING TO MAKE THE MOVE:

The Introduction
If you grew up in India and you are tired of the local culture or economy, you do have some
immigration options available to you. While there are plenty of opportunities back home, you
could emigrate to Europe, Canada, or the United States with a bit of hard work on your part and
a little bit of luck. To become a citizen of another country, you simply need to offer something
that they want. Most of the time this means taking up a profession that is in high demand there.
While becoming a citizen isn't a simple process for most people, you should be able to
accomplish the move with enough planning.
School Visa
Most countries offer a study permit if you are interested in traveling abroad to further your
education. A study visa is a good way to help you go to where country you're interested in and to
learn more about it while you are there. Not only will you get an education, but you will also
have the opportunity to learn about the culture while you're there and build up a network of
connections. All the connections that you make while in your new location can help you become
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a permanent resident of the area, and could be just what you need to get into the country
permanently.
Research the different schools that you want to attend and make sure that you meet all the
admission requirements. That's the first and most important step that you need to consider. From
there you simply have to apply for the visa and wait to be approved. The application procedure
may take as little as several weeks or as long as many months, depending on which country you
are trying to relocate.
Work Visa
Many countries, including the United States, offer work visas to applicants who are deemed
qualified to receive them. These visas usually are focused on different professions that are in
high demand in the particular location. If you are trained and have experience in one of these
occupations, you may be able to get into the country on a work visa. It's important to realize that
a work visa usually isn't permanent right away and that you will only get into the country for a
specified period. Visas like the H-1B visa in the United States will let you stay for up to 6 years
at a particular company. But to qualify for it in the first place, you have to specialize in a
technical industry. Standard choices are computer specialist, scientist, or engineer.
For you to reach the country, youre most interested in based on your work capabilities, and
afterward it's critical you take the time to make sure they need people in your particular
profession. It might be worth training in a business that is highly valued there to be able to start
working in the country. It was like that is if you don't have a profession yet, and you want to
immigrate to a particular country and become acquainted with it. Those in the medical profession
can often emigrate to a variety of states with ease. Only try to take as much time as required and
research the different options that you have available to you.
After you make it into the country on your work visa, it's up to you to choose whether you want
to stay or not. If you do want to stay, you can start working on obtaining a permanent residency
in the country. Many times your current employer can help you with this process so that you can
legally stay in the nation for whatever length of time that you like. If your current company does
not assist you through the process, you can still work on getting the necessary qualifications and

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getting the paperwork together to help you become a citizen of the country that you live. It will
be time-consuming, but all things worth pursuing are.
Naturalization
Naturalization is a process where you become an official citizen of another country. To become a
full-time citizen of a country, you need to live there for a set number of years, and after that you
need to apply for naturalization. In the United States, the term is five years, after which you can
apply for naturalization and continue to live out your years in the United States as a citizen as
long as you are approved.
To gain the opportunity for adoption, you have to have a reason to live legally in the country
until you have met the minimum requirements. Most people rely on either school, work or a
combination of the two to meet the full-time requirements of naturalization. That means if you
wanted to become a permanent citizen of the United States you could apply for a work visa and
go through two three-year periods on the visa. After five years of being there on your work visa,
you could start working toward those requirements and apply for naturalization. Turning into a
full resident of another nation takes time, and it takes hard work, but as long as you keep
working towards the requirements, it's completely possible.
Do You Want to Move?
Now that you know how to become a citizen of another country, it's important to take the time to
decide if you wish to move in the first place. Sit down and ask yourself why you want to make
such a significant change in your life. Maybe you have family in the other country, maybe the
perceived way of life in the other country appeals to you, or maybe there is something else.
Whatever your reason is, it's important that you get the information down on a piece of paper so
you can come back and look at it many times. When you know what your reasoning is, it's
important to put it to the test. Figure out a way to visit your country temporarily to see what it is
truly like. Go there on vacation, or through a school programme, or whatever you have to do to
get there. Make sure that you visit the country before you go there to work or to make a more
permanent move. You get time because of this to see what it is like and to decide if it is right for
you or not.

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After you've spent some time in the new country, you'll probably realize that it's quite a bit
different than you initially thought. That doesn't mean that you won't want to make the move, but
it could be enough to change your decision. Verify that you take the time to evaluate the option
fully before In the event that you do conclude that you need to move, and then it is up to you to
make it happen. Start researching the country right away to find out the different ways you can
legally drive there. Once you know how you can move to the country of your choosing, it is time
to get to work making it happen. Start studying, go to school, learn a new profession, or do
whatever it is that you have to do to make you desirable as an immigrant. That is immigration.
Not everyone is meant to live in the country where they were born. Sometimes views just do not
match up correctly, and other times there is just something that you like about a different country
that makes it unique.
If you already know what country you want to live in, it's up to you to make the dream happen
for you. Take your time and work toward your goal, but don't forget to live your current life,
either. It's good to focus on a target because that's the only way you'll be able to migrate
successfully.But also make sure you enjoy your life and the process that you go through to get
your end results. After all, what good is working toward a better life if your current one suffers
so badly that you quit and never reach your end goal? Plenty of people have made the move to a
different country successfully, like Salman Rushdie or Vinod Khosla, but they made the most of
their time in India as well. India has a lot to offer, and it's going to prepare you for your life in
other countries, so take advantage of everything that your current state has to offer before you
move on.

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AUSTRALIA

Australia, the land of dreams. Australia is not just an island but a continent, the size of the United
States and with a population of only twenty-two million people. It is a vast expanse of mostly
deserts, like the outback. It is additionally a place where there is astounding precipitation
woodlands, coral reefs, and beaches. From the sacred legends of the Aboriginal people, the high
spirits conjured the red deserts. Australia is a dream destination.
With some of the strangest wildlife, like kangaroos, Australia is a land of staggering contrasts
and spectacular beauty. Multicultural cities offer tourists a wide array of restaurants, nightlife,
and adventure. In the outback, rugged national parks and red-earth deserts offer the ultimate
experience in travel.
Sydney, Australia is known for its world-class Opera House that is like giant shells shaped, or the
billowing sails of a ship. This state-of-the-art building on Sydney's Bennelong Point is among the
UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the world's great architectural icons. Ocean water
complements the stunning beauty of this creation on three sides and a botanical garden to the
south shore.
The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is visible even from outer space and is one of the
largest living structures on the planet. Australia is a gem to be experienced.
The lion's share of Australians live in urban ranges, and most are of British and Irish decent.
Australia is a standout amongst the most ethnically assorted social orders today, and almost one
in four residents was born outside of Australia. Many more were first- and second-generation
Australians, the children and grandchildren of recently-arrived migrants and refugees.
Together with the indigenous Australians who have lived on the Australian continent for over
fifty thousand years, the vast diversity of migrants' backgrounds has helped create a unique
Australian identity and spirit.

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In 1788, the first British colonizers arrived on the shores of Australia and found the natives. The
Aborigines and also the Torres Strait Islanders. Today, Indigenous tribes make up only 2.4
percent of the total Australian populations.
Today, there are about 500,000 Indians living in Australia. Australia's migration programme saw
a significant increase in 40,000 Indian citizens applying for immigration during 2012-2013 while
China had 27 applicants and the UK 21,000 during the same period.
There is a growing trend of Indian and Chinese seeking citizenship in Australia, according to the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Australians are overall a very friendly nation, and the country offers many career opportunities.
Many industries experience skill shortages, making room for skilled migrant workers to find
employment and residency.
Acceptance and tolerance for other cultures are high, and Australia offers a world-class
educational system with opportunities for children of all ages and cultures. The hot summers and
mild winters are also a great attraction, especially for people who don't like the cold weather.
Sports and Entertainment are a prime factor for choosing Australia. The residents revel in games,
from rugby to cricket, soccer, and basketball. From housing to public transport, Medicare, and
education, Australia enjoys a high standard of living. The Aussie way seems to be a good way.

MIGRATING TO AUSTRALIA
Over the years, the national laws of citizenship have changed a lot. The last modifications
happened in 2007, when the 1948 act, which was outdated and made no sense, rewriting it was
the best option. Because of the 1948 act, a lot of Australians lost their citizenship, which the
2007 law gave back to them. Also, to apply for naturalization, you now have to live in Australia
for four years, and you will also have to pass a citizenship test that became part of the process in
2007.
If you want to become a citizen by naturalization, then there are a lot of steps you'll need to
follow for you to be accepted! Before you can take any official steps, theres something youll

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always need to get to be legal in Australia: a visa. A visa is an official permission for people who
want to be in Australia for just a few months, to travel, or to be there permanently.
There are two distinct situations regarding the visa. One of them is that if you live in New
Zealand or Norfolk, then there's no need to get a visa to visit. But if you want to remain in
Australia, then you'll need to apply for one.
However, if youre not from one of those two places, then youll need to request and obtain a
visa before you visit. There are certain countries from which it is possible to get an Electronic
Travel Authority, which will only let the person, in question stay legally for three months or
less.

AUSTRALIAN PERMANENT RESIDENCE VISA

If you have travelled to Australia for the purpose of getting a job there, living there or even
studying without restrictions, this visa might be better. Holders of this kind of visa will have
several advantages as well as disadvantages. For example, one disadvantage is that if someone
with this visa leaves Australia, he or she will have to obtain a permanent visa thats valid in case
they want to go back on the same visa. An advantage for permanent residents, however, is the
right to vote in the elections.

GETTING AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP

If you're going to live in Australia, then you'll need to apply for a permanent visa. This Visa will
grant several advantages and rights, as well as incur obligations as a regular citizen. This visa
might not be granted, depending on several contingencies.
You are qualified to apply for Visa If you are a holder of the permanent resident visa. You also
qualify if you're over 16 and have been living in Australia as a regular citizen for four years.
Once may also qualify if your English is fluent and if you are aware of all of the advantages as
well as the responsibilities as a citizen.
There are four years where you'll need to have a permanent residence visa. They which will only
be available for 12 months from the date that you obtain a health certificate and character check
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for the application. Once this visa is expired, you'll need to apply for temporary residence for
three years, to make, in total, the four years required to apply for citizenship.
For you to get the visa as fast as possible, it's better if you apply for it as early as you can,
especially if you already have work and a house. The sooner, the better, because thats the best
way to make sure you will be able to reside legally in Australia and wont be stopped at the
airport because you dont have the visa.

STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA
Studying in a country like Australia can be an excellent opportunity since there are about 41
universities. There are two Australian universities on list of the top 100 best schools in the world.
They are Melbourne's University and Australian National. If you're having second thoughts or
dont think that the educational system is worth it, then the best thing for you to do is think
again. The education is fantastic, and youll be able to meet new people, learn a whole new
culture, and visit different cities if you have the time for it.

WHY SHOULD YOU GO TO AUSTRALIA TO STUDY?

When it comes to education, theres more opportunity for work and you are more valued
when you have studied abroad. Australia has more than 22,000 courses you can choose, and the
universities are well-ranked. The government is helpful when it comes to education. Each year,
there is an investment of about 200 million Australian dollars in international scholarships, which
makes it easier for students to experience the education this country has to offer.
There are a lot of fields of study, ranging from Physics to Mathematics, Art, Social Sciences, and
many more. If you want to take a degree on something specific, an Australian university will
probably have it, so you dont need to look any further to find it.
Australian universities have educated about 2.5 million people from other countries who are now
working there, making the earth a better place to live and, finding the cure to diseases. Also
working on technology, such as the Bionic Ear.

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APPLYING TO THE UNIVERSITY AND COURSE

If youre thinking about getting a degree from Australia, then you'll need to apply to the school
before going. You'll need to choose the level you want to take and at which institution. Probably,
while applying, youll have more than one choice. It means that if you don't enter one course,
then you might enter another, or you might get the same degree but in a different university from
your first choice.
You'll also need to meet different requirements for the degree. They include previous academic
proof, good English skills both spoken and written, evidence that you are capable of supporting
your studies economically. Also need evidence of overseas health coverage in case you need it,
which you likely will. These are also the requirements to apply for any visa.
After submitting the application, the university will send you a Letter of Offer, which you
respond to by saying you want to study at that university and take that degree. If they choose
you, its because theyre sure you have the skills to take the degree and, therefore, you should
accept if you want to study in that university, of course. You might receive more than one letter
if more than one college takes you.
Once you are accepted to study at a university, they're going to send you probably through email the Confirmation of Enrolment, which just states that you were accepted. This certificate
is one of the requirements needed to obtain the student visa.

THE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER A UNIVERSITY

English is a crucial part of the application to any school. There's a high chance you'll need
actually to prove your skills by taking an English test and providing, in the form, the results to
the university. Youll always need to have a certain level of English proficiency, but it might
differ from one school to the next.
If youre going to take the Higher Education Undergraduate course, then you need to get a
Secondary Education Certificate which is year 12 or the equivalent in your country.

18

If you want to do Postgraduate work, then you are going to need to prove that youve completed
one undergraduate degree. Any work experience in the field might be relevant for acceptance
into the University.

THE OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER

Australia provides the OSHC for foreign students. It is something special because if, during
those years while youre studying in Australia, you need to get hospitalized or even go to a
doctor. This health system will cover the costs, including any medicine prescribed to you. It's
obligatory that the student maintain the OSHC for the time of the degree.

STUDENT VISA
Before actually flying to study in Australia, you'll need to apply for a student visa, of which there
are six types if youre going to university.
The Higher Education Visa is the one you need to use for if youre going to earn a degree in any
academic field, and after that, you'll need to ask for a higher education degree. If you want to get
a masters research degree, this isnt the proper visa for it.
The Postgraduate Research Visa is for those who wish to get a masters or a doctoral degree. The
university you entered will determine if you can get that degree by coursework or just by doing
research.
Get the Non-Award Visa if youre only going to Australia for a semester.

THE COSTS OF STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA

If youre going to study in Australia, youll probably want to rent an apartment or maybe a room
shared by two or four people. The arrangement would be cheaper and a better way to get to know
more people. The cost will differ based on where youre studying: which city, as well as the
neighbourhood.

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The accommodations have different prices and theyre usually per week and not per month.
Living on campus can cost about AUS $80 up to AUS $250; sharing a place can be even cheaper.
You can expect to pay from AUS $70 to AUS $250 (INR 3300-11,750).
Of course, some things need to be considered when thinking of living on campus or renting a
room or apartment. For example, public transportation can cost from AUS $10 to AUS $50 (INR
470-2350) per week, as well. If you live far from the facilities, then youll need to consider
how to get there. There is the option of buying a car, but that can be more expensive than using
public transportation. You can also ask your roommates if they are in the same university or have
a similar schedule, for rides and negotiate a price. That way you don't have to stick to bus
schedules and with luck youll arrive at the perfect time.
Groceries can be quite expensive, costing from AUS $80 to AUS $200 in a week. With gas,
electricity, your phone bill and the internet, the utility costs are more than AUS $200 (INR
9400). Of course, you can use the internet in your university but sometimes youll need to do
some work at home.
Usually, the undergraduate degree costs from AUS $15,000 to AUS $33,000 (INR 705,2751,551,610), the masters degree is between AUS $20,000 to AUS $37,000 (INR 940,3701,740,000) and a doctoral degree is AUS $14,000 to AUS $37,000 (INR 658,260-1,740,000).
These costs are the expenses per year only.

GETTING A SCHOLARSHIP
Funded by the Australian government, the Australia Awards are scholarships for nationals and
citizens from the list of eligible countries. It covers a lot of continents, such as Europe, America,
Asia, and other areas.
These are some of the scholarships offered in Australia for both national and international
citizens:
If youre going to take a postgraduate degree, there is the option to apply for the Australia
Awards Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships. It as an excellent opportunity since youd be
able to work and to study with some of the top researchers from your area.
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The Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for
researchers from APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) economies.

Providing

opportunities to do more research and to have a partnership with the countrys education system
and with Australian universities. The goal of these fellowships is the empowerment of women in
the APEC region, which will ideally result in the rise of women to significant roles in different
scientific fields.
Theres also JASON, which stands for Joint Academic Scholarships Online Network, which is a
scholarship browser. The scholarships that found in this browser are available to national
students that want to study abroad or stay in Australia. Also to international citizens that wish to
study in Australia but don't have the economic support to pay all the fees, tuition, and the rest of
the costs on their own.
If you indent to process a scholarship, then all you need to do is to research some specific
websites for the ones that are available for international citizens. There might be some
nationalities that will have more difficulties in getting a scholarship, depending on their country
of origin, but in case of any doubt that should be discussed with the institution that is providing
it. That way you'll know if you're eligible to get a scholarship, but you'll need to contact the
agency or organization that's giving the award.

THE UNIVERSITIES
Whether undergraduate, postgraduate or even the doctorate, Australia's universities offer
different degrees from which anyone can choose. Science, physics, humanities, arts, and much
more, are fields that these Universities allow students to study. Some degrees are more expensive
than others because tuition differs from school to university.

THE MOST KNOWN AND THE BEST AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES ARE:

The University of Queensland

Monash University
University of Sydney
Australian National University
University of Melbourne
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University of New South Wales

EMPLOYMENT IN AUSTRALIA
Numerous outsiders see Australia as a nation of openings for work. It not only pays very well but
it has a lot to offer and when it comes to the advantages. Just like the national health system, it
becomes attractive for people who want to have a healthy life and more chances of finding wellpaid work. The Australian government has been encouraging young adults with or without
degrees to live there. The government supports that because there's a need to increase the
population, and there are a lot of job opportunities but, sadly, there aren't enough skilled people
that can work in those particular fields. Nurses, doctors, engineers, and others professionals are
what Australia requires the most; there are many vacancies for those who have taken those
degrees.
To be employed, you'll have to use the Skill Select website where one gets the opportunity to
receive an invitation for a skilled visa from Australia's government. That is the most productive
system because you are ensured of an occupation once you touch base in Australia, and there's no
compelling reason to search for one.

THE WORKING PROGRAMMES FOR FOREIGNERS

The immigration programmes are for people who are interested in getting a job in any part of
Australia, and they have some advantages. These are:

The Skilled Migration Programme, which is perfect for people who are qualified and
want to live and work in Australia. While part of this programme, the person can use their
experience, their language skills, and their qualifications to get a permanent Australia
visa. The programme initiated in 2012 and known as Skill Select. If you want to apply,
youll be asked to upload an Expression of Interest. This browser-based application has
two phases: in the first, the person will issue a claim to a skilled visa with the aid of using
the Expression of Interest. Secondly, the person might be invited to apply for an
Australian visa based on their EOI.

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Working in holidays will let young people who are from participating countries
cooperate in Australia for a particular period It not only a perfect opportunity to travel but
also to experience a different culture and also to earn some money during their time off
from school or university. There are a lot of countries that are a part of this programme,

such as Sweden, Canada, France, Chile, Italy and many more.

Australian Business (Long- and Short-Stay) visas are a superb option if you only want
to work temporarily in the country. The Short-Stay Visa intended for persons who wish to
stay for a short period up to 3 months who are only there for business purposes. The
Long-Stay can last for four years, and you can work in Australia or even create your stuff
or open a new branch of your company there.

To understand the following, you'll need to know what a substantive and a bridging visa are.
A visa that is not either a criminal equity or a spanning visa is called A substantive visa.
A bridging visa is given for only a particular period, but it gives you lawful status. This permit
ensures that you are legally staying in Australia. You need this before your settlement to finish a
substantive visa is or while you want to leave the country. Its also helpful to someone who
doesn't have any other type of visa. If you obtain a bridging visa, you won't be seen as an illegal
citizen in Australia, which can lead to some dangerous circumstances.
On the off chance that your substantive visa has finished, then you can just apply for another sort
of permit, yet you'll have to have a connecting visa. Visas can take some time to be ready if you
get accepted, and the bridging visa is there to bridge that gap. For example, if you have a
substantive visa but it has finished, and you'd like to stay in Australia for another year. You'll
need to process Australia Temporary Visa but meanwhile, you'll have to get a bridging visa, so
you're not illegal.
If you've processed a tourist visa, then you can't work in Australia. But if you have another type
then youre able to apply for several jobs and have the same working conditions as natives do. If
you have any bridging visa besides the tourist one, then youll be able to sign a contract and get
paid like a regular citizen, but only for a specific amount of time.

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INVESTING IN AUSTRALIAS ECONOMY

The Australian economy hasnt stopped growing, which results in a safer environment to open
your own business or to start a branch of your company in this country. This countrys economy
is the 13th largest in the world, which can say a lot about the lifestyle of Australian citizens. It
isnt easy to keep investing unless there's a very high possibility of getting better profits. That's
why Australia is such an attractive country for businesses of any kind. It has entered its 24 th
consecutive year of growth, resulting in more confidence from companies and enterprises around
the world.
Theres the option to open just a small store in one city, but you can build a large corporation
from the ground up in Australia.

AUSTRALIA IS VERY INNOVATIVE

There have been a lot of companies interested in opening several stores or creating businesses in
Australia. There are several reasons why companies choose Australia instead of other countries:

The institutions and infrastructures in Australia are modern, which can result in more

means to innovate, to create technology, and make new discoveries in any field;
The quantity of money invested in innovation is a lot, and it continues to rise;
There are incentives for new businesses, either created or expanded;
Australia has a lot of skilled people in many fields of research, which means that they
have a lot of qualified professionals that can enhance a companys products, resulting in a

bigger profit;
In development and research, its similar to the leading countries in innovation, such as

Japan, USA, and others;

The government does everything needed to support new businesses or to help already
established ones to prosper even more, national or internationally.

When it comes to medical research, Australia is very close to developing a bionic eye, which is
incredible. It is so because of the support from the government, and also because there is a lot of
investment in this type of field. It would a medical miracle in a way, but also this is technology at
its best, and some companies have invested a lot of money in helping this development happen.
And to make sure that the best professionals are working on it. When the best people are working
24

on this type of development and research, they are working every day to give people a better
quality of life.

SKILLED PROFESSIONALS
Because Australia strongly supports education in every way, it has the highest rank in secondary
education. It, therefore, means that people are more likely to become proficient than in other
countries. It is because there's a lot of support and help for young people and, in general, for
people who want to study.
About 40% of the people that work have an undergraduate or an advanced diploma. It is one of
the reasons that such a large number of organizations especially in some particular fields such
as medicine and technology invest their money in Australian workers.
Contrary to what many people might think, a lot of those qualified workers are not natives. There
are about 12 million people now working in Australian for a long time who were not born there.
The salaries, the quality of life, and the education are just three of the many reasons that people
choose to stay in Australia instead of returning to their country of origin or choosing another one.

STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Australia is the land of opportunities. If you happen to think of doing your own business, there
are a lot of things you need to know. Youll need patience and time to deal with everything
involved in getting a location and having the paperwork properly done. Until youre a legal
Australian citizen, it is harder for you to open a store. Youll need to own a proper visa, which
will give you permission to start your own business. If you hold a business visa, then youll be
asked to explain in detail what your company plan is. This plan has to address the essential
factors stated in the Migration Act, and must meet the guidelines of the state government in
which you plan to start your business.
The application for getting approval to start a business, having a proper visa, needs to include:

A financial plan for the four years which you are allowed to stay because of the visa;

25

Thorough research to make sure that the business will be successful. It must also include

cost factors as well as information about competitors;

A marketing strategy that will be part of how your business can profit, since it's a way of

getting more clients;

Where there is location of the business, the structure, the job descriptions, and also how

to get financial aid;

An in-depth SWOT analysis, which is crucial since it describes what would be the
strengths, the weaknesses, the opportunities and the threats that the business would have
once established. It was through this that the government a prospect of the business for
the four years or less that the company would be active.

Make sure you don't skip any of those points, because if you do, you may end up denied the
application. There's a need to show the government how successful the business would be.
Investing in a company is paramount, and if you're sure that your business plan could be
successful, then you can apply for approval.

TAXES AND PAPERWORK

The legislation, when it comes to taxes, is supervised by the federal, the state, and the territorial
governments. Before starting a business, there are a lot of things that the owners need to know
regarding the regulation of taxes. Youll have to apply for:

An Australian business number;

The Goods and Services Tax;
The Fringe Benefit Tax;
The Tax Filing number.

Sometimes owners can be required to pay state and territory land taxes, and other taxes as well.
It can be complicated to understand and to do, so the best thing that you might consider is to
contact an accountant or a solicitor that will know more about these taxes and can advise you as
needed.

26

BUSINESS GRANTS
For businesses to receive aid, several grants have been created. Australia does this because
there's always a need to develop new jobs, to improve a business's productivity or to help it
develop and, that way, become better than its competitors. There are several types of
programmes that can apply to any company. For example, there is a grant for Research and
Development companies and also for start-ups. Each type has its category to apply to, which is
simpler and easier.
Funding your business might be excellent for it but it is also good for Australia as well;
otherwise these grants wouldn't exist. If your company has a prospect of being successful, then
there is a possibility that the funding might be yours. It creates more employment and also,
because we live in a very competitive world, a way to feature the business.

THE GEOLOCATION OF THE CONTINENT

While some continents havent the right location for becoming a more developed country or to
have a growing economy like Australias, this country has been totally lucky in its location. The
reason is simple: it is very close to the Pacific region and the Asian continent, an area that is
steadily growing at a rapid pace. Between the two continents, there have been several mutual and
individual investments and trades that were made to improve both continent's economies.
The Asian market and economy is enormous and, therefore, investments made in Australian land
can be excellent. For example, Asia represented more than 70% of the two-way merchandise
trade between the years of 2013 and 2014. The investments from Asia in several fields,
businesses, and more have been steadily growing, and there haven't been any problems resulting
from this economic status. In fact, they both have been benefiting from the investments made
since it's a way to have a relationship that can lead to the significant development and research. It
has also resulted in a lot of employment for Asian people who, in general, are very well qualified
but can't find a job because there's an enormous lack of jobs. Given the chance to work in
Australia, they will take it.

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THE NEW LIFE

If you've gotten your visa, whether, for only a certain amount of time or permanent residence,
you'll probably want to rent your house or even buy one. To do this, you'll need information
about cultural and traditional events. Also need information on where you can buy groceries and
clothes. And also Where to socialize and meet new people- You can do this in place such as parks
and gardens, cinemas and theatres where you can be entertained on your day off. Since cultures
can be very different, some people might be shocked in the beginning, but they'll get used to how
things work in Australia. In fact, there's only one way to learn how to live there and to adapt
yourself to the new country's laws, culture, and society: you need to be a resident in that country.
Learning a lot about it will help you to become a better citizen, and also will make you more
comfortable around people who are native.
At the beginning of this new life, there are some changes and things you'll need to do. Some of
them you may have already done in your original country, but there are significant differences
regarding the society and the government.

START WITH THE BASICS

Learn English the best way you can and, before or during the stay, practice it as much as
possible. Since its said that practice makes perfect, youll speak perfectly. Dont worry about the
accent, you dont need it; but obviously, youll need to understand and be understood.
Meet new people before and during the stay. It allows you to have some support and help if
needed and you won't feel all alone while living there, which is crucial. Feeling alone can make
people return to their original country.
Make sure you have everything legal, especially the visa that allows you to stay in Australia for a
certain measure of time or for all time. Don't forget that after four years of living in Australia,
you can apply to get Australian citizenship, but during those four years, you'll experience
everything as a native.

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Health care is essential. If you're a visitor or have a temporary visa, you'll have to pay the total of
health expenses. But if you apply to the Visa Subclass 457 or 485, then you'll need to have health
insurance, and you'll need to keep it until you leave Australia.

AUSTRALIAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

In Australia, there's a universal health care system called Medicare. If you have a temporary or a
visitor's visa, then you'll handle the total costs of any medical treatment or medicine, and it can
be expensive. There are visitors from some countries that are beneficiaries of an agreement
called Reciprocal Health Care, but you have to be from those particular countries on the list.
When it comes to the Visa Subclass 457 or 485, the Australian government requires the person to
have health insurance as long as they stay. Students can benefit from the Overseas Student
Health Cover.

THE WEATHER AND SEASONS

Of course, the weather is distinct from region to region, but this is a general review. In South
Australia, where cities like Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and others are, during the summer the
minimum is 16 C, and the maximum is 26. But during the period of winter time the minimum
temperature can be about 6 Celsius degrees and the maximum about 14. These cities are located
in the south of the continent, meaning the weather is colder than in the north, which is so closer
to the Equator.
In Brisbane and Darwin, which are two subtropical cities, the minimum temperature for Brisbane
is 16 degrees and for Darwin is 23. The maximum temperature differs since Brisbane averages
only 25 and Darwin 32.
Regarding the seasons, its very simple:

Winter is from June to August;

Spring is from September to November;
Summer is from December to February;
Autumn is from the month of March to May.

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If you live in Australia for several years, there's a very high possibility of witnessing a
phenomenon of extreme weather. They include a cyclone or a flood, which are the most common
ones that happen in Australia during the typical year. Storms tend to appear in the north of
Australia, and can be seen between the months of November and April. The number of cyclones
per year in Australian average is six, an intimidating number.
Regarding the floods, there have been many, and the only explanation that makes sense is that
changes in the climate have been affecting all of the continents on the planet. The states that were
hardest hit by the floods are Brisbane, Queensland, and Victoria.

THE AUSTRALIAN STATES

Although the Australian mainland is enormous, the number of states is only six. These are:

New South Wales;

Victoria;
Tasmania;
Queensland;
South Australia;
Western Australia.

Five of those states are federated, and there are three federal territories and Tasmania also counts
as a state. There are six islands that are the external Australian territories, and there's a part of
Antarctica that Australia claims.
These six states each have their constitutions, meaning there are the same government divisions
of executive, judiciary, and legislature in each state, like the federal government. The parliaments
are allowed to pass laws about different subjects and don't need the approval of any exterior state
or government. In each state, there's a Governor, who has the same powers as the monarch.
There are also ten more Australian territories. The Capital Territory of Australia and the Northern
Territory, as well as Norfolk Island, were given the right by the federal government to be selfgoverning. In these areas, when it comes to government problems, they are solved by a
parliament that is elected.

30

Seven of those lands are governed by the Commonwealth using an appointed Administrator.
These are:

Christmas Island;
Coral Sea Island;
Jervis Bay;
The land Heard Island and the McDonald Islands
The Cartier and Ashmore Island;
The Australian Antarctic Territory;
Cocos Islands.

Those territories have to obey the Commonwealth Law, although its the Australian government
that sends an Administrator to each one of those territories to ensure that theres a person who
represents it.

THE GOVERNMENT
Australia is a democracy representative, but it is also a constitutional monarchy, having the
world-famous Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch.
Australia was structured in 1901 when six colonies that were conquered by Great Britain agreed
to form a nation that had six states. Everything about the rules and laws of the Australian
governments is in the Australian Constitution. In this constitution, there are several definitions of
subjects ranging from how Commonwealth is allowed to proceed in the six states of the
Australian mainland and also the different topics that it can pass laws.
The creation of Australia is usually called a "federation". It is called so because there is a federal
government system in the constitution. It means that the powers have been divided correctly, not
giving anyone too much power, which could be very dangerous. That way, the powers can't
collude against the people, resulting in a better government, and ensuring that its functions and
resources can work properly.
When it comes to the Australian Parliament, there's a representative of the Queen called a
Governor-General, and there's the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Parliament
passes laws that will affect every state. The persons that will be in the House of Representatives
31

are elected basing on the amount of population each state has. As an example, since New South
Wales has a larger population, they have 48 persons while there are only five from Tasmania.
When it comes to the Senate, the quantity of them living in each state doesn't affect the number
of representatives. Each state has the right to elect 12 Senators. This equality has a purpose: since
there are 12 members from each state, no state is unduly represented. Therefore, the Senators are
allowed to reject or to amend any bills from the House of Representatives.
The Commonwealth Parliament has the right to propose changes to the Australian Constitution.
But for a change to take place there needs to be a referendum, where citizens of voting age will
choose whether they want the change or not. Of course, being a democratic country, the majority
will win.
Australia's government is made up of the three arms of the government that connected mutually.
Those are:

The executive arm, which is administered by the Sovereign of Australia. The GovernorGeneral, the Prime Minister, the Ministers, and the Departments only can exercise this

power.
The Legislature, which is only administered by the Commonwealth Parliament.
The Judiciary being at the centre of the High Court of Australia, and which then
distributes power to the several Federal courts existing in the states.

32

The separation of those powers is where these three government arms can undertake and separate
the activities:

The Official arm is the particular case that executes the laws using the method of the
Royal Assent. It also administers the existing laws and, therefore, needs to perform

several duties given to this arm by the legislation;

The Legislature is the one that proposes laws and changes to laws using Bills. Although

the Sovereign is the head of the Parliament, this person has no say in these matters;
The Judiciary will use the law administration, using not only the common law but also
the statute law. The courts arent allowed to give any advisory opinions regarding the
constitutionality of the Australian laws.

LIST OF THE RECENT MINISTERS

All of the following people have been Ministers since 2013, but there are some exceptions since
there are about three or four people who were only ministers in 2014. These are:

Tony Abbott, the Prime Minister;

Warren Truss, the Deputy Prime Minister and also Minister for Infrastructure and

Regional Development;
Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs;
Eric Abetz, Minister for Employment;
George Brandis, Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts, Vice-president of the Executive

Council and also Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate;

Joe Hockey, Treasurer;
Barnaby Joyce, Minister of Agriculture;
Nigel Scullio, Minister for Indigenous Affairs;
Scott Morrison, Minister of Social Services;
Ian MacFarlane, Minister for Industry and Science;
Bruce Billson, Minister of Small Business;
Sussan Ley, Minister for Health and also for Sport;
Peter Dutton, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection;
Kevin Andrews, Minister for Defence;
Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Communications;
Greg Hunt, Minister for the Environment;
Mathias Corman, Minister for Finance.

33

Each one represents a Department that is intended to work on the question related to its name.
For example, the Department of Defence has to deal with defence problems and also with the
military which can improve.

THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM

There are many courts, and they are divided into several categories accordingly. There are the
federal and the state courts, and they might be general or specialized ones and, besides all of that,
they can also have a limited or general jurisdiction.
When it comes to the federal courts, the High Court is the one that was established by creating
the Federation of Australia. Its purpose is to be a court of appeal that's available for the whole
country of Australia. This court manages any hearings about Australia's Constitution. It can
declare any law unconstitutional, which means that although the law has been passed, it won't be
valid and, therefore, following it won't be possible as an ordinary law would. There also exists a
federal court that has a limited jurisdiction that is defined by legislation. State courts can exercise
depending on the subject jurisdiction when it comes to the federal laws.
Each state and territory were given a supreme court. The court can be removed if there is a State
Statute operating. It means therefore that are some matters that only some courts can deal with
because they were nominated do it. Any decision a Supreme Court makes will also affect the
lower ones.

TRANSPORTATION IN AUSTRALIA
Of course, not all of the cities have subways because the amount of population is too small to
profit from constructing them. Trams are the most common public transportation in the major
cities, except the buses. Most of these towns have what's called a multi-modal network, which is
a system that includes two or more means of transportation. For example, if the city has buses
and urban rail, it can be called multi-modal because there are two ways of transport.
Trams in Australia are used and are an excellent way to get around the city. The only cities that
don't have this network, which they could benefit from, are Darwin and Canberra, but these cities
34

have buses to fill that lack. In Canberra, there's a plan for having a Capital Metro in 2018. It will
also have a direct connection with the buses, which will make it very efficient transportation for
everyone who doesn't own a car or who just doesn't want to use it.
For traveling between cities, there is a gigantic railway, with approximately 33,819 km of track.
Each service is very different; for example, the Ghan line connects Adelaide, which is in the
South, to the city of Darwin, located in the North of the continent. Other railways connect
different cities from the north and south.
Australian cities use a combination of private and public transportation. The most common
public systems are the city rails, which are regional trains and coaches.
Theres no metro in Australia. There is a partial underground system that could be called a metro
if this transportation carried passengers underground, but it doesnt. Melbourne is the only city
with plans for obtaining a metro.
The city of Sydney has been working on its Metro service. The first line will be the North West
Rail Link, and it will connect the Epping railway to Chatswood.
Most of the cities have water transportation in the form of a ferry. Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, and
others have been using this means to transport workers and visitors from one side to the other
across the harbour or water. It is a very efficient transport, and everyone can use it. It is very fast
and can accommodate a lot of people at once.
The most commonly-used transportation is the car. In some parts of this country, if there weren't
roads or cars, people couldn't get anywhere. Although there are buses and other transports, some
areas don't connect in a direct way with a neighbourhood or some parts of the city, which is why
a lot of people use cars. A car is faster and, in all ways, more efficient. It is more expensive than
a bus pass, but it can be parked very near someone's workplace, where the bus doesn't pass.
At least one person in each house owns a car and uses it daily. It doesn't mean they use it for
going to work, but it can be used to go shopping or other things. In total, there are 913,000 km of
roads all over Australia. These roads connect each city and village to another, making it easier to
use a car than a bus. And also to navigate in the Continent, which is easier when most of the
cities stay connected.
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Airports are also a means of transportation in Australia, and it's very interesting to see that there
are a lot of these built in each state. Of course, these airports don't only offer international flights
but also national, making it much easier and faster. If you would like to travel from one city to
another, especially when they're far from one another. The most-used airports on the Continent
are:

Melbourne Airport;
Sydney Airport;
Cairns Airport;
Brisbane Airport;
Perth Airport;
Canberra Airport;
Adelaide Airport;
Darwin Airport;
Hobart International Airport.

These are the most commonly used ones, both for people who come from abroad or Australian
citizens wanting to go overseas. But there are also a lot of individuals who use the plane as a
faster way to go to another city.
In 2004, the total of the airport's existing in Australia was 448, an astounding number.

HOUSING
If you're planning on going to Australia either to live or just to visit, there's always a need to get
somewhere to sleep. When it comes to travel, most people tend to choose hotels or even hostels,
which are popular since the prices can be lower, and the locations tend to be better.

PURCHASING A HOME
When it comes to staying for an extended period in Australia, then renting an apartment or just a
room can be the best choice. Of course, there is always the possibility of buying property, but
this option is only available if the person interested in a house is a resident of Australia. To
purchase a house, the person will need prior approval from the government. This approval policy
is a way to increase the supply of new houses carefully, instead of by speculation. To apply to
36

purchase a home, you'll need to complete a form that provided on the Australian government
website and then submit it. The decision shouldn't take more than 30 days to be completed.

RENTING AN APARTMENT OR ROOM

If you can't afford to purchase a house, then the best solution for you is to find an apartment or
even a room. It will be a lot cheaper, but there are factors that can change the price such as the
location. When the house located nearer the centre of a large city, it becomes more expensive; if
it has a lot of transportation nearby, it also becomes more expensive. It means that the farther you
live from the centre, the cheaper it becomes, but there are several consequences.
It is usually cheaper to rent a room instead of a full, and there's the opportunity of living nearer
the centre and not paying as much as you'd pay if you lived on your own.
Since most of the house owners require several monthly rent payments up front, it would be
better if you contact them before arriving in Australia. But there may be severe consequences
because there are lots of fake advertisements. The best solution is to stay at someone's home and
then actually start looking for something once you are there.

WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES

A lot of the apartments that are available for renting have a general cost. This cost includes
several services, such as:

Heating and Gas;

Water Bill;
Electricity;
Also taxes on the property;
And sometimes Internet and cable are also included.

Sometimes you can even pay more if the apartment is partly or wholly furnished. It means that if
it has, for example, a microwave, refrigerator, stove, couch, television and other objects familiar
to a household. Then it might be more expensive than renting a house that hasn't those
advantages.

37

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION

Whether you have to purchase or rent a flat to live in, the prices are very distinct depending on
the features and, of course, the type of accommodation. These are the most common:

An apartment, whether or not part of a condominium. The advantages of having an

apartment in a condominium are several.

A room that can be located very near the centre, with a price that wont be as high as a

full apartment;
A Stackhouse that usually has two floors and one entry. Theyre built together, which
means that there's a possibility of building more houses because they'll share the same
side walls.

Obviously, the price per month that a person will pay to rent a room isn't the same as renting an
apartment. And, if this apartment located in a condominium, it's more expensive as well.

FINDING A HOME
Deciding where to stay for a limited amount of time, or just until you have enough cash to rent
something better or even to purchase a house, is quite easy. There are several steps you can take
to find the perfect place:

If you have friends or family in Australia, they might be helpful in this matter;
Use the following website to find any house, in any state, at various prices:

http://www.realestate.com.au/;
Local newspapers and real estate agents can help as well;
You can browse for yourself. If you're already living there and you know where you want
to live, you can look for an empty apartment there. Most of the time, if they're available,
they'll have a sign hanging in the window or the lawn with a cell phone number you can
call and ask about the house.

38

From New South Wales to Sidney and Queensland, Australia has much to offer for any
tourist or immigrant. Also a free sense of spirit and a vast expansion that could need
exploration for a lifetime. It's great openness means it has the lowest density population in
the world. The two people for every square kilometre was the policy.
Melbourne is becoming the most populated city, as people from around the world are
migrating there because of its diversity and its opportunities for business and raising a
family.
Australia's multi-cultural policy is very inviting for people looking to immigrate. Australia
has given another home and a chance at a superior life for a large number of individuals.
Sydney and Melbourne are the two main areas for major Indian events: Indian movies,
dancing, singing and cultural gatherings.
Government-sponsored grants have aided the establishment of universities, even though
education is not a federal concern. Most of the main cities have learning facilities for
regional languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, etc. List of associations is available at
http://IndiaToday.com.au
Must-read: Australia's Multi-Cultural Policy; the People of Australia. This system
recognizes the incredible expansiveness, and differing qualities of Australian culture
reaffirms the Administration's unfaltering backing for a socially assorted and politically
binding country. This system addresses the importance of the economic and social benefits
of diversity, as well as the urge to balance the rights and obligations of all who live here.
There is no state religion in Australia, and Roman Catholics and other Christian groups are
the largest majority.

39

The Hindu Council of Australia is the umbrella organization that brings together various
Hindu Associations for a resounding and unified voice for all Australian Hindus.
http://hindycouncil.com.au
Connected globally by air and sea, Australia is a land of opportunity.
Visit:
http://Indians.Australia.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/IndiansinAustralia

40

CANADA

Canada is a beautiful and vast continent where you can experience some of the coldest winters.
But in the summer months, you will experience bliss and beauty that surrounds you everywhere.
From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, Canada is a vast continent the breadth of the
United States and also its close neighbour. European settlers who travelled to North America
more than a thousand years ago were the first to discover the Provinces of Newfoundland, Prince
Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Canada is the land of Niagara Falls, a famous tourist attraction that can be accessed for free all
year round. Niagara Falls has the absolute most stunning beauty on the planet and is one of the
Seven Marvels of the World that is gone to by millions reliably. From big cities to rugged
wilderness, Canada has it all: pristine lakes and rivers with abundant wildlife. There exist many
parks and reserves to visit, and you'll never be bored.
Canada has four distinct seasons and climate plays a significant role in Canadian culture and
traditions. Because Canada is amongst the largest countries in the world, it offers a different
landscape and places that will take your breath away.
British Colombia holds the majority of the Canadian Rockies, mountains whose range extends all
the way into the United States. Here you will also find rain forests. The other provinces such as
Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have vast agricultural areas. Alberta has large deserts
where the discovery of dinosaur fossils and large oil reserves occurred.
Agriculture is also flourishing in the rich landscapes of Quebec and Ontario, surrounding the
Great Lakes of Canada, making Montreal in Quebec and Toronto in Ontario two of the richest
and largest cities in the country.
Today, Canada is a friendly country filled with hospitality and a population of around thirty-four
million people. It is not easy defining a typical Canadian family as they come from many
different backgrounds. Unlike the United States, where friends welcome a kiss and hug,
41

Canadians are more likely only to shake hands. And like in the United States, smoking is
becoming increasing unpopular, making it harder to find places to smoke in public. Many
families do not permit smoking in their homes at all. Canadians take pride in the fact that they
welcome all cultures and backgrounds equally, believing all people deserve the right to equality
and to be treated the same.
The Indian community has a fascinating history spanning more than one hundred years. When
they first arrived in 1904, when immigration policies were very strict. Vancouver today has a
flourishing Indian community with many successful entrepreneurs having their businesses not
only in their communities but elsewhere as well.
Approximately 30,000 Indians become Canadian residents each year, and the future for
Canadian-Indians is looking better than ever.
For visitors, students and travellers from India, Canada is a sure bet, where education and health
care are considered world class.

MIGRATING TO CANADA
The multitude of possibilities offered by Canada has been a constant encouragement to the
Indians to settle in there. Of the many reasons to migrate to Canada, the most important has been
education and working in the attractive facilities in this nation.

CITIZENSHIP
Typically, Canadian Citizenship is obtained by birth in Canada, birth abroad to parents at least
one of whom is a Canadian citizen, or adoption by a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents who
have lived in Canada for a stipulated period can also obtain Canadian citizenship.

CITIZENSHIP TEST
For foreigners who wish to have a Canadian citizenship, they must pass a Citizenship Test. They
must take the test if:

42

The applicant is healthy between the ages of 1854 during the application
The candidates have met the essential conditions for citizenship.

The exam tests the applicant's knowledge of Canada. The test is written, but the applicant may be
required to have an interview with the citizenship officer.
The questions in the test and interview will base on the following topics.

Rights, freedoms and responsibilities of the Canadian citizens;

Canadas democracy and ways to participate in the Canadian society;
Canadian political and military history (including political system, administration,

monarchy and branches of government);

Canadian social and cultural history and symbols;
Canadian physical and political geography.

After the test, the results will be announced immediately. Passing the test along with meeting the
other requirements make the applicant eligible for citizenship. The government usually issues the
ceremony date during the release of the citizenship after taking the Oath of Citizenship. A
citizenship certificate issued at the ceremony. IN the event that the candidate neglects to breeze
through the composed test and meets the citizenship requirements, a second test will be
scheduled. Further, if the applicant fails the second test the government will send a notice
scheduling an interview with a citizenship officer. This meeting lasts for about 3090 minutes.
Here the applicant's knowledge of the country along with the language will be tested.

PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN CANADA

Many Indians seek permanent resident status to utilise the benefits of the foreign government.
The United Nations Statistics shows that Canada and Australia receive the most immigrants per
capita in a given year, most of whom are Asians. As of 2013, there are 258,953 permanent
residents in Canada, which accounts for about 0.7% of the total population. The largest number
of immigrants is from the People's Republic of China and India with many other Asian nations
like Philippines and Pakistan following the lead.
The government of Canada defines a permanent resident as a person who attained permanent
resident status by moving to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen. These are people who hold the
43

citizenship of another country but stay in Canada. The government sets a limit on issuing
permanent residency every year. As of 2015, 200,000 are allowed to enter Canada as permanent
residents annually. This status conferred once the person lands in Canada. The Visa Application
Centre (VAC) in India provides general information and administrative services related to
permanent and temporary visa, work and study permits, etc.

PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD

The Permanent Resident Card (PRC) is an official proof issued by the government of Canada
which says that a person is a permanent resident of the country. If you have PR status and wish to
travel to India temporarily, you will need a PRC to re-enter to Canada. A PRC is shown to gain
admission into Canada through a commercial vehicle such as an airplane, boat, train or bus.
As a permanent inhabitant, you have the privilege to:

Get most social advantages that Canadian residents get, including human services scope;
Live, work or study anyplace in Canada;
Apply for Canadian citizenship;
Security under Canadian law and the Canadian Contract of Rights and Opportunities;

and
You must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and
municipal levels.

You are not permitted to:

Vote or keep running for political office,

Hold a few employments that need an abnormal state trusted status.

LOSING YOUR PERPETUAL OCCUPANT STATUS

Losing your perpetual occupant status does not happen naturally. You can't lose your lasting
inhabitant status essentially by living outside of Canada sufficiently long that you don't meet the
residency necessity. Unless you have experienced an official procedure, you have not lost or
surrendered your changeless occupant status.

44

You may lose your unchanging inhabitant status if:

An adjudicator discovers that you are no more a lasting occupant after a request;
A visa officer decides you don't meet the obliged residency when you apply for a
changeless occupant travel report or interim inhabitant travel record.

You may lose your unchanging occupant status in one of the routes portrayed above if:

You don't live in Canada for two out of five years;

You are declared guilty a genuine wrongdoing and advised to leave Canada; or
You turn into a Canadian subject.

You don't lose your lasting inhabitant status if your PR card lapses.

STUDY OPTIONS IN CANADA

The human mind gained skills and experience to clear of its darkness through education. In the
modern world, to cope with the intense competition, education especially of high quality is
intrinsic to a better future. When one pursues the education in ones country, he or she gets
confined to his or her comfort zone: the surroundings and culture. Pursuing education in a
foreign country is an entirely different experience. It enhances our skills and moulds us to accept
challenges arising from an alien environment and people. Today, thousands of students leave
their country to take up jobs in different countries. Canada, not surprisingly, is one of the most
favoured study destinations for many students. With United Nations suggesting Canada as
among the best countries to live, it is no wonder that the student community favours this country
for higher study options. The Canadian government allocates an enormous expenditure on
education, making it a top priority of the nation. The provinces entirely manage the education
sector, and there is no Federal system for education.
A lot of Indian students have chosen Canada for their higher studies to ensure a better future for
themselves. Most of them pursue engineering and medicine courses. In 2010, around 12,000
Indians students had migrated to Canada for studies. His number is relied upon to ascend in the
45

impending years. The universities in Canada continually occupy the top positions in many
surveys including the one conducted
By the Times. Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia are home to some of the best universities in
Canada. The schools are managed by the provincial governments and hence there might be
differences in the educational patterns of different universities. Technical colleges, applied arts
colleges, applied science universities and community colleges are among the various kinds of
education providers in the nation. A portion of the top colleges in Canada are:

University of Toronto
University of British Columbia
McGill University
University of Alberta
University of Western Ontario
University of Waterloo
University of Calgary
York University

Every year around 180,000 foreign students usually gets admitted to various universities
throughout Canada. A foreign student pursuing the education in Canada can apply for Permanent
Residency. The base number of points needed for getting perpetual occupant is 67 points.

EXPENSES AND COST

The cost is an important aspect for a student to take care of while applying to study abroad.
Though the cost of studying depends on the course chosen, an approximate cost would be around
CA $11,903, a huge sum for most families in India, but the Canadian government promises aid.
To assist students and promote opportunities for foreign students, the government of Canada
provides financial assistance through scholarships. The Council of Ministers of Education
provides details about scholarships in various provinces and universities.
In addition to the course fees, expenses also include housing, food, transportation, etc. Apartment
rents may vary between CA $475-CA $950 (INR 23,250-46,500).

46

ELIGIBILITY AND STUDENT PERMIT

To be authorised to study in Canada, the aspiring candidate requires a study permit issued by the
government of Canada. The study permit can be applied once the applicant accepts the offer of
admission to the designated university.
The eligibility conditions for studying in Canada are as follows:

The applicant must be qualified and accepted by the University of his or her choice.
The applicant must provide proof of ability to pay expenses as
o Tuition fees
o Living expenses for both the applicant and the person accompanying the candidate to
Canada
o Return transportation cost for both the applicant and the person accompanying the

candidate to Canada
The applicant must be a law abiding citizen and should have no criminal records in the
home country, in this case, India. He or she also must not pose a threat to the security of

Canada. It, therefore, requires a police certificate.

The person applying must be in good health and should pass the medical examination if

required.
The person applying must satisfy an immigration officer that he or she will leave the
country after the allotted stay.

To have a study permit issued, the applicant must meet the criteria mentioned above.

EXCEPTIONS
It is hard for the study permit being restricted because of the following

For studying in a short-term course or programme that lasts less than six months. The

applicant must complete the application within the authorised time for a stay in Canada.
To study a course if the candidate is a relative of an agent to Canada certify by the

Division of Remote Issues, Exchange and Improvement Canada.

Members of foreign armed forces doing a programme in Canada.
Foreign nationals who have a Registered Indian Status in Canada.

47

STUDENT WORK PERMIT

The high cost of living might prompt an Indian student to work along with a study to meet the
expenses. The student pursuing an education in Canada is allowed to work during their course of
study. In some cases, however, the student must obtain a student work permit.
The grants differ depending on whether the applicant wants to:

Work on campus;
Work off campus;
Work as a co-op or intern;
Stay in Canada after graduation;
Help your spouse or law partner find work while the applicant is studying in Canada.

HIGHER STUDIES INSTITUTIONS

Technical Colleges/ Career Colleges These institutions are mostly privately owned.
They emphasise professional development and are job-oriented. Practical skills are taught

here for a short period of training and instruction. These are similar to the IITs in India.
Community Colleges and Technical Institutes These are highly career-oriented and
promote a practical and technical curriculum. Small classes, off-campus courses, and a

high laboratory-classroom ratio are the essential features of these institutes.

University Colleges These colleges offer a broad range of choice from academicoriented courses to practical courses. They provide diplomas and certificates for all

courses.
Universities Canadian Universities are mostly privately owned and fund. As a result,
they provide high-quality education at low tuition. These Universities teach all kinds of
courses consisting of undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, professional, certificate, and
diploma.

STUDENT PARTNER PROGRAM FOR INDIANS

The government of Canada has launched Student Partner Program (SPP) aimed at providing fast
student visa processing for Indian students. A major advantage it confers over on the student is
that it requires minimal documentation. Individual colleges have been selected and authorised to
48

admit students from the SPP category. The government finances these colleges and promise highquality education. The students applying through the SPP are also assured work permits in
Canada after the completion of the course. The eligibility conditions for the SPP are:

A minimum 50% or C grade in the recently completed degree/diploma;

A medical examination prior to the submission of the visa application, conducted by an

approved SPP physician;

A Letter of Acceptance detailing the duration and the dates of programme;
A compulsory IELTS score of 6.0 or above;
An education loan from a chartered Indian bank covering 80% if the tuition, expenses for

a year, and the cost of travel.

Complete mark sheets are to be submitted.
A significant gap of more than one year in education is prohibited

The full processing of the visa takes about five to ten days. If you want to join the September
session, the applications must be submitted by the 1 st of August. It is important to remember that
a visa once rejected in the general category will also not be allowed in the SPP group; one has to
apply for it in the general procedure itself. Only students with an education loan will be granted
admission through SPP. The students with enough funds to finance their education should apply
through the standard procedure.

WORK AND EMPLOYMENT

A large number of immigrants arrive in Canada for employment opportunities, as well as other
benefits like education and investment. The small population of Canada offers the advantage of
excellent job opportunities for foreigners, promising higher salaries than their native countries.
However, the graduate labour market is highly competitive in nature. Searching for jobs in the
Canadian shortage occupation list increases your chances to enter as a skilled worker. It requires
proof to show that the aspirant is competent and educated. Certain professions can be entered
only by obtaining particular academic and professional qualifications. Having contacts in the
labour market can be beneficial. Apart from this, fluency in French and English are desirable,
depending on the primary language of the region you wish to work. Indians have found
employment in various sectors as professionals and executives, doctors and nurses, small
business owners, lawyer, etc. A lot of women from India work as nurses in Canada.
49

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Listed below are some of the sectors providing a wider scope of employments:

Primary industries and service firms, banking, retail, tourism, transport, communication,
healthcare, manufacturing, education, textiles, food processing, agriculture, forestry,

timber, fisheries;
Industries that have grown in recent decades, such as information technology, software

development, and petroleum;

Shortage of occupations that provide a myriad of white collar job opportunities like

geoscientists, finance analysts, land surveyors, engineers, physiotherapists, etc.;

Major companies consisting of banks, such as Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal
and other firms like Canadian Natural Resources, Sun Life Financial, and BCE.

THE WORKING SYSTEM

The Canadian Labour Code recommends eight hours of work daily and forty hours per week,
similar to the Indian standards. Holidays are subject to provincial variation, except for national
holidays, of which there are nine. An annual leave of two weeks is permitted, which can increase
to three weeks after working with the same manager for six continues years. Foreign workers are
subject to income tax. However, newcomers have special regulations for the first year. Tax rates
vary depending on provinces, and commonly charges range between 15% and 29% of income.

TEMPORARY WORK PERMITS

The Canadian Immigration Rules define "work" as "an activity for which one earns
enumerations. Can also be defined as an activity that competes directly with the exercises of
Canadian nationals or Changeless Occupants in the Canadian Work Market". In for one to work
temporarily in Canada, foreign workers are required to have a temporary work permit issued by
the Employment and Social Development (ESDC). The following are the stages involved in the
issue of temporary visa through the Visa Application Centre in India. The issuing of a work
permit is may take a period ranging from a few days to a few year. The temporary work permit is
50

then very quietly issued to the employer obtains permission from the government to hire foreign
workers. After obtaining the consent, the employees can receive their work permits. It is
important to note that the province of Quebec has unique rules and regulations regarding the
issue of temporary work permits. The work permit is specific to the job for which it is indented.
An employee can work only for the employer named in his or her work permit. To do a different
job, the employee should receive a new work permit.

DEPENDENTS
Most workers prefer to take their families along with them to Canada. An immigrant settled in
Canada under the work permit can also apply for marriage immigration and spouse immigration
on a temporary basis. The husband, wife, partner, or children can join the person. However, if the
spouse or partner wishes to work, then he or she will have to obtain work visas and apply for a
work permit. If there are visitors who temporarily come to visit the person, then they have to get
a Makeshift Occupant Visa, which is likewise called Guest Visa.

EXCEPTIONS
A work permit is for certain categories of people. These people can reside temporarily in Canada
without a work permit. Some of these classes of people include:

Business visitors: These people prohibited from entering the domestic labour market of

Canada. They don't belong to the workers category.

Foreign Representatives: Representatives and diplomats from other nations, and
officials of the United Nations. Their families are allowed to work if they have a no-

objection letter from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Military personnel: They are permitted in the country without work permits if they are

in Canada under the Visiting Forces Act.

Foreign government officers: They are authorized to work in the country if their stay is
less than three months. If they have to stay beyond three months, they should produce an

official letter of agreement.

News reporters: A work permit is not required to report news in the country.
Public speakers: If the activities and events of public speakers last fewer than five days,
a work permit is not mandatory.
51

Crew Members: Foreign members of commercial flights, trains, and ships don't produce

work visa for transporting cargo and passengers.

Clergy: People who come to perform religious rites and duties do not require a work

permit.
Students: Students were working on campus under On Campus Employment Visa do not

need to obtain a work permit also.

Performing artists: As long as their programmes are for a limited period, they do not

require the work permit.

Other categories consist of athletes and coaches, instructors, evaluators, emergency
service providers, etc.

LOCAL BUSINESS
Canada presents a multitude of opportunities to achieve your aim of doing business as well as the
investment. The government both actively support the ventures in business at the federal and
provincial level. For people without sufficient funds to run a business, the commercial banks act
as a helping hand. However, for Indians to run a business in Canada, they must show proof of
enough money to execute the company. Alternatively they display the business visa will not be
guaranteed, and the government will not approve the company. Moreover, the government must
be convinced that an organization begun by a non-Canadian will contribute towards the country's
economic growth and generate employment. This section contains detailed information about
how you can set up a business in Canada complying with the government rules and regulations.

INVESTMENT
Among the world economies, Canada is the 14th largest economy by the PPP (Purchasing Power
Parity). Canada is the only country where all three sectors contribute substantially to the national
income. That factor portrays the uniqueness of this economy. Many people are in the service
industry, manufacturing and agriculture also account for high income. Agriculture is highly
productive, and industries such as timber prosper exceptionally. These facts have prompted many
Indians to invest in the Canadian economy. Surprisingly, around half of Canada's oil and
petroleum are owned by foreigners or foreign companies.

52

Indians can invest in Canada in different ways. The most sought-after method is to invest in
return for permanent residence offered by the government. Canadas attractive economy
produces a lot of employment opportunities, including self-employment. Many foreigners who
immigrate to Canada pursue business as a career or business investment as a part-time hobby.
Canada's immigrant investment programmes and business immigrant programmes are highly
favoured among many people abroad and offer a viable alternative to the ones in many European
nations. Immigrants to Canada receive a lot of social welfare, including the benefits of the
national healthcare programme, affordable first-class education, and the national pension system,
which ensures a satisfactory annual income on retirement. People with mid-range net worth get
many entrepreneurial and self-employment programmes. Some of the business and investor
programmes are:

Quebec Investor Program

Provincial Entrepreneur Programs
Federal Self Employed Programs
Quebec Self Employed Programs

BUSINESS VISA
Immigrants who wish to invest or begin a business for investment in Canada are allowed
business visa applicant should be willing to support the development of a healthy economy in
Canada. There are three categories of immigrants planning on business and investment:

Investors
Entrepreneurs
Self-Employed Workers

KNOW THE LIMITS

Before starting out to do business it is important to ensure that you are allowed to own and
operated the business in Canada. The rules and regulations are different from those of India,
where it is more liberal, so it is best to be safe and read all documents beforehand. Your skills
and qualifications should also be in place before embarking on a business venture. It is also
53

mandatory to find out whether the planned business is regulated and whether it requires licensing
or certifications.
The government of Canada's website provides a list of all jobs and helps you find the name of
your job. It is through this place that you will find the duties, regulations, and qualifications
necessary. If the business is regulated, then you must apply to the appropriate department. The
process will help in the evaluation of credentials. The business might also require licenses from
the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

INVESTORS
The Immigrant Investment Program allowed those immigrants who met the eligibility
requirements, to invest in the Canadian economy. However, this was terminated in June 2014.
The Quebec Investment Program is the only surviving immigrant investment programme in
existence in Canada, managed by the province of Quebec. A detailed account of other investment
plans is provided later in this section.
IMMIGRANT INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
Until June 19, 2014, the Canadian government allowed an immigrant investment programme
where you were allowed to invest in Canada in return for Canadian citizenship or Permanent
Residency. However, this application was terminated, and the pending applications cancelled. It
aimed at individuals with high net worth to passively invest without any interest in establishing
the business venture.
BUSINESS INVESTOR PROGRAM
The Federal Business Investor Program encourages foreign individuals to take up business in
Canada. Successful individuals are welcome to immigrate and settle in Canada upon starting a
business in the country.
QUEBEC INVESTOR PROGRAM
With the termination of the federal Immigrant Investment Program, the Quebec Investor Program
is the only one of its kind in Canada. These programmes apply to business investors with high
net worth who wish to have a permanent residence and a passive involvement in business.
54

Eligibility

The applicant should possess a legal personal net worth of CA $1.6 million.
The applicant should have two years of suitable management or business experience

within five years of the application.

The applicant should agree to invest CA $800,000 with a financial middleman authorized

to participate in the Investor Program.

The application should be willing to settle in Quebec.

ENTREPRENEURS
And actively manage businesses in Canada. The minimum net worth requirement, however,
eliminates a lot of people from eligibility for this programme. Job creation and contributing to
the economy should be a goal of the business started by a successful applicant. Some experience
in handling business, and a minimum net worth to start a business are the prerequisite conditions
for government approval. All entrepreneurs entered were admitted into the country through an
Entrepreneur Visa.
The eligibility criteria for the Entrepreneur Program for immigration to Canada consist of:

A minimum net worth of CA $300,000 (approximately INR 14,600,000).

Within three years prior to becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur should have
managed and controlled a given percent of the equity of a qualifying business in Canada
for at least one year. The business should also have contributed to job creation.

The entire family of the applicant may be under the same conditions as the key candidate; the
conditions are then quickly uprooted once the business visionary fulfils the conditions.
Things to remember while immigrating as an entrepreneur:

The applicant must have the intention as well as the competence to manage a percentage

of equity of the qualifying business in Canada.

The applicant must provide active and continuing management of the qualifying business

in Canada.
The candidate should necessarily create a full-time job for a minimum of one Canadian
citizen or permanent resident.
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The applicant should meet these requirements within three years of becoming a
permanent resident.

Prior to the issue of the immigrant visa, the applicant must sign a statement that he or she intends
to and will be able to meet the requirements for permanent residence. The province of Quebec
operates its Entrepreneur Program, and the needs are different from the Federal Entrepreneur
Program. An immigrant applying for the Quebec Entrepreneur Program should reside in Quebec.
Some of the other immigrant investment programmes in Canada are as follows:
GETTING STARTED
The business plan is usually the best way to launch a successful business, whether it is Canadian
or in the rest part the world. Knowledge about financing, taxation, and wages for employees can
be a huge help before starting out with a business. Here are some basic guidelines to be
considered when making a business plan.

Be realistic about the enterprise goals;

Be informed about the impact of business decisions;
Predict the business returns;
Demonstrate your plans and ideas to a banker or an investor.

You should decide on a structure, name, and location for the business. Once the program is
complete, there are other official processes to be completed; licensing, registration, and setting
up tax accounts. All sales are subject to taxation. The variation of the fee rates depends greatly
upon the nature of the province. One is not required to pay taxes if the earnings are below a
particular amount. For instance, in Ontario, a firm that makes an annual income less than CA
$30,000 is not required to pay a form of tax called Harmonized Sales Tax.
Some businesses require hiring outside workers. Certain guidelines are set to help when the firm
hires outside workers. The company should follow the standards established by the government
in this process. These guidelines can be summarised as follows.

Open a payroll account

Payment of insurance premiums and creation of a safe environment
Follow employee standards strictly
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Open an Employer Health Tax Account

If you decide your firm will import and export your goods and products. There you should
follow the rules prescribed by both the Canadian government as well as the norms of the
countries you are exporting to or importing. All business owners must comply with the given
regulations:

Register for an import-export account

Procure the permits for import and export
Pay Canadian import duties and tariffs
Comply with the legal requirements, regulations, and standards
Comply with the laws of the countries the immigrant is dealing with

To facilitate immigrant business activities and encourage business immigration, the government
of Canada has created many entrepreneur and self-employment programmes. The following
section contains details about some of these programmes.

PROVINCIAL ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMMES

These plans apply to entrepreneurs with mid-range net worth and suitable entrepreneurial
experience. This program provides a two-step process to secure permanent residence:
1. The selection of an applicant or nomination by the province if they meet programme
requirements.
2. Applying for Citizenship and Immigration in Canada for permanent residence.
The provinces manage their business immigration programmes. These require active
participation in the management of a company based on a specified investment and job creation.
Though requirements vary depending on the province, an estimated minimum of CA $350,000
net worth is required. A goodwill deposit is necessary for individual programmes. For
nomination by the provinces, applicants have to apply initially to the area. Once the candidates
are nominated, they are eligible for permanent residence after federal health and criminality
checks. British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Programs, the Saskatchewan Immigrant
Nominee Program, and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program are some of the entrepreneur
programmes administered by various provinces.
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SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Firms and corporate hire, not all the immigrants who come for employment. Many immigrants
arrive here with the goal of creating their livelihood. Many people from India thrive on small
business establishments like kiosks, stores, and firms offering personalised services. Selfemployment is an extremely productive sector in Canada, and many immigrants choose this
option.
For one to improve the self-employment opportunities in the country, the Canadian government
has launched a Self-Employed Persons Programme for immigrants. This programme is open to
all individuals with prior self-employment experience as farmers, athletes (who are
internationally renowned), or artisans. To qualify as an immigrant in the self-employed category,
the applicants have to prove their athletic or artistic talents so that they make a positive impact
on the cultural and athletic scene in Canada.
At least two years of experience in self-employment or participation on an international level in
art, culture, recreation, or sports also happened to get a recommendation. The applicants
interested in the purchase of a farm are also required to have a minimum of two years' experience
in farm management. Education, age, fluency in English and French, and adaptability are the
other parameters used to assess the applicant. The table below provides the list of occupations
acceptable under this programme.
PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN ART AND CULTURE

Archivists
Authors and Writers
Conservators and Curators
Editors
Journalists
Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications
Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters
Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations
Conductors, Composers and Arrangers
Musicians and Singers
Dancers
Actors and Comedians
Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists
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Librarians

TECHNICAL AND SKILLED OCCUPATIONS IN ART, CULTURE, RECREATION, AND

SPORT

Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries

Photographers
Film and Video Camera Operators
Graphic Arts Technicians
Broadcasting Technicians
Audio and Video Recording Technicians
Other Specialized and Co-ordinating Occupations in Films, TV and the Performing Arts
Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts
Announcers and Other Broadcasters
Other Performers
Graphic Designers and Illustrators
Interior Designers
Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers
Artisans and Crafts persons
Patternmakers Textile, Leather and Fur Products
Athletic personnel
Sports Coaches
Sports Officials and Referees
Program Pioneers and Educators in Amusement, Game and Wellness
Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants

UNDERSTANDING THE NEW LIFE

Once you have comfortably reached Canada, the next thing you might want to learn is about
purchasing or renting a house, information about local facilities like shops, markets, parks,
schools, theatres, etc. Indian immigrants might initially encounter culture shock and alienation,
which can be easily overcome by adapting to the new life and learning about the country. Here
are some of the guidelines you might find useful once you have reached there:

Get to know the country. Learn all the essential details of the nation, its culture,
government, laws, language, etc.
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Get health care. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for health

insurance.
Find a place to live. You must decide on whether you need to own an apartment or rent

one.
Plan finances.Find out about sales tax, wage expense, saving money, planning, etc.

Learn about sales tax, income tax, banking, budgeting, and so on.
Enrol children in school. Education is provided free of cost by the Canadian

government. The government finances education through taxation.

Select your mode of transportation. There is a mixed variety of transportation
alternatives accessible in Canada.There is a diverse variety of transportation options

available in Canada. You can learn about cars, public transportation, buses, and trains.
Learn one of the official languages. Knowledge of any of the two official languages

(French or English) can help you to adapt to the country.

Have community connections. Making new connections in the communities through
clubs, etc. can help you adjust to your home and neighbourhood.

KNOW THE COUNTRY

Before starting your life in Canada, it is necessary for you to know a little about the country. It
might be new knowledge to you that the Canadian climate is entirely different from that of India.
The terrain, vegetation, and seasons are also different from most tropical countries. In this
section, some of the topographical and cultural aspects are summarised.

LAND AND CLIMATE

Being the second biggest nation on the planet, the Canadian has a vast ocean boundary from the
Atlantic coast in the east, the Pacific coast in the west, and the Arctic Ocean to the north. To the
south, Canada shares a border with the USA, which is the longest land boundary between nations
in the world. The U.S. state of Alaska also shares a border with Canada in the northeast. Canada's
huge area is because Canada contains around 60% of all the lakes in the world. Considering
taking into account the surface, Canada's size is the fourth largest in the world. The landscape of
the country consists of high mountain ranges, forests, prairie grasslands, and the Arctic tundra
that hosts permanently frozen ground. Canada is also a home many beautiful lakes and rivers.
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SEASONS
There are four major seasons in Canada: summer, winter, autumn (fall), and spring. Unlike in
India, there are no monsoon and hot wind seasons there.

Summer: Summers in Canada are hot, with a temperature variation between 20 and 30
degree Celsius. The weather varies from warm to hot. Summer is the best time to
investigate different summer is the best time to explore various Canadian destinations
like national parks, mountains, etc. A lot of festivals dominate the summer calendar,

including the Calgary Stampede and Caribana in Toronto.

Spring and Fall: These seasons mark the transition to summer and winter respectively.

High rainfalls are a common phenomenon during this period.

Winter: Winter is exceptionally cold in Canada, with the temperature in most places
dropping below 0 degrees Celsius. The ground remains under snow from December to
March or April. For to cope up with this extreme weather, appropriate clothing is a must.
In the southern part of British Columbia, rains are more frequent during winter than
snow.

The western coast of British Columbia, along with Vancouver, has a moderate climate
throughout the year. The summers and winters are rather mild with less seasonal fluctuations.

PROVINCES AND CITIES

The Canadian administration is different from that of India, where the nation is made up of states
and territories. It is also a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth as the representative
monarch. Unlike India, which is later on naturally divided into states, Canada has provinces,
which enjoy considerable autonomy. Canada is a federation, unlike India, which is a union. Each
province has its administration and rules and regulations. The following are provinces in Canada:

Alberta (AB)
British Columbia (BC)
Manitoba (MB)
New Brunswick (NB)
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)
Northwest Territories (NT)
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Nova Scotia (NS)

Nunavut (NU)
Ontario (ON)
Prince Edward Island (PE)
Quebec (QC)
Saskatchewan (SK)
Yukon (YT)

Each province has its capital city. The population density is high in Quebec, Ontario, southwest
British Columbia, and Alberta. The extreme cold climate in the Northern provinces makes it
sparsely populated.

PEOPLE
Aborigines populated Canada until the arrival of the British and French. The indigenous people
belong to three main groups: First Nations, Inuits, and Metis. With the advent of European
settlers, the French and the English began to dominate the local population. The French
Canadians are the descendants of French settlers, which include the Acadians and Quebecois,
along with minor French-speaking communities throughout the country. Acadians trace their
origin to the French settlers of the Atlantic coast who settled there 400 years earlier. The
Quebecois mostly live in the province of Quebec, and their French influence characterises them,
brought from Europe between the 16th and 17th centuries. There are around one million Englishspeaking Quebecois today in Quebec. These communities have received various constitutional
safeguards.
Though the origin of society was essentially aborigine, French and English, today the entire
culture has been remoulded by immigrants from around the globe. In the past 200 years,
European immigrants dominated the scene, which more recently gave way to migrants from Asia
and Africa. Around 20 percent of the present Canadian population were born abroad. The largest
Canadian city, Toronto, has a surprisingly high proportion 45 percent of the population who
are immigrants.
A large part of the population, around 75 percent, is engaged in the service sector: mostly
transportation, education, healthcare, communications, and banking. Manufacturing and primary
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sector are the other big employers. Canadas economic development has been one of the best in
the world. The quality of life is very high, according to the Human Development Index, which
places it as the 8th highest in the world.

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GOVERNMENT
The government is made up of three levels:

Federal,
Provincial/ territorial, and
Municipal.

The federal government based in Ottawa and is headed by a Prime Minister. Most national and
international matters are under the control of the federal government. These include national
defence, foreign affairs, employment insurance, monetary policy, banking, insurance, railways,
telephones, aboriginal land rights, etc.
The Constitution guarantees the provincial and territorial governments the right to manage their
lands and change the laws about them. Education, health care, and road regulations are under the
purview of the provincial and territorial governments.
The third level of governance is the municipal government, which concerns the management of a
particular city, town, or a district (municipality). A mayor heads it. The civil government controls
the local police, land use, public transportation, fire safety, parks, libraries, and community water
systems. The government is also a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.

LAW AND JUSTICE

Canadian law applies to everything, including the government, the police, and the public
officials. The law recognises fundamental human rights such as liberty and equality. Public and
private law are the main divisions of the Canadian law. Private law is concerned with a person's
relationship with society and government and with the roles of the different levels of
government. The private law sets rules for the relationship between people. It is also well known
as civil law. The private law set the rules and regulations for contracts, property ownership,
rights and duties of family members, damage to someone or their property caused by others and
more. Public law includes criminal law, constitutional law, and administrative law.

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The courts in Canada are intrinsic in solving the disputes arising between people, and between
people and government. The court mainly functions to interpret and establish law, set standards
and resolve questions that affect all aspects of Canadian society. In Canada, a lot of disputes are
settled through arbitration and mediation. If a person requires help in a Canadian court, it is
beneficial to hire a lawyer. One can get a lawyer so easily through referral services provided by
provincial and territorial law societies, or by using Justice Net. It is possible to hire a lawyer for
free, depending on one's income. Establishment of A legal aid society in every province and
territory. Organisations serving immigrants can also help in getting a lawyer.
Apart from courts, the Canadian police force is also instrumental in maintaining peace and
keeping people safe. The police force falls under these categories: federal, provincial, territorial,
and municipal police. A person should seek police help if:

The person is a victim of a crime;

The person witnesses a crime taking place;
The person has knowledge of criminal activities.

The contact number for police given in the telephone book. The emergency helpline 911 used for
urgent situations. Canadian law presumes all persons are innocent until proven guilty. If, in any
case a person is questioned or arrested by the police, the follow the following guidelines:

The person should not resist the arrest;

The person should remain calm;
The person should make sure that he or she is speaking openly;
The person should be ready to show some identification;
The person can demand to have a lawyer and a translator present;
The person should not offer any money, gifts, or services in exchange for treatment.

TRANSPORTATION
Being an enormous country, Canada has a multitude of transportation facilities.

Air Travel: Canada has a well-developed system of airlines. People who must travel
between cities choose air transport. All major cities have airports that schedule regular
flights to important destinations.
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Rail Travel: Railway lines crisscross Canada and are important in providing
transportation of agricultural products. The Canadian Pacific Railway line, running from
Halifax to Vancouver, was the first transcontinental railway line in Canada. The routes

offer comfortable conveyance. It is best to buy tickets in advance to get cheaper rates.
Bus: Buses are the most economical mode of transport for travel within and between
cities. Some cities are accessible only by bus for people without cars. Most inter-city

buses have air conditioning and have washrooms on board.

Ferry: Coastal regions such as British Columbia and the Atlantic region have ferry

systems. They are common modes of transportation in the area.

Cars: The presence of a well-developed system of roads and highways makes it

comfortable to travel in privately-owned vehicles.

Public Transit: Subways, light rail, and streetcars (trams) are other transportation

facilities providing public transit

Taxis: Taxis are another comfortable alternative for urban and suburban people. They
have metres to determine the taxi charges uniformly. Taxis are quite expensive, so most
people use them only when they have no other alternatives. There are two ways in of
hiring a taxi. One is to call a taxi company and ask them to pick you up. The other one is

to hail a taxi from the road on the sidewalk or to go to a cab stand.

Walking and Cycling: These are the healthy and inexpensive methods of transportation.
Information about bicycle networks obtained from bike shops or the municipal
government.

HOUSING
Once you have reached Canada, the topmost priority is to search for a suitable apartment. There
are very few restrictions on ownership of property in Canada. Interestingly, there are many
colonies of foreigners in the country, including territories of Sikhs from India, people from Hong
Kong, China, etc. Foreigners whose stay is less than six months can rent a house without
residency. On the other hand, foreigners who want to own property to live on have to immigrate
to Canada and apply for permanent residency.

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Foreign buyers of housing and the Canadians receive same taxation fees. However, they might
face different rates in transferring property to individual provinces and are subject to various
capital gains tax rules when selling the property.

BUYING A HOME: THINGS TO KNOW

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) manages Canadas housing.
Before buying a home, it is necessary to know what is affordable. Housing expenses include:

Heating
Property taxes
Home repairs

It is important to consider what you require in the present as well as in the future prior to
finalising the home purchase. These are some aspects you might want to consider:

Size requirement: The number of bedrooms required, garage, etc.;

Special features: Whether add-ons like air conditioning, hobby areas, gardens, etc. are

required;
Lifestyle and changes: Are you planning to have children, or to bring your family to the
home? Do you have any teenagers planning to move out soon? Are you planning to retire

soon?
Setting: Do you prefer an urban, rural or suburban setting?
Work: Do you want to own a residence near your place of work, or are you planning to

commute some distance?

School: Where are the school locations for your children?
Recreation: Are you planning to have recreational walks, take your kids to parks, etc.?
Family and Friends: Do you wish to live closer your kin and friends?
Cultural: Would you like to have a place of worship nearby?

FINDING A HOME
Foreigners searching for a home can find the following tips useful:

Inquire of friends and family about the availability of houses for your stay. They might be
able to tell you details of the houses currently for sale.
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www.realtor.ca website contains information about real estate deals.

Other real estate websites can provide photographs and detailed specifications regarding

houses that are for sale.

Newspapers and real estate magazines periodically list available properties
If you drive around your neighbourhood of choice, you might see signs with information
regarding houses and agents.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Most people who are buying homes use a real estate, agent. Payment for real estate agents comes
from a commission from the seller of the home. They can be very helpful during the selection
and purchase process. Officials begin their search based on your requirements; tell you the cost
of houses, and provide information about the neighbourhood and facilities. A house inspection
might also be arranged by the agents if the prospective buyer wishes to. Some provinces require
such an investigation.
Finding a real estate agent is quite easy. You can get information from friends and family. You
can also look for signs in your preferred neighbourhood giving contact details of agents. The
website www.mls.ca, managed by the Multi Listing Service, lists the real estate officers and
properties throughout the country.
If you like the property, you should make an Offer to Purchase. It is advisable to engage a real
estate agent, they will help you to make the offer. Once the tender is accepted, you should hire a
notary or a lawyer to transfer the house to your name.You can find lawyers and accountants
online, or the real estate agent can help to find one.
The Offer to Purchase includes:

The purchase price offered;

The deposit amount;
Additional components added or fixed, like windows, refrigerator, dryer, stove, washer,

etc.;
A closing date. This is the day you take possession of the house. This is usually 30 to 60
days from the agreement;
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A current survey of the property;

The date when the offer becomes null or void;
Other conditions. This includes the approval of mortgage financing and a home
inspection.

FINDING A BRAND NEW HOME

While most immigrants prefer used homes, you might go for a brand new home. There are two
ways of getting a brand new house without previous occupation, they include:
1. Purchasing a residence in new development; or
2. Contacting a builder to build one based on the buyers particular needs.

TYPES OF HOMES
The tastes and preferences of buyers differ from person to person, and so does the kind of home.
Homes of different types, sizes, and cost are available in Canada. Some of these are:

Condominiums. Condominiums or condos are a different kind of ownership than a

traditional home. To keep it simple, these are called flats in India. Situated in high
towers, and buyers own a portion of the entire building rather than the building in itself.
Each month a specified amount is to be paid to the condominium-owning corporation for
maintenance expenses. These are attractive to first-time home buyers because they are

comparatively inexpensive about other alternatives.

Townhouse. A townhouse in Canada is usually a multi-storied house set close to other
homes. Each townhouse has its entrance, but they share common walls with the adjacent

homes.
Semi is Detached. These houses have separate entrances and separate land but share a

common wall, parking, etc.

Single Detached. In this type of house, the buyer owns the land and the property. This is
a single free-standing building. This is the most expensive of all the options. Despite this,

a single detached home guarantees more privacy and control.

Duplex/Triplex. These are houses which, though resembling a single home, configured
into multiple units. These are owned by a single individual and are rented out.

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FINANCING
Canadian homes might appear quite expensive to the Indian situation. Most immigrants,
therefore, do not seem to have money to fund the purchase of a home in Canada. However, the
banks, credit unions, classes popularity, pension funds, and insurance companies come to the
buyers assistance by lending funds to complete the purchase. These loans for the acquisition of
property are called mortgages, repaid through regular repayments over a period. A typical
mortgage period is 25 years.

Overall, Canada seems to be a very exquisite and friendly country to live in where anyone
can prosper and raise a family. Schooling and education are a right choice for international
students. In 2014, three hundred thousand international students chose Canada for their
studies. Canada has four universities in the top one hundred of the Shanghai World
University Rankings (2014). The basic structure of provincial and territorial education
systems across Canada is similar: Elementary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary. All provide
universal, free elementary and secondary schooling for Canadian students.
For more information on Schooling, please visit:
http://educationau-incanada.ca/educationau-incanada/province/index.aspx?lang=eng
Canada has a publicly funded health care system that is mostly free. The government
assures the quality of care through federal standards, and Canadas Medicare systems are
cost-effective. Besides good schooling and medical systems, Canada has a low
unemployment rate of 6.6%. Job opportunities are abundant, and the environment is good
for business. Jobs from letter carriers to engineering and mechanics are available, and
there is a need for skilled workers.
Having a large Indian population will make it easier for newcomers to learn the ropes and
engage in local activities. With more lakes than any other country, Canada has more
camping, fishing and hiking opportunities with log cabins and cottages than you can dream

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about if you are into adventure and the wilderness. Get ready for some ice hockey, the
number one sport in Canada.
India and Canada have a long-standing relationship and are an important trade, partners.
The countries even cooperate on things like nuclear energy, agriculture and education.
Indian immigrants in Canada are diverse and make up a vibrant community of more than
a million people. Indians, like all other nationals, will find an easy transition to the
Canadian way of life. Besides some cold temperatures in the winter, Canada is an easygoing country where anyone can carve out a good way of life.
Canada also offers good roads and infrastructure, and a reputable and respected banking
system. The Canadian legal system has its foundation in the English common law system
that recognises and protects fundamental rights and freedoms such as liberty and equality.
Canada is ranked #1 by Forbes magazine as the best country to start a business, welcoming
all foreign investors and businessmen to their shores.
If you want to apply to work in Canada from India, you can use as an immigrant. You may
be accepted if you have education, skills, and an employment background that would
qualify you to become a Canadian worker soon after you get here. You will need about
$15,000 to be allowed in and stay.
The truth is, there are about two million applicants currently waiting, and your application
may take four years to receive a first-time review. Sit back and wait.
Other links:
http://IndiansinCanada.net
CIC offers free services for immigrants to Canada, including language assessments and
classes. Visit their link at http://cic.gc.ca

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EUROPE

Ah, Europe; so many countries and so easy to visit. You can jump on a train and visit three to
four countries in one single day. Now that is what I call adventure: four different languages and
cultures to explore in a single day. Maybe you can visit even more countries in one day, but the
fact is, Europe is fun. It is not at the end of the world like America, China, or Africa. It is right in
the middle of the world with all possibilities at your feet.
A good start in being introduced to Europe is always London. London it is the hub of Europe
because it is the first stop before going anywhere else. Here there are more cultures mixed
nearby than anywhere in the world. Indians, Pakistanis, and West Indian cultures flourish.
London is Europes most popular city, with exciting attractions like Trafalgar Square, or the
Queens Palace in Buckingham. It also offers exciting adventures such as ferry ride around the
famous river Thames. Shopping is a sheer experience in London.
The countries of Europe include England, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, and
Belgium, as well as forty-three more. There are fifty-one all together, with each one as diverse
and different as can be. You can spend a lifetime trying to visit each different country and
learning about their culture and background.
The London area has 18.2 million people, with world-class entertainment and art exhibitions and
galleries. Being the cultural centre of Europe, it is a global trade hub, and open for business.
Indian businesses are thriving in England due to the easy regulations and procedures, and links to
worldwide business channels. Significant opportunities are awaiting any entrepreneur, business
person, or investor in technology, business services, retail, banking, medical services, shopping
and more. London is an excellent springboard to establish a business and to spread into the rest
of Europe as these countries border each other closely.
The exploding global technology markets are a great fit for Indian website developers, data
entrepreneurs, and experts in other technologies like phones and apps. There are more than 700
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Indian-owned companies in the UK that play a significant role in the growth of the British
economy, making England a sure choice for any Indians looking to immigrate here. The London
Chamber of Commerce has become a primary voice for Asian businesses in London to promote
Indian businessmen and women here.
The schooling system in the UK called the State system, is funded by the government and makes
room for children of diverse ethnic backgrounds. In London and many European countries,
universities offer world-class education with various programmes available for foreign students.
There are also healthy Indian communities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. India is the
fourth largest trading partner of Belgium and the fifth largest in the Netherlands. Yes, London
and Europe are great places to settle down for anyone. Here you can live your dream and raise a
family with no limits in education or business opportunities.
For an Indian, one of the most appealing reasons for migrating to Europe is the high standard of
living and easy integration into the foreign society. For the purpose of this publication, three
countries have been selected for an overview: the UK, Denmark, and Germany. All three
countries differ in the level of acceptance and integration of Indians within their cultures. Indian
communities are, however, quite large in all three countries.
It is imperative to understand the hurdles that lie ahead in the long quest towards being accepted
in a foreign culture and society. This short guide, hopefully, answers the most pertinent questions
and gives a glimpse of what is to be expected.

NATURALISATION / CITIZENSHIP / PERMENENT RESIDENCY

THE UK
In the United Kingdom, a complicated visa system has evolved, with stringent approaches
toward work and settlement. A test on knowledge of British life, culture, laws, and norms
became compulsory in 2007 for those applying for citizenship or permanent residency. This is
called the Life in the UK Test.

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You need to meet the basic requirements for citizenship, to take the Life in the UK Test, and to
be able to communicate in the English language. This requirement is not enforced if the you are
elderly or mentally handicapped. You must be over 18, of good character, and mentally sound.
You should be planning to reside in the UK, be in Crown Service that is, working directly for
the UK government.Working for an international organisation of which the UK is a member, or
employed by a company based in the UK.
Most importantly, you must have been living in the UK at least six years before the date the
application reaches the Home Office, and must not have been outside the United Kingdom for
more than 450 days.
The Home Office stipulates that during the last 12 months of the six-year period, your stay in the
United Kingdom must have been subject to permanent residence, or Indefinite Leave to Remain
(ILR).
The processing time for naturalisation applications is normally about six to seven months.
Before applying for citizenship, you must have been granted permanent residency. This opens the
door to citizenship. Your status determines whether you qualify for permanent residency. For
investors and business people, the minimum length of time you need to have been in the UK is
five years. For writers, composers and artists, it is also five years. For all other immigrants
legally in the country, it is a compulsory minimum of ten years.
Once permanent residence ( Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR) granted, restrictions related to
your immigration status of the work or business you may do in the UK reduce. Worries about the
length of stay in the UK diminish.
It is important, however, that you do not spend longer than two years outside the UK if you want
to retain the permanent residence status. The UK should, therefore, be considered your new
home. If you are spending only short periods of time in the UK, the ILR will be subject to
forfeiture. For that reason, you might find it beneficial to apply for UK citizenship. Application
for naturalisation as a UK citizen can be made one year after being granted ILR with adherence
to residence requirements.

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Since 2008, the UK has introduced the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The BRP used on
visitors to the UK.It helps on visa extensions, UK settlement and identity confirmation.
GERMANY
The German lifestyle is very appealing. Germany has a very high standard of living, including an
extensive social security system and centralised health care. Indian immigrants have enjoyed the
facilities provided by the country during the post-war decades, and especially after German
reunification in 1990. Germany is witnessing increased immigration rates since the beginning of
the 2010s, particularly a rise in the number of well-educated immigrants.
Since 2005, highly skilled workers have been encouraged to move to Germany and to gain
permanent residency. Indians are invited to apply for the professions most in need of qualified
applicants, i.e., scientists (biologists, chemists, and physicists), engineers, professors, and
scientific personnel in high technology areas.
The new German Immigration Act of January 2005 enables highly-qualified persons to obtain
permanent residence status with permission to work right away, rather than having to get
consecutive five-year work permits as was the situation previously. First, though, you must have
a job offer and be granted permission from the German Employment Agency. The new law also
provides for a more direct way to do the required paperwork. You can now report to the German
embassy in India to receive official permission to work and have legal status as a resident.
Family members can apply fort work in Germany as well, which makes it easier to decide to
move to Germany as a family.
DENMARK
In cross-national studies of happiness, Denmark frequently ranks right at the top. The country is
famous for having the world's highest rate of social mobility and a high level of social equality.
The Danes can boast of having the world's highest per capita incomes. It is not surprising,
therefore, that people from abroad want to immigrate to this remarkable country. There are
multiple ways in which you can settle down and work in Denmark. The state has compiled a
large listing of shortage occupations called the Positive List. Any highly-skilled Indian having an
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official job offer from a Danish employer in an occupation on the Positive List can obtain a work
and residence permit right away. Labour and residence permits can be obtained for up to three
years under the Positive List system with the possibility of extending it up to four years.
If the applicants occupation also requires Danish authorisation, such as practising medicine, it is
necessary that this approval obtained before a work and residence permit granted. A written job
offer must also be available stating the expected salary and employment conditions, which must
meet Danish standards.
The Positive List contains occupations in a broad range of fields, from education to management.
The entire list can be viewed here: http://www.workpermit.com/denmark/positive-list.htm. With
the Positive List system, you can continue to live and work in Denmark even if your occupation
is no longer on the Positive List at the time you apply for extensions to your job and residence
permits.
Academic work (project management, engineering professions, law, medicine, and other
professional

occupations),

construction,

hotel,

restaurant,

kitchen,

canteen,

IT

and

telecommunications are favourites on the Positive List. Other fields of work include education,
social and religious occupations, sales, purchasing and marketing, health, healthcare and
personal care, freight forwarding, postal services, storage, and engine operation. Spouses are
eligible for residence permits that would allow them to work for the full term of the permit.
Children under the age of 18 who live with you are also eligible.
Another channel for entering Denmark for work and settlement is the Green Card Scheme. A
residence and work permit under the Green Card issued on the basis of an individual evaluation
based on a point system.
No one who is granted a residence permit under the Green Card Scheme needs to obtain a
separate work permit. The Green Card holder can perform paid or unpaid work. However, a
Green Card does not confer the right to work as a self-employed person.
Once you obtain your Green Card, it is your responsibility to find a job in Denmark.
Good Danish language skills are necessary to succeed in Denmarks job market.

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A more difficult but very appealing way to quickly obtain a work and residence permit is to
acquire a highly paid job in Denmark and apply under the Pay Limit Scheme. Eligibility for
these scheme does not depend on your occupation, education, or experience.
To qualify under the Pay Limit Scheme, you must have an official job offer from a Danish
employer for at least DKK 375,000 (approximately USD $80,000, or INR 3,500,000) a year.
There are also cases where Danish authorisation is needed; for instance, those expecting to work
in Denmark as a medical doctor.
Labour and residence permits are granted for up to three years under the Pay Limit Scheme, with
the possibility of extension of up to four years.

STUDY OPTIONS (EXPENSES AND COSTS)

THE UK
With the highly-respected array of universities and educational institutions in the UK, it remains
the worlds second most attractive destination for international students after the US. A degree
from a UK university confers a competitive advantage to those who attain one.
The total cost to study in the UK depends on many factors, including the institution, course of
study, as well as location and funding opportunities.
As of the writing of this, you can expect the average cost of studying in the UK as an
international student at the undergraduate level to be around GBP 11,987 (INR 1,186,000). At
the postgraduate level, the typical fee can rise to GBP 12,390 (INR 1,226,000). Independent
of the level, clinical degree programmes are going to be more expensive, costing international
students an average of GBP 24,206 (INR 2,394,500) at the undergraduate level. Top
universities in London charge as much as GBP 34,800 (INR 3,440,000).
Studying in London is expensive due to the high cost of living. The cost of living is
approximately GBP 12,000 (INR 1,187,000); this places the average cost of study at 24,000
(INR 2,374,000) per year.

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Most UK universities offer shorter programmes compared to countries such as the US (three
years for the average undergraduate degree instead of four, and one year for a masters degree
instead of two).
In the UK each university, the government, independent organisations, and charities offer a range
of scholarships. Visit the Education UK website at http://www.educationuk.org/global to browse
a searchable database of 3,000 scholarships available to international students. You should also
check to see if the Indian government and other organisations offer scholarships or other support
schemes to study abroad.
UK scholarships specifically designed for international students include; The Chevening
Scholarships, which are intended to help outstanding students with leadership potential from
around the world. The UK government funds these scholarships for study at the postgraduate
level at accredited UK universities.
India is a Commonwealth country, so you might be able to take advantage of scholarships and
fellowships offered by member governments specifically to students from other Commonwealth
countries who want to study in the UK.
In general, more awards in the UK are available for postgraduate work, with many fewer
available to undergraduate students.
Well-known and prestigious universities include the University of Cambridge, Oxford
University, the University of Bath, the University of Brighton, and Cardiff University.
GERMANY
Last year saw the last of Germanys 16 states abolish tuition fees for undergraduate students at
all public German universities. International students at undergraduate public universities in
Germany are now able to study in Germany cost-free though there is still a small fee required to
pay for administrative and other incidental costs.
This affordability makes studying in Germany attractive to prospective students and their
parents. Recent data rank Germany fourth in international popularity students, right after the US,

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UK, and Australia. Education costs at German universities are now among the lowest in the
world, compared with countries that have higher education systems of similarly high quality.
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) estimates the average cost of university in
Germany to be EUR 9,170 per year (INR 638,500). Itemising this cost, you would be
spending about EUR 470 (INR 32,700) for school fees and EUR 8,700 (INR 605,800) for
living expenses.
The amount you pay will vary depending on the length of your programme, your level of study,
the German state (Lnder) you live in, and whether your university is private or public.
The cost of life in Germany varies based on location. Major cities in western Germany, such as
Munich, tend to be the most expensive.
The student visa costs around EUR 60 (INR 4175), but individual specialised visas qualify for
fee reductions or waivers. To fulfil the requirements, you will need to show proof that you have
access to around EUR 8,000 per year (INR 557,000) or 670 (INR 46,650) per month to
cover living costs.
Before registering at a German university, you must also obtain health insurance.
The DAAD helps international students find funding to live and study in Germany affordable.
International students of all levels, academics and researchers have access to DAAD scholarships
that enable them study in Germany. To find relevant scholarships so you can study in Germany,
you can search based on keywords, study level, and subject, as well as for scholarships offered
specifically to Indian studentsS.
Also, check out the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research or BMBF
(Bundesministerium fr Bildung und Forschung), which provides a great deal of information on
German scholarships: https://www.stipendienlotse.de/datenbank.php.
You

can

also

check

out

scholarships

here:

http://www.topuniversities.com/student-

info/scholarship-advice/scholarships-study-Germany

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DENMARK
Denmark may be a relatively small country, but it looms large as a study destination. Five of
Denmarks eight universities are in the top 400 of the British Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World
University Rankings for 2014-15. The University of Copenhagen is in the upper part of the
group in 45th place.
Tuition fees are not extravagantly high for Indians. The primary teaching language is Danish,
particularly at undergraduate level, but English is applied many programmes, a few applications
use German.
Indian students must get a residence permit to study in Denmark. You must have prove of
acceptance as a student to a higher education programme at a university, college, or institute that
has been approved by the Danish government. You must also prove you can support yourself
financially for the duration of your stay. It is imperative to you demonstrate that you can speak
and understand the language of instruction and that you have a functional command of Danish,
Swedish, Norwegian, English, or German.
You will be required to pay fees, which typically cost EUR 6,000-16,000 per year (INR
42,000-1,100,000). Some scholarships are available from individual Danish universities and via
public initiatives.
The best Danish universities are the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Technical
University of Denmark, and the University of Southern Denmark.

ELIGIBILITY AND STUDENT PERMITS

THE UK
For academic subjects, any Indian student will need a senior high school certificate equivalent to
two or three British A Levels. For vocational programmes, previously-acquired professional
qualifications and applicable work experience will also be considered. Other Requirements
include: A minimum English level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or a Cambridge Advanced Certificate
(CAE).

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The willing student can bridge the gap by taking A levels or a University Foundation Course.
University Foundation Courses popularly known as University Foundation Programmes or
International Foundation Years. They take less than a year, and upon successful completion, you
can then progress to a university degree course. Some programmes guarantee entry if you
complete the application successfully.
In these courses, you will study the concepts and skills required pertaining subject you want to
take at university. The course work is likely to be more important than exams. You will only be
able to study at a university that accepts the particular foundation course you take.
THE SHORT-TERM STUDY VISA
You can apply for a short-term study visa if you are doing a short course of study in the UK.You
can also do a brief period of research as part of a degree course if you are studying abroad.
You cannot, however, work, including on work placement or work experience, or carry out any
business. Moreover, you cannot extend this visa, bring family members (dependants) or get
public funds.
You can stay in the UK for six months for any short course (including English language courses),
or short period of research if you are 18 or over. You can stay for 11 months if you are 18 or over
and taking an English language course.
It costs GBP 85 (INR 5,920) for a 6-month visa and 162 (INR 11,280) for an 11-month
visa.
TIER 4 (GENERAL) STUDENT VISA
You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK if you are 16 or over. You
need to have been offered a place in a course, and be able to speak, read, write, and understand
English. You need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for their
course.
It costs 322 (INR 22,400) to apply for this visa from India.
You can take a course that meets one of the following criteria:

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a full-time course leading to a qualification thats at least level 6 on the National

Qualifications Framework (NQF);

a course of study overseas that is the equivalent of a UK higher education course, and

which is being run by a foreign higher education institution;

a full-time course with at least 15 hours per week of an organised study that will result in

less than a degree, but which is at least NQF level 3;

a recognised foundation programme as a postgraduate doctor or dentist.

As a postgraduate doctor or dentist, the requirements for application are minimal. If one is a
beneficiary of a recognised foundation programme, medical or dentistry graduate from a
registered Tier 4 sponsor. Also spending at least two study years (the final and additional one
year)qualifies one for the application.
GERMANY
Aspiring Indian students wanting to study at a German university will need a HochschuleZu
gangsberechtigung (university entrance qualification). This is a school-leaving certificate that
qualifies you for university study. If your secondary-school certificate is deemed insufficient for
study in Germany, you will have to attend a foundation course (Studienkolleg) before you are
allowed to enrol.
Indian students will need an entry visa for Germany. There are two categories of visas:
1. Student applicant visa (Visum zur Studienbewerbung)
If you have not officially accepted by a university or foundation course, you must apply for a
student applicant visa.
This visa is valid for three months and gives you time to meet the admission requirements to a
German university. If three months is not long enough, the visa may be extended to a
maximum of six months. If admitted to the university or foundation course within this period,
you would then apply for a student visa.
2. Student visa (Visum za Studienzwecken)

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If you have received official admission to the university or a foundation course, you can apply
for a student visa, either a Schengen or national permit. Schengen visas are for three months
only, allow travel in the Schengen Area (comprised of 26 countries that have an open travel
agreement), and are ideal for short courses. National visas are longer-term, do not permit
regional travel without further approval, and are designed for people who are pursuing a
degree, or who are intending to do long-term research.
DENMARK
Qualifying for admission to a Danish university requires your foreign school-leaving certificate
must be on a level with the Danish upper secondary school leaving certificate. You might need to
complete one or two years of higher education or equivalent supplementary studies in addition to
the certificate to qualify.
Of course, you must meet the specific entry requirements of the particular programme to which
you are applying. Requirements typically include passing a certain level in a given subject, the
Marks, or grades, you received in individual subjects, and your overall grade point average. If
Danis is the programme teaching language, you must be proficient in Danish, both orally and in
writing. Most courses require that you pass the Study Test in Danish as a Second Language
(Studieprven I Gdansk som ande tsp reg) or can demonstrate proof of proficiency in the Danish
language. If English is the teaching language, you must be able to prove proficiency in English
equivalent at least to the English B level in Denmark.
To enrol in a programme of higher education, you should apply using the admissions portal
Optagelse.dk, except for master's programmes and adult higher education. For these, you should
contact the institution directly.

WORK AND EMPLOYMENT

THE UK
Since 2008, the UK has been using a five-tier, a point-based system that measures applicants
against various criteria designed to assess their eligibility for a UK work or study visa.

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The most commonly sought visas are Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 4. Tier 1 is for entrepreneurs who
have graduated from UK universities, whereas Tier 2 is for skilled workers. Level 2 is also for
intracompany transfers, i.e., for employees of multinational corporations who are being
transferred to the companys UK branch. You must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from
your employer to apply as a transferee. Tier 4 student visas are for students at UK educational
institutions. While studying, some students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week
during term time and full-time during the holidays.
The most popular employment sectors are the service industry, tourism, creative industries, and
manufacturing. The automotive, aerospace, and space industries are also giants of the UK
economy.
UK law says that workers do not usually have to work more than 48 hours a week on average,
unless they choose to. This is called the working time directive or working hours
regulations.
Temporary work permits are also available; you can apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker
International Agreement) visa if you are contracted to do work covered by the international law
while in the UK. This includes foreign government workers and personal employees in the
diplomatic household. You need to have an official certificate of sponsorship from a licenced
employer before you can apply for a Tier 5 visa. You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before
your date of travel to the UK.
Indian workers can bring along family members. Conditions will depend on the type of
immigration visa you have (Tier 1, 2, or 5). Family members of Tier 1, 2, or 5 immigrant cannot
apply for their visa in the UK if they were last granted entry clearance or leave as a visitor. Also,
they cannot ask if they were last granted entry clearance to a short-term student. They can,
however, apply if given or are being granted, leave to remain as a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker)
migrant in the creative and sporting subcategory. However, usually they will apply correctly as a
dependent on Tier 1, 2, or 5 immigrant workers.
Family members of a Tier 4 (General) applicant might be able to apply for the dependent
category in the UK. This depends on the type of course; the Tier 4 (General) student is studying.

84

GERMANY AND DENMARK

Conditions for Indian workers emigrating to Germany and Denmark explored when we discussed
avenues for residency permits.

INVESTMENT (THE BUSINESS VISA)

UK
You can apply for a standard visitor visa if you want to visit the UK for business.
GERMANY
You should get a business visa if you are planning a business trip to Germany.
DENMARK
A business visa is necessary in case you are travelling for business purposes. This permission is
given for a travel period of fewer than 90 days.

INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES
THE UK
The United Kingdom has an official `Investor Immigration Programme` for wealthy individuals
who invest substantially in the economy of the United Kingdom. In 2011, the UK government
decided to make a concerted effort to attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs by providing
better incentives and easing some of the restrictions. Under this programme, if you want to
immigrate to the UK, you are required to make a minimum investment of at least GBP 2 million
(INR 198,000,000). The money invested for at least five years in Government bonds, loans or
share capital. ILR (UK permanent residency) granted after five years. You are not allowed to
invest this money in property or as a bank deposit. You are not eligible for employment in the
UK. For investments over 5 million (INR 495,000,000), ILR is granted after three years, and
for investments over 10 million (INR 988,000,000), ILR can be received after two years.

85

When your application approved, you will receive a three-year entry clearance visa, with an
option for a two-year renewal. After five years of residing legally in the UK, you will qualify for
ILR status, provided you have maintained the investment according to the programmes
requirements. Once you have received ILR, you may travel in and out of the UK anytime.
However, you should not spend more than two consecutive years outside the UK.
There is no personal interview and no English language requirement to obtain a visa. No prior
business experience is needed. The investment is compulsory within three months after entering
the UK. The investor is allowed to bring family and children under 18 years of age.
The investor will be eligible to apply for British citizenship after five years in the UK. The UK
allows dual nationality.
GERMANY
Germany attracts investors, both German and foreign. This is due to the high number of incentive
programmes. These applications are categorised into the investment incentives package, which
includes a variety of plans designed to reimburse a business for its investment costs. The
operational incentives package, which has programmes intended to subsidise operating costs
once the company is up and running.
ABOUT PUBLIC LOANS
Investors have access to subsidised loan programmes in Germany. Loans, which are usually
available below current interest rates, are offered in combination with generous grace periods.
There are designated development banks that provide the subsidised loans.The development
banks comprises of national- and state-level banks that are publicly owned and organised.
Programmes and financial instruments offered by such banks are open to foreign investors with
the same conditions and stipulations as investors from Germany.
Investors benefit from reduced interest loans, as they provide a means of acquiring capital in a
cost-effective way, thus easing long-term financial planning. These low-interest loans are
particularly beneficial to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

86

DIFFERENT TYPES OF R&D INCENTIVES

Research & Development projects can find many sources of financial support. There are a large
number of programmes that specifically allocate grants for R&D activities, or which offer
reduced-interest loans and dedicated partnership plans. The European Union (EU), the German
government, and the individual German states provide a great deal of financing. Research and
development are considered crucial for German economic development.
FOUR MAIN GROUPS OF LABOUR-RELATED INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES
Labour-related incentives are available to assist your business in reducing the operational costs
inherent in starting new businesses. The Federal Employment Agency in Germany
(Bundesagentur fr Arbeit) and individual German states have provided some labour-related
incentives designed to support different industry needs in building a workforce.
The programmes fall into four main groups:

programmes focusing on recruitment support,

programmes focusing on training support,
programmes focusing on wage subsidies, and
on-the-job training programmes.

Programmes can be administered and modified by local authorities to accommodate investor

needs, where they will work in close cooperation with the investor.
DENMARK
Denmark welcomes foreign investors and encourages free trade. Denmark conforms to EU
policy on free and fair competition within the European Union. Any company registered in
Denmark, whether Danish or international, is permitted to apply for the financing and incentives
available.
Denmarks well-developed financial system provides a broad range of business support and
investment sources, including public incentives, private investors, banks, venture capitalists, and
institutional investors.

87

Denmark has programmes that focus specifically on research & development activities and
attractive tax rules about R&D. All sectors can apply for the funding and financial incentives
earmarked for R&D. Also, special funding is available for research and development in Biotech,
pharmaceuticals, medical, life science, environment, energy, ICT, food, agriculture, and
transportation.

UNDERSTANDING THE NEW LIFE

THE UK
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland known as the United Kingdom (UK)
or Great Britain. Located just off the north-western coast of Europe, the country consists of four
countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It also includes many smaller islands.
The Atlantic Ocean sits on its west and north sides, with the North Sea to the east and the
English Channel to the south. Its total area is 93,800 square miles (243,000 km 2), which makes it
the 11th largest sovereign state in Europe.
The United Kingdom has an estimated 64.5 million inhabitants, ranking it 22nd in population in
the world. Its government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of
governance. London is its capital city, an important financial centre with a metropolitan-area
population of 10,310,000 people, making it the fourth largest town in Europe and second largest
in the European Union. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their administrations, each
with its powers based in their capitals, which are Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, respectively.
The nearby small islands of Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man are Crown
Dependencies.They are not considered part of the United Kingdom, although the British
Government handles their defence and international representation.
The UK has fourteen overseas territories, which represent the remnants of the British Empire,
which was at its height in the 1920s. At that point, it encompassed almost twenty-five percent of
the world's land and was the largest empire in history. British influence is apparent in the
language, culture, and legal systems of many of its former colonies.
The UK is a developed country, with the world's fifth largest economy as measured by nominal
GDP (Gross Domestic Product), and the tenth largest economy by PPP (Purchasing Power
88

Parity). Its economy is considered high-income and is categorised as Very High in the Human
Development Index, published by the United Nations Development Programme. In 2014, it
ranked 14th in the world on this scale.
Its principal rivers are the Severn, Thames, Humber, Tees, Tyne, Tweed, Avon, Exe, and Mersey.
England's highest mountain is Scafell Pike (978 metres), which is in the Lake District.
The United Kingdom has a temperate climate, with plenty of rainfall all year round. The
temperature varies with the seasons, seldom dropping below 11 C (12 F) or rising above 35
C (95 F).
Summers are warmest in the south-east of England, being closest to the European mainland, and
coolest in the north.
Local government in England is complex, with local arrangements determining the distribution
of functions. Some places in England have county and district councils, and others have unitary
authorities. London, for its part, consists of 32 boroughs and the City of London as a separate
administrative entity.
The Constitution of the United Kingdom is not codified. Therefore, conglomerated from
disparate written sources that include statutes, case law, international treaties, and conventions.
The UK Parliament performs "constitutional reform" simply by passing Acts of Parliament, and
thus has the political power to change or abolish almost any written or unwritten element of the
constitution. However, no Parliament can pass laws that future Parliaments cannot change.
The parliamentary government, called the Westminster system, has been adopted in some form
by many countries around the world, another legacy of the Empire. There are two houses of
Parliament: the House of Commons, whose members are elected, and the House of Lords, whose
members are appointed. All bills passed by Parliament must receive Royal Assent before
becoming law.
The Prime Minister (PM) is the UK's head of government. The PM is typically the leader of the
political party or coalition that holds the largest number of Parliamentary seats. The PM selects a

89

cabinet, but the monarch officially appoints them to form Her Majesty's Government. By
convention, the monarch respects the Prime Minister's decisions.
The UK has three separate and distinct systems of law: English law, Northern Ireland law and
Scots law.The UK established in October of 2009. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
is made up of the same members of the Supreme Court. It is the highest court of appeal for much
of the Commonwealth, including several independent Commonwealth countries, the British
Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies.
Both English law, which applies in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland law based on
common-law principles. The underlying principle of common law is that judges in courts
develop the law.This is the application of the statute, precedent, and common sense to the facts
before them to arrive at a judicial conclusion. The court findings reported and considered to be
binding in future cases that have legal similarities.
The largest cities are London, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield, Bradford, and Liverpool.
London, the UK's capital, has a city population of over seven million, not including the outlying
metropolitan areas. Britain's has only one other city with a population of more than one million:
the West Midland City of Birmingham.
The UK has an extensive highway system, totalling 208,000 km of main roads, 3,500 km of
which are motorways, and 344,000 km of paved roads. The M25, which encircles London, is the
busiest bypass road in the world. The UK maintains a railway network of 16,200 km in Great
Britain and 304 km in Northern Ireland.
The three largest airports are London Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, and London Stansted
Airport.
The UK has a history of very limited non-white immigration. Since 1948, immigration from
Africa, the Caribbean, and South Asia has been considerably more substantial. This, again, is a
legacy of ties forged by the Empire. Since 2004, migration from EU member states has resulted
in a significant growth in these demographic groups. Since the 1990s, the immigrant population
has become much more diversified.Immigrants to the UK are coming from a much wider range

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of countries than before when larger numbers of immigrants came from a relatively small
number of countries.
The official language of the UK is English. An estimated 95% of the UK's population are
monolingual English speakers. Another 5.5% of the population are estimated to speak languages
imported to the UK because of relatively recent immigration. South Asian languages, including
Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, Hindi, and Gujarati spoken by 2.7% of the UK population and
constitute the largest subgroup of non-English languages. Polish, with 546,000 speakers, is now
the second most common language spoken in England, according to the 2011 census.
Christianity has dominated religious life in England for over 1,400 years. Social and
demographic changes, along with immigration, have contributed to the presence of other faiths,
particularly Islam. The UK can now be described as a multi-faith, secularised, or post-Christian
society.
The proportion of immigrants in the UK is somewhat less than that of many other European
countries, such as France. However, immigration now contributes to a growing population, with
new arrivals and UK-born children of immigrants accounting for about half of the population
increase between 1991 and 2001. 195,046 immigrants gained British citizenship in 2010,
compared to 54,902 in 1999. A record 241,192 people were given permanent settlement rights in
2010, of which 51% were from Asia and 27% from Africa.
GERMANY
The Federal Republic of Germany is a parliamentary republic located in Western Central Europe.
It is made up of 16 constituent states that combined, total an area of 357,021 square kilometres. It
has a temperate seasonal climate. Winters are mild, and summers tend to be warm; temperatures
can exceed 30 C (86 F). Rainfall can occur at any time of the year, with no consistent dry or
wet season.
It is the seventh largest country by area in Europe and the 62nd largest in the world.

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Germany is the most populous member state in the European Union, with a population of 80.7
million inhabitants. It is the second most popular migration destination in the world, after the
United States.
The capital of Germany is Berlin, which is also the countrys largest city. Other substantial cities
are Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf. Its principal rivers are the Rhine,
Danube, and The Elbe. A major industry is mining. It entails the exploitation of natural resources
such as iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt, nickel.
There are 14 national parks and 98 nature parks in Germany. There are more than 400 registered
zoos and animal parks.
Germany has a highly skilled labour force and promotes a high level of innovation.
The service sector, including information technology, is the largest industrial sector, contributing
approximately 71% of the total GDP. Industry, including mining, contributes 28%, and
agriculture a mere 1%. The automotive industry is a major industry. It is most competitive and
innovative in the world and is the fourth largest by production in the world, after Japan, the
United States, and China.
Germanys civil law system based on Roman law. The Bundesverfassungsgericht (Federal
Constitutional Court) is Germanys Supreme Court, and it handles constitutional matters and has
the power of judicial review. Germany's Supreme Court system called Oberste Gerichtshfe des
Bundes, specialises in ensuring that legislative and judicial practice uphold the fundamental laws
of the Federal Republic of Germany. For civil and criminal cases, there is the Federal Court of
Justice; there is also the Federal Finance Court and the Federal Administrative Court which rule
on financial and administrative matters, respectively.
The goal of the German penal system is rehabilitation of the criminal and protection of the
general public. Single professional judge solely handles petty crimes while serious political
crimes tried before mixed tribunals on which lay judges (Schffen) sit side by side with
professional judges.
Germany's road network is extremely dense. The motorway network, known as the Autobahn,
ranks as the third-largest in length worldwide, and is best known for its lack of a general speed
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limit. Major German cities, as well as destinations in neighbouring countries, are also served by
high-speed trains such as the InterCityExpress or the ICE (Inter-City Express) network. These
trains achieve speeds up to 300 kph (186 mph). The largest German airports are Frankfurt
Airport and Munich Airport.
According to the 2011 German Census, Christianity is the biggest religion in Germany, claiming
66.8% of the total population. Islam is the second-largest religion in the country. Other religions
are Buddhism, Judaism, and Hinduism.
German is the official language of Germany, and the most widely spoken.
DENMARK
Denmark is a kingdom in Northern Europe. It is part of the cultural region called Scandinavia,
together with Sweden, Finland, and Norway. The Kingdom of Denmark is made up of Denmark
and two autonomous countries in the North Atlantic Ocean: the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Denmark itself has an area of 43,094 square kilometres and supports a population of 5,668,743
as of April 2015. The country consists of the peninsula called Jutland, and an archipelago of 443
islands, of which approximately 70 are inhabited. The islands are mostly made up of flat, arable
land and sandy coasts, with a little elevation and a temperate climate.
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch is considered the head of state,
retaining executive power and presiding over the Council of State, also known as the privy
council).The Parliament, established in 1849, has become more dominant in the twentieth
century, the duties of the monarch have become broadly representative and ceremonial. Within
this structure, however, the king does not need to be answerable for his or her actions, and the
monarch's person is considered sacrosanct.
The government and national parliament located in Copenhagen, which is the nation's capital, its
largest city, and main commercial centre. Denmark joined the European Union in 1973,
maintaining certain independencies: for example, it retains its currency, the krone.
The judicial system of Denmark, like the legal regime of the UK, is not a single entity. Denmark
has one system; Greenland has another; and the Faroe Islands yet another. Decisions by the
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highest courts in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, however, may still be appealed to the Danish
High Courts. There are no individual or constitutional courts of law, and there are no formal
divisions within the courts. All Danish courts of law may adjudicate disputes in legal areas such
as civil, labour, administrative, and constitutional law, as well as criminal justice.
Most Danes are members of the Danish National Church, although the Constitution guarantees
freedom of religion.
Denmarks climate is temperate with mild winters and cool summers. Mean temperatures in
January are 1.5 C (35 F), with mean temperatures in August reaching only 17 C (63 F).
Denmark averages 179 days per year of precipitation, typically receiving a total of 765
millimetres (30 in) per year; autumn is the rainiest season and spring the driest.
Denmark's northern location means there are large seasonal variations in daylight throughout the
year. Winter days are short, with the sun rising around 8:45 am and setting around 3:45 pm. The
summer days are long, with sunrise at 4:30 am and sunset at 10 pm.
Denmark has a total area of 43,094 square kilometres, divided into five administrative regions
(region). Danmarks Statistik has further divided the five areas into eleven provinces (lands dele).
According to the World Economic Forum report of 2008, IMD, and The Economist, Denmarks
economy is one of the most competitive in the world. The country also places great importance
on workers' rights.
The World Bank ranks Denmark as the easiest place in Europe to do business. You can establish
your company in hours, and at exceptionally low cost. There are no restrictions regarding
overtime work, so businesses can operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Denmark has an
attractive corporate tax rate of 24.5% and offers a special time-limited tax scheme for
expatriates. The EF English Proficiency Index ranked Danes as the most fluent non-native
English speakers in the world.
Since 1945, Denmark has worked to expand its industrial base; by 2006 the industry sector
contributed about 25% of GDP and the agricultural sector less than 2%.

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Copenhagen Airport is Scandinavia's busiest passenger airport. It handles over 25 million

passengers a year. Other notable airports are Billund Airport, Aalborg Airport, and Aarhus
Airport.
Denmark has invested significant resources in building roads and rail links between its regions. A
major accomplishment has been the Great Belt Fixed Link, which connects Zealand and Funen.
You can now drive from Frederikshavn in northern Jutland to Copenhagen on eastern Zealand by
motorway. Various international ferry routes connect the North Sea and the Baltic. Construction
of the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, which will connect Denmark and Germany with a second link,
starts this year.
The Copenhagen Metro System operates in Copenhagen, and the greater Copenhagen area has an
extensive electrified rail known as the S-train connecting the suburbs. There is a plan for light
rail systems to be in operation around 2020 in the four biggest cities, Copenhagen, Odense,
rhus, and Aalborg.
Approximately 90% of Denmark's population of over 5,500,000 is of Danish descent, which is
means having at least one parent born in Denmark with Danish citizenship). Among the
remaining 10% are immigrants or descendants of recent immigrants, from places Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Somalia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
The official language of Denmark is Danish. In their regions, Faroese and Greenlandic are the
official languages of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, respectively.
The majority of Danes speak English as a second language by a vast majority of Danes (86%).
German is the second-most common language spoken in Denmark.
In 2015, 77.8% of the population of Denmark belonged to the Church of Denmark (Den Danske
Folkekirke), which is Lutheran in tradition. Muslims, who are the second-largest religious
community in the Kingdom of Denmark, make up approximately 3% of the population and are
the country's largest minority religion.

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HOUSING (FINDING A HOME)

THE UK
Buying or Selling
Buying or selling a home typically takes two to three months. The process can take longer if you
are part of a chain of buyers and sellers.
There are several steps youll need to follow:

if you are a seller, you must provide an Energy Performance Certificate;

if a seller is using a real estate agent, potential buyers must make their offers through the

officer;
once a buyers offer has been accepted, it is the sellers responsibility to draw up a legal
contract for transfer of ownership.

A buyer legally bound by a contract when the exchange occurs. Also, depending on the amount
paid for the property, if you are the buyer, you may have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax. You can
own a home with up to three other people as co-owners.
If you are looking for a house to buy, the best option is to enquire with friends and family about
the availability of rooms for stay and homes for sale.
Looking for information online or in the Yellow Pages is also highly recommended.
Newspapers and real estate magazines periodically list available properties.
Finally, drive around your neighbourhood of choice and look for signs with information
regarding houses and agents.
Renting
As a tenant, you have legal rights to live in a property thats safe and in a good state of repair and
to have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends. You have the right to live in the property
undisturbed and protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent. You also have responsibilities, for
instance, to give your property owner access to the property to inspect it or carry out repairs.
Your property owner has to give you at least 24 hours notice and visit at a reasonable time of
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day unless it is an emergency and immediate access is necessary. You must also take good care of
the property and pay the agreed rent, even if you are in a dispute with your property owner.
GERMANY
There are no restrictions on foreign nationals buying property in Germany. Financing is possible
for foreigners, but you should not expect it to cover more than 60% of the purchase price.
The process of buying property in Germany involves the following:
1. Make an offer via your agent (Makler), who will convey your bid either through the
sellers agent or to the vendor directly. You may find yourself competing in a quasiauction with your Makler, who will handle rival bids from other prospective buyers.
2. When the seller accepts your offer, ask your Not to draw up the contract.
DENMARK
As a foreigner, you are not as a rule permitted to buy residential property in Denmark unless you
establish Denmark as your primary location, or the centre of your life, as they say. In practical
terms, this means you must get a permit from the Ministry of Justice before finalising the
purchase. This permit is more than a formality. It documents that you are becoming a permanent
resident in Denmark. EU citizens working in Denmark are exempt from this rule, but you should
contact a lawyer to ensure you are in compliance.
Denmark strictly regulates its property market, and the purchasing agreement is a complex
document. A real estate agent typically represents Sellers, and you need a competent advisor,
primarily to assist with the required permit from the Ministry of Justice mentioned above.
The permit is free of charge and issued within two weeks. Your lawyer will submit the permit
application to the Ministry of Justice. Make sure you talk to your lawyer first, who will make
sure that you meet the requirements for the licence.

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REAL ESTATE AGENTS

THE UK
To find a real estate agent in the UK, go to the online directory:
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/find-agents/estate-agents/directory/a
A handful of national residential real estate agent chains exist, with the majority being locally or
regionally specialised companies.
There are also several multi-national commercial agencies, typically Anglo-American, panEuropean or global. These firms all seek to provide the full range of property advisory services.
Only a handful of large companies trades in both commercial and residential property.
Rentals and Leasing
Real estate agents who handle rentals and leasing of commercial property charge a fee of 7 to
15% of the first year's rent, plus the whole of the first month's rent. If two agents are charging
10%, they will split the fee between them. Real estate agents are selling a commercial property,
known as investment officers, typically charge 1% of the sale price.
Fees charged by residential letting agents vary depending the role of the police. He or she may
manage the property, or his or her role limited to only procuring new tenants. If you are a
prospective tenant, your costs can vary from zero to GBP 300 in non-refundable fees. These
values are usually written or described as "Application Fee", "Administrative Fee", or
"Processing Fee" or you may see all three.
You will probably asked for the first month's rent in advance plus a refundable deposit, usually
equal to a month's rent. Most residential rentals in the UK require "Assured Shorthold Tenancy"
agreements between the property owner and tenant(s).
Selling
Real estate agents are selling residential property charge a commission that is usually between
1% of the sale price in the case of a sole agency, and 3% when it involves multiple agencies.
There is also a VAT (Value Added Tax) on home sales. Additional marketing fees charged for
advertising the property in media such as newspapers and websites.
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Since around 2000, online real estate agents have provided an alternative to the traditional fee
structure, claiming cheaper, fixed fee selling packages. These online estate agents claim to give
private sellers the ability to market their property via the major property portals. New models
have been introduced, which use digital media screens in place of the agents traditional high
street window. These filters allow officials to take their listings into remote locations where an
office may not otherwise be available.
Other methods included auctions (11%), word of mouth (3%), and leaflets (2%).
GERMANY
The online directory of real estate agents in Germany accessed at:

http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Europe/germany/Realtors
http://www.worldproperties.com/en/CountryInfo/Germany/IVD-germany.aspx

Real estate agents are active in all aspects of residential and commercial property marketing,
sales, and leasing, as well as in property management, financing, and valuation.
For further information on the services provided by real estate practitioners to sellers and buyers,
visit http://www.ivd.net/html/0/162/rubrik/527.html.
Practitioners use all means possible to bring buyers and sellers together, including computerised,
web-based systems on the local, national, and international level.
DENMARK
The online directory of real estate agents in Denmark found at:

http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Europe/Denmark/Realtors
http://www.de.dk/in-english

It is the duty of the real estate agent to:

Agree on the market price with the seller. This agreement based on the estate agent's
valuation of the property;

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Prepare a proposal for financing the property using standard conventions and

presentation;
Calculate both gross and the net costs of owning the property, since all interest is

deductible under Danish tax law;

Calculate the seller's proceeds of the sale;
Prepare a prospectus containing the information and significant figures which enable the

buyer to make an informed decision;

Inform the seller about his or her obligation to have a report prepared detailing the
property's energy consumption, including that of all electrical appliances such as

refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.;

Write a contract of sale.

The real estate agent ensures that the seller is aware of the option to have the property inspected
by an expert in building technology (i.e., an architect or an engineer). The inspector must have
government approval to conduct the task. The expert's report, when given to the potential buyer,
must accompany an insurance companys offer to cover hidden defects that werent detected by
the expert. If the seller fails to do this, he or she is liable for all defects that arise for the next ten
years.
A relatively small number of Danish real estate agents specialise in rental or leasing of
properties. In the major cities, such as Copenhagen and Aarhus, there is a high demand for rented
accommodations, and there are real estate agents involved in this business.
A vast collection of property ads from all chains and independent real estate agents available on
the Internet platform: www.boligsiden.dk.

TYPES OF HOMES
THE UK
The most common types of houses in the UK are bungalows, cottages, flats, detached, semidetached, terraced, and end-of-terrace.

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GERMANY
The most common types of houses in Germany are apartments and terraced.
DENMARK
The most common types of houses in Denmark are terraced, detached, and flats.

FINANCING THE HOME

THE UK
The first thing you need to do is decide how much you can afford. You will need to look at how
much money you have available yourself and how much you can borrow. There are some
different financial institutions that offer loans to people buying a property, e.g. building societies,
banks, finance houses, insurance companies, and special mortgage firms. You should find out if
you can borrow money and if so, how much. Some building societies now provide buyers with a
certificate that states that a loan will be available provided the property is satisfactory.
Before deciding how much to spend on a property, you need to be sure you will have enough
money to pay for all the additional costs. These include the following:

survey fees
valuation fees
Stamp Duty Land Tax
land registry fee
local authority searches
any fees charged by the mortgage lender or broker
the buyers solicitors costs
VAT
removal expenses
final bills, for example, gas, and electricity, from your present home the bills are paid on
evacuation from the premises.

A lender will want to have the property valued to make sure that the loan is recoverable in case
you stopped paying your mortgage and the house resold. The bank stands to benefit from the
valuation but you are expected to pay the surveyor.
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The loan is for a fixed term, or period. You have to pay interest on the loan as part of your
payments. If you do not keep up with the repayment agreement, the lender can take possession of
the property.
There are two basic types of mortgages: repayment mortgages and interest-only mortgages.
Further information on mortgage found on the Money Advice Service website at
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.
If you are a first-time buyer or key worker, you might be able to borrow some of the money you
need from other, government-backed sources. The rest of the money borrowed from an ordinary
mortgage lender, such as a bank or building society.
GERMANY
Real estate in Germany can either be financed through a mortgage bank (Kreditbank) or by most
other banking and financial institutions. To qualify for financing by a German bank or financial
institution, it is usually necessary to show a history of regular monthly savings. Typically, you
will have to turn up to six years of savings history. The maximum term of any property financing
is usually 30 years at a fixed interest rate.
There are many additional fees in Germany associated with buying or selling the property. As a
buyer, you should be prepared to pay as much as 12 percent of the purchase price in fees. The
real estate agent's fees can be as high as 7 percent though this fee may be negotiable.
DENMARK
Mortgages finance most property purchases. You will apply for the mortgage at a bank or other
mortgage lender. Foreign nationals do not face legal restrictions on access to mortgages and
financing in Denmark.
As with all mortgages everywhere, before a lender approves a lease, the financial institution will
assess your ability to repay the loan based on your job and salary.

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A buyer's certificate from the mortgage provider is confirming the details of the finances
obtained in advance. This document will allow you to make an offer quickly when you find a
suitable property, as it gives a seller proof of your ability to make the purchase.
It is not uncommon for your mortgage to cover up to 80 percent of the propertys value.
Repayment terms range from ten to 30 years.
If a property is purchased using a mortgage, then it is a legal requirement to have building and
fire insurance.

LOCAL BUSINESS
THE UK
You can apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa if you want to set up or run a business in the UK.
You must have access to at least 50,000 investment funds to qualify.
A Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa is valid for a maximum of 3 years and four months. The visa can be
extended.
You may be able to apply for permanent residency, or ILR, once you have resided legally in the
UK for five years. You can also bring family members with you.
However, you cannot do any work on your own business; another business may not employ you.
GERMANY
There are two types of investment structures in Germany that give you the right to move there:
(1) Invest one million Euro (INR 70,000,000) into a business there. (2) Present a business plan
for a convincing project, which is considered to be an enterprise of general economic interest.
DENMARK
If you have an innovative business idea, which can contribute to the growth and new
employment in Denmark, you can be granted a residence and work permit for the purpose of
opening your independent company in Denmark.
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ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMMES
THE UK
If you are looking to start or expand your company in another country, the UK is an ideal place.
Reasons for this include:

the UK has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the G20;
you can register a company within 48 hours;
The UK hosts four of the worlds top ten universities;
the labour force is the second largest in the Europe;
the UK government offers support to start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The government supports start-ups and contractors by providing access to mentoring

programmes and funding by engaging the resources and support of the private sector.
You can find help with your early-stage technology business or with your start-up by contacting
the UK Trade and Investments (UKTI) Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP). This
programme specifically helps overseas entrepreneurs who want to relocate their business to the
UK.
Their free assistance includes:

help developing your business plan;

assistance relocating to the UK;
offering introductions to potential investors;
guidance on promoting international growth;
Provision of mentorship from entrepreneurs with experience.

They continue to provide support once you have successfully relocated to the UK. The goal of
the GEP programme is to encourage foreign investors to you to establish your headquarters in the
UK.
To qualify for GEP support, you must be an entrepreneur or technology business based overseas,
who is planning to establish your global business headquarters in the UK.
You will be assigned a team of 18 successful entrepreneurs, known as dealmakers, to help you
set up and expand your businesses from the UK.
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THE UKTI SIRIUS PROGRAMME

This programme is for graduates of UK institutions who have started a business in the UK which
is in its early stages. Graduates who have ideas for companies can submit a business plan which,
if approved, will give them eligibility. You must apply as part of a team of at least three people,
at least 50% of whom are not British citizens, and all team members must have graduated
recently or are graduating soon. Teams compete to win acceptance into the programme.
Winning teams will receive a number of benefits, which include:

12-months with a leading accelerator, a company that specialises in assisting start-ups;

financial support valued at 12,000 per individual for one year;
mentoring;
help building a customer base;
assistance relocating to the UK;
Visa acquisition.

UKTI is working with five accelerator programmes as part of the Sirius Programme. Each
accelerator has designed a specific agenda for the winners.
Accelerators help start-up teams to grow through mentoring, events, and workshops and
providing an office space where they can work.
GERMANY
While public spending on entrepreneurship is ranked number one in the world, most
entrepreneurs in Germany are either from the former East Germany or other countries entirely.
One in twelve entrepreneurs in Germany is foreign-born. In the last ten years, new companies
run by Germans have increased by 14.5%, compared with a 75% increase in companies started
by immigrants.
Entrepreneurship in Germany is weak due to some factors. Young people are uninclined to start
businesses, and regulations are, in many ways, unfavourable for entrepreneurs. Germanys
corporate taxes are quite high, social security demands are unusually demanding, and
complicating matters, there is a cultural aversion to individual enterprise. Also, German venture
capitalists are cautious and take few risks.

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The German government offers many incentives to entrepreneurs to compensate for this cultural
bias. Funding and support for entrepreneurs are available through state and national resources.
For the listing national resources for entrepreneurs, visit this website:
http://www.germaninnovation.org/resources/entrepreneurship-funding/federal-resources
For a listing resources for entrepreneurs available through the states, visit this website:
http://www.germaninnovation.org/resources/entrepreneurship-funding/state-resources
The state of Brandenburg has received particular recognition for its support of entrepreneurial
ventures, providing funding, operational support, early-phase funding, and a variety of coaching
and piloting services to start-ups. It also actively encourages the growth of green businesses and
research and development of clean technologies.
If you want to start a business in Germany, you must take your company ideas to the Aliens
Office. Your nationality determines whether or not you will receive permission to open your
business. The Aliens Office will want to ensure that you have sufficient education and equity,
comparable to German standards, which are quite high.
Germany has some government programmes available specifically for women entrepreneurs. The
Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth has established the
National Agency for Women Startups.
DENMARK
Denmark ranked number one in the Legatum Institute 2011 Prosperity Index as the country with
the strongest entrepreneurial environment in the world. This designation took into account the
environment which encourages the cultivation of new ideas, existing business, and, most
important for you to an immigrant, the ability access opportunity.
The Danish Business Authority recognises the role of government in encouraging entrepreneurial
endeavours by ensuring the availability of funding and fostering a business-friendly
environment. The Authority encourages partnership between the public and private sectors to
provide the most comprehensive resources possible to aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Public-sector support is intended to ensure entrepreneurs and SMEs can find the support that is
available.They in assist curbing knowledge gaps in business know-how and refer businesses to
private-sector consultants as appropriate. They also connect entrepreneurs with venture capital.
One public-sector initiative that has been very successful is the Regional Business Development
Centre programme. Local governments formed these centres, but function as commercial
enterprises. They assist in connecting entrepreneurs and SMEs to relevant resources.
Denmark has some programmes appropriate for foreign investors. The Danish Ministry of
Business and Growth and the Ministry of Employment have collaborated on Start-up Denmark,
discussed below.Its primary intention is to attract entrepreneurs to Denmark by connecting them
with resources for logistical support, mentoring, venture capital, and other assistance.
The Danish Ministry of Business and Growth also has initiated LaunchPad Denmark, whose
mandate is to attract entrepreneurs with world-class ideas to Denmark, helping to maintain
Denmarks position as the most business-friendly climate in the world. LaunchPad Denmark
offers two different types of accelerator programmes, start-up capital and funding, and training
and workshops. They also provide guidance in obtaining visas and permits, assistance with travel
expenses, and social networking opportunities for you and your business.
In Southern Denmark, if you are in the healthcare or welfare technology field, you can take
advantage of Welfare Tech Invest. This resource provides innovation and growth through
improved access to venture capital. To improve access to venture capital for companies in these
business areas, a venture capital fund entitled Welfare Tech Invest Southern Denmark was set
up and launched in 2012. This fund invests in health and welfare technology entrepreneurs in the
region.

SELF-EMPLOYMENT
THE UK
Help for start-ups and entrepreneurs is provided by the UK Trade and Investments (UKTI)
Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP), as detailed in the previous section.

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If you intend to be self-employed, the UK has some web-based resources that provide
information to help you become a sole trader.You can also select a business partnership model
that will work for you and your business. Information on set-up, tax structure, and registration
are all available online at this URL: https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/self-employed.
Youll need to register your new business with HM Revenue and Customs, this is possible
online, and youll need to register a Self-Assessment to determine and pay taxes. You will also
have to register for VAT (Value-Added Tax) with Revenue and Customs. All business owners in
the UK, citizens and immigrants, must perform these processes.
As a foreign national looking to be self-employed in the UK, you will need to qualify under the
points-based system (see above), which mostly means having English-language proficiency and
financial resources to support yourself. You should apply for your visa before leaving India. In
general, the rules that apply to entrepreneurs also apply to those looking to be self-employed.
GERMANY
If you want to start up a business in Germany, you need to obtain a residence permit, authorising
you to engage in such work. If you are planning to start a self-employed business, you must
declare that when you register for your residence permit. After three years, it is possible to apply
for an unlimited residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
For your application for the Niederlassungserlaubnis to get considered, your work over the past
three years must have had a demonstrable positive effect on the economy. Examples of this
include showing a certain level of investment or the creation of a certain number of jobs.
If you wish to be self-employed, you should get information and advice from the Chamber of
Industry or Chambers of Skilled Trade. The local business registration office (Gewerbeamt)
should be able to provide the necessary contact details.
DENMARK
As a self-employed person, you should apply for a residence and work permit under the Start-up
Denmark scheme, discussed in the prior section. This system allows partnership. Therefore, two
or more people can use it to establish a joint business.
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If you intend to be self-employed, you can apply for a residence and work permit using the
Start-up Denmark scheme. If you are working with a partner, and you wish to establish a
company together, you may also use this system.
Before you apply for your permits, your business plan must be approved by a panel of experts
appointed for this purpose by the Danish Business Authority. There must be particular Danish
interest, for the professional or labour market, in the establishment of your particular business.
Residence and work permits are granted to companies such as restaurants, retail shops,
import/export companies, or similar.
Every region in Denmark has offices, called greenhouses, where you can get free help with
setting up a business. The greenhouses have created a website, 100svar.Do, where you can find
answers to many of the questions you may have in connection with setting up a business.

Europe is an exciting place to be these days, especially with the internet and
communications connecting everyone so closely together. You can have family in Spain,
France, or Portugal and be only a train hop away from visiting them. There are no vast
oceans to cross, like in other parts of the world, to visit a loved one.
The Indian community is thriving in most of the 51 European countries.This makes it
relativily easy start over there, or to carve out a new life for your family might be a lot
simpler than in some Asian countries, or South American countries or Africa. There are an
estimated twenty-five million Indians spread out across Europe, with Britain having by far
the largest Indian community.
London is a leading global educational centre where thousands of foreign students apply
each year. There are companies like Unite Students who are providing thousands of
housing opportunities for international students.
Of course, each European country has different opportunities or regulations for foreign
nationals, and fees vary from country to country as well as applications. Any student who is
looking to study in another country needs to do extensive research and find what fits them
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best and in which country. The same goes for a family looking to immigrate. Whether it is
London, Ireland, Denmark or somewhere else, make sure you know everything about the
countrys visa procedures, working, and immigration requirements before you go there.
You might be a better fit somewhere else. So please make sure you know what you and your
family are getting. Some countries also offer lottery systems where a certain number of
people from selected countries around the world are chosen and offered a residency permit
to stay and work. Make sure you look into some of those as well.
There are also excellent opportunities for medical students, business students, and other
highly skilled educational programmes available that allow students with a high level of
intellect to be accepted. Do some research into universities in the UK which will take you
for a particular category of education.
Each European country has healthy Indian communities where there are much-needed
assistance and support groups in place to help you. Of course, Europe is big on soccer,
rugby, and cricket. There is no shortage of sports events from country to country, and the
World Cup is a global competition with four billion viewers and participants.It brings
together all nations as one for a short time, even though they are rooting for their own
countrys team.
There is also a large Indian non-English speaking community in Portugal. About 90% of
the Indians in Portugal speak Portuguese. The Portuguese government is increasing
business ties with India due to the large Indian population there helping to strengthen links
between the two countries.
For an excellent list of Indian communities all over the world, please visit:
http://Indiaglobalized.com
For a website that that lists Indian events happening in Europe as well as other info, please
visit:
http://IndiansinEurope.net

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This overview of the different aspects of life in the three selected European countries, with
its focus on how to best integrate, and with guides to the best types of visa for different
circumstances is not exhaustive. Once you have reached your destined country, you can
visit other available resources at leisure.
It is also essential to learn as much as possible about the adopted culture, pros and cons,
and subtle etiquette. Learning the language is highly recommended too.
It is imperative that you know more about local and national financial institutions, taxes
and start budgeting and planning ahead.
We want the new European citizen from India to feel as much at home as possible and to
contribute to the economy and cultural life of his or her adopted country.

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SINGAPORE

Singapore also known as the Island at the end of the peninsula, or Pu-Luo-Chung, according
to the Chinese. Singapore or Singapura means The Lion City. Singapore has always been an
important trading city with large seaports. Situated on the equator, Singapore has year-round
humidity and high temperatures. Humidity increases with rainfall and can reach up to 100%.
June and July are the hottest months.
Situated at the southern tip of Malaysia, Singapore is a glowing beacon of prosperity. A country
with 5.5 million people, Singapores diverse economy depends primarily on trade and
manufacturing. Considered one of the most important trade and finance centres of the world,
Singapore is now the fifth wealthiest country in the world. Moreover, it has a reputation for
being a very strict country with rigid rules of law, making this a country with a low crime rate.
Make sure you are ready to learn some Mandarin Chinese. This is not a mandate though it will
come in handy, but English is the language of business and trade. Many Singaporeans speak a
language they call Singlish; a mixture of English and other languages that might seem difficult
for English-speaking visitors to understand.
Many people consider Singapore a great country to live in with an optimistic outlook for the
future. With 70% of the population being Chinese, Singapore also has a large number of Indians
and Malay people.
Singapore is considered one of the easiest cities in Asia to live in and has an open door to expats,
who are moving here in large numbers. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are the
main religions here. Singapore is a diverse country with a different people and an excellent
location to raise a family. However, it lacks healthcare facilities.

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Singapore is also considered one of the top ten most expensive cities in the world to reside.
Property prices are very high whether you rent or buy. Here you must pay tax to own a
television, called a Television License Fee.
Alcohol is taxed at a high rate, making social life somewhat expensive. Vehicles attract heavy
taxation. If you are looking to immigrate to Singapore be sure you have a large bank account or a
very good-paying job lined up. Here you will need good education or a strong working
background, as competition for employment is fierce.
There are good-paying jobs in the banking and finance industries, as well as excellent
opportunities for shipping, technology, and electronics. However, make sure you have a job lined
up before considering a move to Singapore.
Make sure to visit Esplanade, where there are always great shows with world-class performers.
Another great attraction in Singapore is Gardens by the Bay, with tallest indoor waterfalls. Here
you can take a walk 22 metres above ground on the vertical gardens called "Supertrees". Visit
Sentosa Island for a world of fun or head to the island of Pulau Ubin and admire the abundant
wildlife.
Singapore has a lot to offer considering all else.

INDIANS IN SINGAPORE
Interestingly, Singapore has one of the largest ratios of people of Indian origin after India.
Known as Singapore Indians or Indian Singaporeans, they actively contribute to the making of
the composite urban culture that is Singapore today. Both high-skilled, as well as unskilled
migrants from India, have settled in Singapore since the 1990s.
The easier visa regulations and immigration requirements have made Singapore an extremely
favoured destination for Indians. Due to Indias high population, it's difficult to give an
elaboration on typical cultural alienation faced by an immigrant when settling in a new culture.

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MIGRATING TO SINGAPORE
As mentioned earlier, people of Indian origin occupy a very high proportion of the population of
Singapore. The attractive job and study options have always have been a drawing factor of
Singapore. This section deals with various procedures required for migration to Singapore long
term or permanently.

CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship of Singapore is acquired either through birth to parents among whom one at least is
of Singapore origin or descent, by naturalisation or registration. However, citizenship through
naturalisation has been terminated according to the constitution.
Adopting the citizenship of Singapore offers a broad range of benefits and freedom. Citizenship
through registration is eligible for all Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) who are above 21
years of age and have been living in Singapore for a minimum of two years. Citizenship is open
for all people listed below.

The spouse or child (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of a citizen of Singapore
An aged parent of a citizen of Singapore
Persons holding A, P, Q, or S passports
An investor or entrepreneur

REQUIREMENTS FOR SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP (above 21 years of age)

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority office requires one to submit the following
documents:

Completed Citizenship Application

One recent passport-size photograph took according to the ICA specifications
Identity Card and Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate, Divorce Certificate, Separation Deed
Passport / Travel Document
Entry Permit Card / Re-entry Permit
Educational Certificates and other certificates showing skill and experience

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A letter from the employer showing the current position, salary (gross and fundamental),

date of employment, etc.

Pay slip of the last six months
Authorization form of ICA to verify financial holdings
Latest digital information about your business and investments. The most recent balance

sheet of the company required if the applicant is the sole owner of the enterprise.
Death Certificate of ex-spouse, proof of custody of child/children from the previous

marriage (If applicable).

Deed Poll or Religious Certificate for a change of name (if applicable).
Entry Permit / Identity Card of children
Certificate of foreign citizenship or identity card.
National Service Certificate, if any.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE
A permanent residency is a good option for those Indians who wish to make a future in
Singapore without changing their citizenship. The lax procedures to gain a permanent residency
have attracted a vast number of people from foreign countries. As of 2013, around 530,000
people are permanent residents in Singapore out of a 5.3 million total population. The following
categories of foreigners are eligible for permanent residency.

Spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of a citizen of Singapore

Aged Parents of a Singapore Citizen
Persons holding Employment Pass / S Pass
Investors

EMPLOYMENT PASS HOLDERS

Permanent Residence under this scheme is given to foreign professionals who are working in
Singapore at the time of application. This scheme is the easiest method to obtain permanent
residence and has a high approval rate.

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ELIGIBILITY

The candidate must be working in Singapore at the time of application and should have

either an Employment Pass or an Entrepreneur pass.

He/she should present the past six months salary pay slip. This is to prove that the

candidate has worked in Singapore for at least six months.

The applicant must be less than 50 years of age though exceptions are made depending

on the case.
The applicant must submit the required documents.

INVESTORS
Aspiring investors can gain a permanent status in Singapore through the Global Investment
Programme (GIP). Also known as the Investor Scheme, an SG$ 2.5 million investment required
under the programme. Detailed information about the GIP given in the following sections. The
following are the documents to be submitted to gain permanent residence under this scheme.

Form A: Application for Permanent Residence for Investors

Form B: Proposed Investment Plan
Agreement to the Terms and Conditions of the scheme
Form 4: Application for the Entry Permit to gain entrance to Singapore
Other supporting documents, if applicable.

STUDY OPTIONS
Often referred to as a global schoolhouse, Singapore offers many study options. Education gets
high prioritity in Singapore. . An education system based on the British system, introduced by Sir
Thomas Stamford Raffles, was a significant factor that paved the way for such a good quality of
education. An industry-based school system has made practical knowledge in the subject an
added advantage. The city-based environment is also ideal for finding the study and work
opportunities. Reports on education from around the world have claimed a high position for
Singapore in its educational offerings. All these facts make Singapore an educational hub for
prospective students from within and outside this country.

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In the limited land area that Singapore has, there are six national universities. Among them, few
universities have more than 30,000 students studying there.
Some of the most sought-after courses in Singapore are:

Computer Science
Law
Mechanical Engineering
Geography
Materials Science
Accounting and Finance
Pharmacy
Communication and media studies

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is the most favoured university, which ranked 25 th
in QS World University Rankings for 2012-2013. Along with the government-owned
universities, there are also private institutions in Singapore are known for their quality education.
The various collaborations that schools have made with other foreign institutions have further
improved the quality of education provided there. As of now, international students account for
about 18% of the student population. However, as of recently the government has made changes
in policy to cut foreign student enrolment to cater to the domestic students. The government aims
to reduce the foreign student enrolment by 15% in 2015. Despite this, the international students
still look forward to pursuing higher education in Singapore with great enthusiasm. To the relief
of many foreign students, the medium of instruction in most Singaporean universities is English,
though the official languages are Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin, in addition to English.
Applying to the university is done directly. Since the university itself decides many of the
deadlines about admission, it is crucial to check the relevant dates of the University of the
applicants choice. Moreover, there are restrictions regarding the number of courses applied to by
an applicant.

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UNIVERSITIES
There are 34 universities in Singapore, both private and public. The high quality of education of
these schools, information corroborated by the QS World University Rankings 2014-15 where
two national universities feature in the list. Here is a list of some major universities in Singapore:

National University of Singapore

Nanyang Technological University
The Singapore University of Technology and Design
Singapore Institute of Technology
Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Management University
James Cook University Singapore
Curtin University of Technology
SIM University

COST
While the cost of education is lesser than that of other prominent educational destinations like
UK, US, or Canada, but higher than most Asian cities: on average, about INR 650,000 or US
$10,000. Indian students might particularly find it a little bit expensive. The study grants
provided by the government irrespective of nationality are an encouragement. These grants cover
most tuition fees. Repayment of the grants is not required but student signs a contract with the
government where he commits to working in Singapore for a period after completing the course.
This time varies according to courses. For most courses, it is three years while for students doing
medicine it is six years, and for dentistry students it is five years. The fees for arts courses are
lower than the science classes.
The high standard of living in Singapore implies a costly lifestyle. So the applicants also have to
take care of expenses for their living.

VISA AND PERMITS

All foreign students who wish to pursue higher education in Singapore require a visa. The
application for a licence is about the university application. The students need not apply for a
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visa separately. Students whose have successfully managed to process their visa will receive their
permit and a letter of approval. The permit is then carefully issued with the in-principle approval
(IPA) issued by the institution. This letter acts as a substitute for the visa, and it can be shown at
various entry points to gain admission into the country.

STUDENTS PASS
Another requirement for successful immigration for education is the Student Pass (SP). It is the
same as a student visa. The application for the same should be within two months before the
commencement of classes, or at the most, one month after classes begin. The Student Pass is
obtained by filling out the Student Pass Online Application and Registration System (SOLAR). A
Student Pass is required if the applicant wishes to work during the study. Foreign students are
permitted to work during holidays, but the working time should reduce to 16 hours per week.
The institutes in Singapore will apply to the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) for the
student pass on behalf of the student. The application for Student Pass varies depending on the
institute. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to process the application and issue the pass.
To successfully process the visa, the candidate has to give proof of financial resources. The
evidence of trusts is usually frequently recognised and they must fall within one day from the
date of application. In case the funds are in fixed deposit, then the bank must provide documents
stating the availability of the resources. The letter from the bank should be no more than onemonth-old from the date of application. The funds required should consist of the tuition fee and
additional SG$ 8400 (approx. INR 400,000).
Application Requirements for the Student Pass for Indians are:

Foreign student application form

Passport
One passport-sized photo that must not be more than six months old
Student Pass application fee
Bank Statement (maximum 30 days old)
Copy of mark sheets (All mark sheets from 10th certificate to the last degree obtained)
Affidavit of support to be given by the sponsor on an INR 20 non-judicial stamp paper
Certificate showing work experience
Fixed Deposit Receipts (if required)
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Letter showing the sanction of Bank loan (if required)

The rejection rate in the Student Pass approval is low. However, taking into account the recent
policies aimed at reducing the international student influx, the applicant must take strict care of
the requirements to make it less liable to rejection. In case the Student has not received the
student pass, then the student can start the course in Singapore on a visitor visa until it is
processed.

WORK AND EMPLOYMENT

The good infrastructure, higher salaries and the better quality of living has always attracted
Indians to Singapore. It's not surprising, as working conditions in Singapore are finer than that in
India. In this section, we will see the various permits required for working in Singapore and look
at job opportunities.

FINDING A JOB
Given a relatively high demand for labour, employment opportunities in Singapore are vast. Jobs
are plenty in manufacturing and service sector due to the lack of agriculture in the country.
Skilled workers can find quick employment in banking, insurance, teaching, or other services.
However, finding a job seems to be the tiring task. There are numerous portals on the web that
list jobs. Some of them are:

ST701.com
JobsDB.com
Indeed.com
CareerJet.sg
Learn4Good.com

Apart from these, friends and relatives settled in Singapore can also help you to find a job. Many
immigrants have found success through self-employment by starting small business
establishments.

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WORK PERMITS AND PASSES

Work permits and passes legalise the foreign workers entry into Singapore. There are different
work permits depending on the type of work and sector of work.
1. ENTREPASS
The EntrePass allows foreigners to start and operate a new business in Singapore. You apply
directly for this pass, and it is valid for the duration of one year. After the expiry of the pass, it
can be renewed if you meet the renewal criteria.
In the event that you qualify, you will be issued a one-year pass. After six months, the
government will conduct a mid-year audit and you must show efforts to expand the scale of
business. The renewal of the pass depends on the success of the application criteria employed.
criteria.The EntrePass makes the entry and exit to Singapore easy. Certain family members are
also eligible for passes to come to Singapore.
Eligibility

You should have the intention to start a new business registered under the Accounting and
Corporate Regulatory Authority.In the event that the firm is as of now enlisted, it should
be less than six months old from the date of submission. If the company is not registered,

then you can wait until the successful issue of the use.
The company should have a minimum of SG$ 50,000 as paid-up capital. A bank
statement showing a deposit of SG$ 50,000 in a Singapore-based company bank account

should be submitted.
You should hold at least 30% of the shares in the firm.

Apart from these, you should meet one of the following criteria:

Have funding from a government-accredited VC or a business angel.

Possess an intellectual property.
Have research collaborate with A*STAR or a university.
Be an incubate at a government-supported incubator.

Under the EntrePass, however, the following establishments are not allowed to function:

Coffee shops, hawker centres, food courts, kiosks

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Bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges

Massage parlours, Food reflexology.
Acupuncture, Chinese medicine, herbal dispensing businesses.
Employment agencies
Geomancy business

Successful candidates are eligible for dependent's passes only under certain conditions.
Dependent's passes are issued only on renewed passes. The candidate cannot bring independents
in the initial application. The minimum amount of total business spending also must be fulfilled.
Also, the candidate should create a minimum number of local jobs.
2. EMPLOYMENT PASS
Employment pass is for those foreigners aiming to work in Singapore as professionals,
executives, and managers.It may be issued if the candidate has a month to month pay of least
US$ 3300 (Approx. INR 200,000). The pass is to be applied for by the employer on behalf of
the applicant. People from all nationalities are eligible to apply for the Employment Pass. The
qualification criteria for the issue of the work pass are given bellow
Eligibility

The applicant must have a job offer in Singapore.

The candidate should be working in a managerial, executive, or specialised job.
A monthly salary of a minimum $3300 is required. It's usually for the younger

candidates. Older candidates need higher wages for the approval of the pass.
The applicant should possess relevant educational qualifications and job experience.

The pass lasts for two years for first-time candidates. Renewed passes are valid for three years.
The family members of the applicant are also eligible for the dependents pass.
3. PERSONALISED EMPLOYMENT PASS
The Personalised Employment Pass serves high-earning Employment Pass owners or foreign
professionals who meet the required eligibility. These passes are applied for directly by the
applicant, unlike the Employment Pass where the firm uses on behalf of the candidate.
Regardless of its one-time issuance, the pass is substantial for a long time. Certain family
members of the applicant are eligible for the dependent pass.

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The benefits of this pass are enormous. The candidate is allowed to work in any sector if he or
she has this pass. Certain jobs, however, require the approval of the government. A change in
position need not require a new pass, be that as it may the organisation should learn of the
change. A period of six months can be spent unemployed if the applicant is searching for a job.
The candidate must not start a new business with this pass. For that, they should apply for an
EntrePass if they wish to start a new venture.
Eligibility

The applicants currently holding the Employment Pass should have a salary of a

minimum US$ 12,000.

Overseas foreign professionals should have a minimum of US$ 18,000. The last drawn
salary should not be older than six months before application.

For one to keep the pass, there are some requirements to follow. It is not unemployed for more
than six months in Singapore. If this happens, the person should cancel the pass. Moreover, with
this pass, the holder should earn at least US$ 144,000 annually, regardless of the number of
months the candidate works. The government is to get notified if the pass holder changes or
starts a new job. The contact details and local contact persons address should also be kept
current. The fixed annual salary is to be declared every year by the 31st of January.
4. S PASS
S Pass is required for a mid-level skilled staff of technicians to work in Singapore. A minimum
monthly income of SG$ 2200 is mandatory for the approval of S Pass, along with the
qualifications and work experience. The application for an S Pass is to then submitted by the
employer or an employment agent on behalf of the candidate. It is valid for the duration of two
years and, therefore, renewed later.
Eligibility

A fixed minimum monthly salary of SG$ 2,200. Older candidates require higher wages to

qualify.
Degree or diploma is needed to prove the technicians qualifications.
Verification of significant work experience.

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5. WORK PERMIT FOR FOREIGN WORKER

These permits allow semi-skilled foreign workers from approved nations to pursue employment
in certain sectors, mainly the construction, manufacturing, marine, processing, or service areas.
Like the S Pass, the application for this pass is to be submitted by the employer or the
employment agent. This pass does not require a qualifying salary and is valid for two years based
on the validity of the candidates passport, security bond, and the period of employment. The
eligibility requirements vary according to the sector. These can be found online, on the site of the
Ministry of Manpower, Singapore. Passes for ones family are not available for this pass.
6. WORK PERMIT FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKER (FDW)
The FDW permit is for persons immigrating to Singapore as domestic servants. Both the
employer and the candidate have to meet the eligibility criteria for the successful processing of
the application. The employer or the employment agents are the ones responsible for the use of
the passes. There is no qualifying salary and the FDW permit is valid for two years subject to
certain requirements.
Eligibility
FOR THE APPLICANT

The gender of the FDW should be female.

The candidates should be between the ages of 23 to 50 during the time of application.
The candidate should be from an approved country of origin. Indian workers are

permitted to apply through this scheme.

The applicant should have an at least eight years of formal education and should present a
recognised certificate as the proof of education.

FOR THE EMPLOYER

The employer must at least 21 years old.

The employer should not be an undischarged bankrupt
The employer should have the adequate mental capacity to understand and discharge
responsibility as the employer.

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Apart from these, the candidates should get a security bond and medical insurance. The
candidate should also pass a medical examination before employment, after which there will be a
follow-up for a constant six-month medical examination.
7. WORK PERMIT FOR PERFORMING ARTIST
The work permit for foreign performing artists allows them to work in pubic stages such as bars,
hotels, and nightclubs. It is the employer or employment agent that makes the application. It does
not have a qualifying salary and the pass is valid for up to six months. This pass is, however, not
renewable and the pass holders were not allowed holding another work permit for a year once
they quit working as a performing artist. Dependent passes are not available under this scheme.
Eligibility

The candidate should have a CAT 1 Public Entertainment Licence issued by the

Singapore Police Force.

The candidate should work a minimum of 6 hours daily.
The candidate should become as a bar, lounge, pub, hotel, private club, restaurant,
discotheque, or nightclub worker.

INVESTMENT
Singapore is amongst the best places in Asia for investing, whether for its citizens or foreigners.
A large number of multi-national corporations have established their presence here. Low tax
rates, skilled labour, and the various financial institutions make it easy to invest in Singapore.
The global crisis of 2008 made its impact in Singapore economy in 2012-2013. The aftermath of
this has made an investment in Singapore a very affordable alternative. Low prices of stocks and
shares make these years the ideal time to invest in Singapore. Singapore has always been an
attractive destination for fruitful and lucrative Indians. Though, along with Singapore many other
destinations like the UK, New York, and Dubai, dominate the investment goals. Indians mostly
prefer overseas investment in Singapore and nearby regions rather than relocating to the area for
investing. It is unlike in the UK or The US where they migrate to spend to enjoy a higher quality
of living. If you are residing in India and investing in Singapore, you can invest a maximum of
US$ 200,000 (approx. INR 1.1 crore) every year. In Singapore, purchase of flats and
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condominiums by foreigners are allowed, but the acquisition of land and another property
requires government clearance.
However, there are certain benefits and risks of investing in Singapore. It is important to be
aware of these basic facts before making business plans.
Benefits

Favourable economic variables: The urban environment of Singapore has the potential for
real returns. Singapore also has a high concentration of millionaires, multinational firms,
and a high per capita income. These factors, together with low unemployment levels and

skilful workforces, are an added advantage.

Free and Open Economy: Singapore has some of the most liberal trade policies in the
world. Low tax rates, an efficient bureaucracy, and a corruption-free government promote
investment. Adequate infrastructure for foreign investment also allows a high inflow of
foreign capital.

Risks

Singapore's economy depends heavily on foreign trade. In fact, more than 90% of its food
products are imported. Successful international trade is a fundamental necessity for good
investment returns. As mentioned earlier the economy almost collapsed during the 2008
crisis, proving it vulnerable to world economic events.

BUSINESS IN SINGAPORE
Singapore can be an ideal place for Indians who have enough money to start a business venture.
Once you meet visa regulations, aspiring Indians can enter into the fast-growing economy of
Singapore and make huge profits. Most companies do not require government approval. A
hundred percent foreign ownership of the establishment is allowed. But there are some
exceptions that require the approval of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), such as banks
and other financial institutions. Remittance of funds in and out of the nation is also allowed and
is mostly unrestricted.

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The pass that legalises a business entrepreneur's entry to Singapore is called an "EntrePass". The
EntrePass allows eligible foreigners to start and operate the new business in Singapore.The
detailed discussion of t he EntrePass is in the section above on options for work permits and
passes.
The visa requirement applies to people who belong to countries that require a visa. Indians need
a business visa to visit Singapore on business. British and Irish passport holders need not have a
visa if they are visiting for less than one month and they have a passport that has at least six
months before expiration.

TYPES OF INVESTMENT
You have a good number of options to decide on how you should invest. Some of them are:

Government Securities: The government of Singapore fully backs These bonds issued

by the government. They take the form of either Treasury Bills or Bonds.
Exchange Traded Funds: These are open-ended investment funds that are listed and
traded on a stock exchange. The money from all investors is pooled and invested basing

on the objective of the investment.

Traded Life Policies: These life insurance policies are sold by the actual owner of the
policy to an investor other than the insurer. As of now, there are no Monetary Authority of

Singapore restrictions on the sale and purchase of TLPs in Singapore.

Unit Trust Fund: In UTFs the money is pooled along with the money of the different
financial specialists to put resources into an arrangement of assets based on the objectives

and approaches of the investment.

Others: Shares, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Structured Deposits,
Investment-Linked Insurance Policies (ILPs) and Contracts for Differences (CFDs) are
other investment options.

IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAMME

Singapores Immigrant Investor Programme can be beneficial for those Indians who wish to
invest in Singapore and gain permanent residence. It is well known as the Global Investor

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Programme. Under the scheme, the government offers Permanent Residence in return for your
investment in the economy of Singapore.
You have two options under this programme.

GLOBAL INVESTOR SCHEME

A minimum of SG$ 2.5 million (approx. US$ 2 million or INR 16 million) should be invested
in government-approved venture capital funds. There are two divisions of this scheme.

Option A: Investment of a minimum of SG$ 2.5 million in new business or to expand an

existing business venture.

Option B: Investment of a minimum of SG$ 2.5 million in a GIP fund that invests in
companies based in Singapore.

The following list contains some of the sectors approved for investment under the GIP Option A.

Aerospace Engineering
Chemicals
Healthcare
Space
Engineering Services
Media and Entertainment
Nanotechnology
Automotive
Safety and Security
Consumer Business
Education
Electronics
Energy
Environment and Water Technology

Eligibility

You must have suitable business experience and a successful entrepreneurial background
consisting of at least three years of experience in entrepreneurship and business. You
should also be able to produce an audited financial statement of the company for the past
three years.
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If the company is in the real estate or construction business, the firms turnover must be a
minimum of SG$ 200 million in the most recent year. And also a minimum of SG$ 200

million average for the past three years.

For firms in other sectors, the turnover must be at least SG$ 50 million in the most recent
year with a minimum of SG$ 50 million per annum on average for the previous three

years.
The financial statements of the firm should show the highest turnover. You can

consolidate the business to meet the minimum turnover requirement.

For a privately owned firm, you should own at least 30% of the shares of the company.
Your contribution to the company will be looked into with the viability of the business.

Your husband/wife and children (under 21 years of age) can receive Permanent Residency under
your GIP application. Male dependents are required to contribute to the National Service in
Singapore. Children over 21 are not eligible for Permanent Residency under your GIP
application. However, they can apply for the five-year Long Term Visitor Pass (LTVP).

FINANCIAL INVESTOR SCHEME

This programme was rolled back by the Government of Singapore in 2012. Under this scheme,
foreigners who had personal net assets of SG$ 20 million in which at least 10 million assets were
held in Singapore for the previous five years could get quick Permanent Resident Status.

TYPES OF BUSINESS
There are various types of business ownership, and depending on the kind, the rules and
regulations can vary. This section provides information about the kinds of business opportunities
in Singapore.
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
A representative office (RO) does not perform any commercial activities. These are merely
offices that represent a foreign firm and do not intend to do any business there. They are not
conferred any legal status and are only an administrative arrangement. An RO is allowed to
perform activities such as conducting market research and feasibility studies, supervising
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activities of its foreign branches and distributors, acting as a liaison office for negotiating
business deals, and providing customer support. They are not allowed to enter into business
contracts, provide repair and technical services. They are also not allowed to export or import
goods from or to Singapore without a designated local distributor or agent, issue receipts or bills,
or receive letters of credit. Representative offices can appoint local citizens as support staff but
they must have a chief official officer from the head office of the international firm to control its
activities. For you to establish a role in banking and insurance, the approval of MAS is required.
BRANCH OF A FOREIGN FIRM
To conduct business without incorporating as a company in Singapore, you must register as a
branch under the commercial title of the foreign corporation. According to the law, the branch is
merely an extension of the Head Office and is not a subsidiary company. The organisation and its
activities are handled by the foreign firm's Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA).
Legally, the branches are not considered as a separate entity. The debts and liabilities belong to
the Head Office of the foreign company. The registration of the branch is done with the
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Two local agents who are ordinary
residents of Singapore are needed to act on behalf of the firm. Today, branches of many Indian
firms operate in Singapore.
SUBSIDIARY OF A FOREIGN COMPANY
The top shareholder of a subsidiary in Singapore is the foreign company itself. It is considered as
a resident company and is entitled to tax benefits. A subsidiary is a preferred choice among the
business options in Singapore for Indians. A branch is regarded as a separate legal entity
according to the law.
INCORPORATED COMPANY
There are two categories of incorporated companies in Singapore. These are:

Private Limited Companies: The quantity of shareholders is not precisely or

proportional to fifty. These firms have restrictions on the right to transfer the shares. They

are the most common type of business in Singapore.

Public Companies: The number of shareholders can exceed fifty, and the company can
increase capital by publicly offering shares and debentures.
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Application for these designations is to be submitted to a professional business registration firm.

These applications fall under the Ent repass scheme. The firm should have a registered office
located in Singapore. Companies with a single shareholder are permissible and they can have
only one director. The director should be a Singapore Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or should
hold an Employment Pass.
LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP
An LLP consists of two or more partners entering into a partnership by incorporating a business
that is considered as a separate legal entity. An LLP can sue on its own or can be sued. It can also
own property in its name. These establishments have advantages of both a partnership and a
company. The partners can be individuals or a corporation. A minimum of two partners is
required in an LLP. The least contribution for a partner is not specified, but all partners will have
to disclose their participation. The limited liability partnership agreement controls the rights and
obligations of the LLP in Singapore.
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
A limited partnership in Singapore is ideal if you do not intend to manage the business actively,
but wish to entrust the company management to another person who is willing to assume
unlimited liability for the firm. The registration of an LP is done under the Limited Partnerships
Act. Unlike the LLP, an LP does not have a separate legal personality apart from its partners. The
firm cannot be sued on its own and cannot own property. The creation of an LP can only occur
through a new registration; it cannot be converted.
from an existing LLP, company, or business. These partnerships have one or more general
partners and one or more limited partners. The general partners have full liability with their
personal assets and can participate in the management of this partnership. The narrow colleagues
have the responsibility just to the amount they contributed. If the limited partner participates in
managing the corporation, he or she will be treated as a general partner and will lose his or her
limited liability. A manager who is a local citizen should be appointed, if none of the general
partners are ordinarily resident in Singapore.
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

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The owner, who will act as a manager, runs the sole proprietorship, but only if he or she is
ordinarily a resident of Singapore. It is the easiest and most flexible type of business
establishment in Singapore. They are periodically required to register all the profit-making
activities that they engage. It does not form a different legal entity and thus is not separate from
the owner/manager. All liability is to be met by the owner. You should contact the MOM directly
to seek approval in getting an Entre Pass.
TAXATION
Before setting up a business in Singapore, you must understand the various tax laws and the
impact of the tax system. Singapore follows the territorial system of taxation, where
establishments and individuals pay taxes on the basis of income acquired from Singapore.
Income from foreign countries is not taxed unless remission happens in Singapore. A company is
taxable according to Singapore tax rules as long as the control and management of the businesses
take place in Singapore.
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTIES
The private ownership of residential property by foreigners in Singapore is under the purview of
the Residential Property Act. There have been restrictions imposed on ownership since 1973. The
goal of the act was to provide for the local citizens by allowing them to buy and manage
residential property at affordable prices. Today, permanent residents, foreign firms, and
partnerships with limited liability that contribute to the economy of the country are allowed to
own residential property.
The provisions of this act run by the Land Dealings Unit which includes the following:

Processing applications of foreigners for the purchase of restricted residential property;

Issuing clearance certificates to companies, limited liability partnerships, and societies;

Prosecution of offences stated in the Act;

Addressing general enquiries related to the Act.

Non-restricted properties according to the Act are:

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Apartment within a building;

A unit of an approved condominium under the Planning Act.

The approval of the purchase of restricted property by the government is mandatory. It includes
properties from the following categories:

Vacant residential land;

Landed properties, which are mainly houses that are detached or semi-detached;

Landed properties that are not condominium developments but approving happens under
the Planning Act.

The sale and purchase of HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats are not under the
jurisdiction of the Residential Property Act. HDB manages them. Moreover, there are no
restrictions on foreigners buying commercial and industrial properties.
RE-ENTRY PERMIT
Once your GIP application has been completed, you will be issued a Re-Entry Permit, which
legalises your re-entry into Singapore after travelling abroad.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW LIFE
As an Indian, there are certain things that prospective immigrants to Singapore must understand.
The urban culture that Singapore presents might be a bit of a problem for Indians moving from
the suburbs and small towns. The entire country has a metropolitan lifestyle. Here a few basic
facts on how life will look in Singapore once you have moved there:

Although life in Singapore isnt as expensive as the US or most European countries,

things like rent and vehicle can be costly. For middle-class Indians, costs might be a little
hard to bear, but with adequate planning, everything seems cheap.

Singapore is a shopping culture. All you might see is a plethora of shopping malls.
Obviously, this is not a problem, but in adapting to the new lifestyle can be helpful to be
prepared for this.

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The climate is hot. There are changes in seasons, but the temperature is mostly high in all
seasons. It might not be a problem for a person who has lived in an Indian city like
Chennai or Delhi.

Singapore is an extremely hygienic and competent city. Unlike in Indian cities, where
people dump garbage on the roadside, the government of Singapore is very particular
about cleanliness. The slightest infringement of the public rules can lead to legal troubles.
The environment is clean and healthy without disease-causing insects like mosquitoes or
pollutants, except for the urban smog that deters visibility during particular seasons.

There are a lot of cultural resources. Temples, mosques, churches, and other places of
worship are also present here. Moving to Singapore might not be much of a culture shock
to Indians, owing to a tremendous similarity in habits.

Acquaintance of one of the official languages is immensely useful. It cant be a problem

if the immigrants are comfortable with English or Tamil, both of which are among the
official languages of the country.

KNOW THE COUNTRY

Knowledge of the country is necessary for getting acquainted with the new lifestyle. Having a
basic idea of its history, culture, law, facilities, etc. reduces the alienation of moving from Indian
to Singapore. The cultural similarities are a plus point in this regard; however, there are many
aspects of Singapore culture that an immigrant should learn.
CLIMATE
The proximity to the equator means the country has a hot climate. The urban environment has
further aggravated this. It has a tropical rainforest climate without much climatic distinction. It
receives a lot of rainfall during the monsoon season between November and January. Bushfires
in Indonesia cause haze in the region. As in India, April and May are the hottest months. High
humidity throughout the year is also a characteristic feature of the area.
LAND

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Singapore is made up of 63 islands. The main island, known as Singapore Island, is locally
known as Pulau Ujong. Two artificial connections link Singapore: the JohorSingapore
Causeway and the Tucas Second Link. One interesting fact about Singapore is that the
government has increased the land area from about 580 Sq. Km to 720 Sq. Km through land
reclamation and construction of artificial islands. The government has also allocated 10% of the
terrain for natural reserves and parks, despite its limited land area. Singapores environmental
measures have ranked the country fourth in the Environmental Performance Index 2015.
LANGUAGE
A high immigrant population and the resulting cultural diversity have led to multiple critical
languages. Mandarin, Malay, English and Tamil are the officially recognized languages in
Singapore. Mandarin Chinese is the language of the government. English is the means of tutoring
in Schools and universities. The cultural interactions have created a new language called
Singlish, which is a combination of English and other languages. Though an English speaker
cannot readily understand Singlish, it might not be a problem for them to communicate in
English.
GOVERNMENT
Singapore is a sovereign republic consisting of a legal system based on English Common Law.
The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore lays down the fundamental principles and
provides a framework for the administration of the country. The government has three main
branches; Judiciary, Executive and Legislative similar to India. The Executive branch is made
up of the Cabinet of Ministers who perform the core functions of government. The Cabinet is the
central decision-making authority. The Prime Minister is the head of the Executive branch and is
the Chairman of the Cabinet. The President operates freely from the state, and the Presidents
office works on personal discretion to check on the Cabinet of Singapore. The Legislature
comprises the Parliament of Singapore and handles the process of making laws. The Judiciary is
an independent body that serves to provide justice to all persons. The government safeguards the
Judiciary.
The Community Development Council (CDC) is a government body that bridges the gap
between state and community. There are five CDCs, appointed by the management board of the
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Peoples Association (PA). There is also a Statutory Board, which is an autonomous agency of
the government of Singapore and was appointed by an Act of Parliament.
DISTRICTS
The city of Singapore has district divisions for administrative convenience. These were formed
following decisions by the British administration, which divided the country into postal units.
The communities in Singapore are the Community Development Council Districts, with
divisions of constituencies and then into electorate districts. There are five districts headed by a
mayor. The CDCs complete the local administration of each area. CDCs handle planning and
executing programmes to promote unity and social bonding. The five CDCs of Singapore are as
below.

Central Singapore Community Development Council

South West Community Development Council

South East Community Development Council

North West Community Development Council

North East Community Development Council

Apart from the districts, there are other divisions in Singapore, the most important being the
Urban Planning Areas (URAs). There are 55 URAs in Singapore as defined by the Urban
Redevelopment Authority. There are five major regions.
SAFETY AND POLICE
Singapore maintains a safe environment for its people. The Singapore Police Force protect the
city, as well as maintain law and order. They prevent crime and protect people from criminal
harm. The Global Competitiveness Report has ranked the SPF among the top five police
departments in the world. The SPF determines crime, including terrorism and public disorder.
They employ strategies such as prevention, deterrence, and detection. In case of emergencies, the
helpline number 999 can be dialled.
HOUSING
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After reaching Singapore, one of your topmost priorities would be to find a suitable home. Since
the country is mostly urban metropolis, the most readily available residence is a condominium.
The high population-to-land ratio adversely increased the cost of housing and rent. It is suitable
to commence your hunt for a house before emigrating from India. Online platforms allow you to
communicate with property agents before your arrival. Singapores public housing is managed
by the HDB (Housing and Development Board). Around 82% of Singapores population live in
HDB flats.
There are a good number of websites listing properties. IProperty.com gives you a
comprehensive guide on condominiums and HDB flats. The Online Street Maps of the Singapore
Land Authority is also beneficial for finding housing. District Guides provide information about
the streets and facilities of the respective districts.
It is essential for one to select the specifications they require for their home. You must think
about the following:

Whether you want a condominium or an HDB flat;

The number of rooms and other facilities you require;

The distance from your home and your place of work;

Nearby transportation facilities;

Whether you want to live downtown or further out.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Real estate agents, similar to the majority countries, are helpful to inform you about various
housing options, rules and procedures, the cost of housing, etc. To find an agent, you can contact
your friends who have recently moved or find one online. The standard commission for the agent
is 50% of the monthly rent for a one-year contract and a full months rent for a two-year contract.
If the rent exceeds SG$ 2500, the seeker need not pay the commission. In such cases, the
property owner will pay the agents commission. If you plan to search properties yourself and do
not hire an agent, newspapers then online property databases provide enough information for a
successful search.
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THINGS TO CONSIDER
Once you have found a few properties, you have to make a selection. Below are some things to
consider:

If you do not plan to own a car, a place near transportation facilities will be ideal. Homes
that are within walkable distance from the Metro Rail Transit can provide easy access to
the city. However, the MRT is costlier than other public transportation. Buses are cheap
and offer service to a wider area. Homes near bus routes are another option.

You must be careful when choosing older buildings. Urban improvement efforts of recent
years have begun to destroy old buildings to build new condos. At the point when this
happens you will be obliged to remove, and will have to search for a new apartment from
scratch.

If you do not require condo facilities like a gym and pool, you can save money. The
extensive public services in Singapore can act as exercise and recreation amenities.

The rent will be higher if appliances are there. It is cheaper to purchase small electronic
appliances (microwave oven, toaster, coffee maker, etc.) than to rent them.

You must read the HDB rules and regulations before renting an HDB apartment. It is
illegal for property owners to rent out their HDB apartments without HDB approval.
Ensure that you follow the guidelines. Ask the property owner to show the approval letter
before finalising the apartment.

If the preference is to rent a single room in an HDB flat, ensure you follow the HDB rules
for subletting rooms.

If you are moving with kids, ensure that there are vacancies in nearby schools. There are
incidents of families having to get out due to lack of openings in schools near the
apartment. It is also ideal to find teaching institutions that are suitable for your children
and their educational needs.

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There are certain restrictions regarding keeping pets in the home. For instance, only
certain breeds of dogs are allowed into the country. Moreover, only a single pet is
permitted for families in HDB homes.

Air conditioning is a must for all homes due to the hot climate.

LETTER OF INTENT
A Letter of Intent is an agreement that both you and the landlord sign. It specifies the required
security deposit, as well as what furniture and appliances are to be retained or removed from the
property.
UTILITIES AND SERVICES
While the government supplies most services, some, like cable TV, have to be purchased from
other sources.

Electricity and Water: Singapore Power (SP) provides these services. Customers are
required to open an account online and submit documents through the mail. You will pay
a deposit that will be refunded when the account is closed.

Phone service for home: Singtel provides this service. Phone rates are available on the
website.

Cable TV: The most popular and the biggest network is Starhub. The lowest-cost
monthly plan is approximately SG$ 30. Singtel also offers Singtel TV, which provides
on-demand services.

Broadband Internet access: SingNet is Singtels broadband service. Starhub also

provides broadband services.

TV Licence: In Singapore it is mandatory to pay a tax for owning a TV. You are required
to obtain a TV License from the Media Development Board. It is a yearly charge waged
at the commencement of a year. Failure to do so will result in fines being imposed.

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Once you have moved into the house, you should update your address on the work passes
and permit so that the government can send official communications. The Inland Revenue
Authority sends tax forms to the registered address.

Take into consideration the high taxes you face in almost every aspect of daily life. From
cars to televisions and licensing, alcohol and tobacco, Singapore doesnt sound like a very
favourable place to relocate unless you are well off. Cars with steerings on the left-hand are
not permitted; this is not allowed, and that is not authorized. Rules, rules, rules, and heat,
heat, heat. Who may be residing in a state where the government has so much control?
Adding to this, the competition for good-paying jobs is fierce in all sectors from engineering
to manufacturing and shipping. If you are a highly-paid executive and you see a significant
opportunity in delivery or banking, or engineering or similar, you may be in a good position
to make this work. But for a low-income family, or someone looking to start over in
Singapore, the odds are against you.
If you want to move to another country in the world, you priorities should be little stress,
ease of integration, low taxes, good schooling for your children, and good medical and
healthcare systems.
Singapore does have a thriving Indian community that should be very helpful for someone
from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. Not feeling burdened by having to learn a new
language or having to change your cultural beliefs to fit in should be very crucial as well.
Indians account for 9.2% of Singapores population, so there are many Indian communities
and self-help groups available to assist and support. Resources for that are obtainable at
the end of this conclusion. With places like Little India and many other supportive
communities, Singapore might provide some Indians with exactly what they want.
Around are several games and recreational actions in Singapore to participate in, like rock
climbing, water skiing, skateboarding, etc.

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Singapore sounds like an exciting city for a single individual with some cash in his pocket
or a well-off family, starting over for an average family might be challenging. The divide
between rich and poor in the Indian community is large.
For investors, Singapore is the second most popular destination for overseas investments
from India, with over 4,000 Indian corporate and individual investors setting up companies
here. It might be very helpful if hired someone else, but Indian skills and education are
very competitive here. Companies who are well funded will always employ the very bestqualified people they can find.
Singapore is being used as a springboard for large and small businesses to set up business
before entering new markets in the rest of Asia. So this is a lucrative market for investors.
Following are a few valuable resources to consider:
There are welfare groups for lower-income Indian families available:

Indian Community Welfare Centre

IT Services Cooperative Ltd

Navajeevan Centre

The SINDA self-help group works to improve life for the Indian community:
http://Sinda.org
A trusted network of Indians in Singapore is accessible here:
http://Internations.org
http://ContactsinSingapore.sg

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Hong Kong
Is it a period of a transformation? Do you discover yourself envisioning another life outside the
outskirts of India? Is this new life one that is loaded with new conceivable outcomes and in an
exciting environment? Does a first-world society with all the trappings of modern technology
appeal to you? If this sounds like you then you may be experiencing the Hong Kong call.
The city of Hong Kong is an exciting metropolis at the southern edge of China. It is where River
Pearl intersects with the South China Sea. With an impressive skyline, Hong Kong is one of the
worlds leading financial, banking, and trading centres. There are four parts to Hong Kong; the
main Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and the Outlying Islands.
Home to approximately 7.2 million Hong Kongers and other nationalities, Hong Kongs largest
demographic group is Chinese at 94%. Since the late 1970s Hong Kong has become an
important trading hub as well as a dominant financial centre with top world banks headquartered
here.
In 2014, Hong Kong was named the fifth most influential city in the world, according to the
Global Cities Index, after only New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Hong Kong is a very
densely populated city and relies on mass transit by road and rail.
Hong Kong boasts a vibrant culture and nightlife. From nightclubs to restaurants, this is a place
to do everything. Good cafs are accessible here and offer an array of cuisines from Chinese to
Indian, Italian, and more. Its impossible to get bored here with places like Macau, the Las Vegas
of Asia, only a day trip from the city. Other places to see are the impressive Victoria Peak
overlooking Hong Kong, Man Mo Temple, and the Temple Street night market.
Hong Kong also has one of the worlds longest life expectancies. Hong Kong is a place to inspire
and to make you feel you can do anything here. Its certainly a place to be for any entrepreneur.
One of the manufacturing hubs of China, Guangzhou is only a day trip away from the city and a
must-see place for business owners or investors looking to manufacture goods like clothing and
merchandise.
Indian Airlines flies daily and weekly flights from Hong Kong to New Delhi and Bombay. In the
past, Indians who could afford to travel to Hong Kong would make a fortune in reselling goods
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from Hong Kong at a higher price in India, such as perfumes, clothing, and electronics.
Nowadays the trading markets are more established between Hong Kong and China, but good
opportunities remain.
There are not many Indians living in Hong Kong: approximately 20,000 Indian citizens and
22,000 non-citizens. Immigration might not be very open for Indians.
Hong Kong is a fast city where everything moves, and there is an acute focus on accumulating
wealth. But the country also lends itself to serious competition in many sectors of the economy.
High-paying jobs are tough to get unless you are well-educated or skilled in an area of high
demand.
Opening your personal business may be the paramount option always.
MIGRATING TO HONG KONG
There are a few things you need to know before setting down roots in Hong Kong. Among them
are the visa and documentation requirements. While there is no visa necessity for Indian
nationals who are going to Hong Kong for up to 14 days, you will probably not fall into this
classification. That is because you want to make your stay a lasting or long one. We can in this
manner securely assume that you will need a visa to move to Hong Kong.
There is a very crucial message on the visa that you just cannot ignore. The Hong Kong visa
cant allow you to travel to China, even though Hong Kong is technically a part of China.
Likewise, a Chinese visa cant permit you to move to Hong Kong, therefore if Hong Kong is
your required aim; make sure that you obtain the precise permission.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department grants the visa. For ease, the application form may be
submitted at the Chinese Embassy in India. The processing time for these applications typically
is between 4 to 6 weeks.
On the off chance that you need to bargain specifically with the Hong Kong Immigration
Department, the application form; and the mail delivers all messages -not by email. Alternatively,
you can convey the records by fax first with the goal that handling can begin while the posted
documents are en route.

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There are unique necessities for the visa application process in the event that you plan to move to
Hong Kong as a business owner, student, or for a job offer.
CITIZENSHIP
Natives of Hong Kong appreciate certain benefits. They are permitted to vote in favour of their
favoured political delegates. The Hong Kong ID card is an extremely significant asset regarding
the matter of getting to the benefits of citizenship, particularly for the individuals who were not
born there. Citizens of Hong Kong have access to high-quality health care, a first-world
education system, and a standout amongst the most exceptional transportation frameworks on the
planet.
PERMANENT RESIDENCY
It is also important to note that the Hong Kong visa is not the same as residency. Indeed, Hong
Kong obliges that you live in the state lawfully for seven back to back years before you can
apply for lasting inhabitant status. You will likewise need to pronounce your acknowledgment of
Hong Kong as your only place of residence at the time of the application. When you have been
allowed the privilege to live in Hong Kong for all time, you can feel free to apply for your
HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) passport.
Another thing that will become a standard feature of your new life in Hong Kong is your smart
identity card. Instituted in 2003, this credit card-sized ID is a necessity for all inhabitants eleven
years and more established, with a couple of individual cases, for example, the visually impaired
or extremely matured people. You won't need to pay for the ID card; however in the event that it
is lost or damaged, the replacement card will cost a fee.
STUDY OPTIONS (EXPENSES AND COSTS)
Living is expensive in Hong Kong, as the state ranks high among the most expensive places to
live, based on accommodations, food costs and schooling. These costs can demonstrate
oppressive to a student spending plan. It is the cause it is necessary to plan ahead. The Hong
Kong dollar is moderately substantial, being among the main ten most-exchanged monetary
forms on the planet.
ELIGIBILITY AND STUDENT PERMITS (STUDENT IMMIGRANTS)
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A student visa is a choice on the off-chance that you plan to select a course at a licensed
establishment. To enter Hong Kong as an understudy, you require fulfilling certain requirements
in the visa application process. These requirements are to ensure that you are truly planning to
engage in education-related activities while in the state and that you are adequately prepared to
do this successfully. The visa requirement section will provide further details.
Documents Required for the Visa Application
Submit the following report along with your visa application:

A copy of your passport details

Two passport-sized photographs

Supporting documents such as:

o Bank statements that show your financial status
o Proof of employment or business ownership

If initially you are entering the state as a student, the following documents will need to
accompany your visa application:

An application form known as (E)936 with the necessary sections completed;

A letter of acceptance from the institution you will be attending;

For students who are below the age of 18, a consent letter signed by one of your parents
and the person who will be your guardian while you are in Hong Kong. The letter must
clearly authorize this person to act as your guardian. This person may be a friend or
relative of your sponsor;

Proof of the sponsors financial situation (including documents such as bank statements,
employment certificates, or bank account passbooks);

Proof that the sponsor is willing and able to find accommodation for you or has already
made such arrangements.

INSTITUTIONS
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The education system in Hong Kong has kept pace with the rest of the world ensuring that local
and international students can access world-class education within the borders of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong boasts nineteen degree-granting institutions with courses of a study aimed at many
different career paths. Among the degree-granting institutions in Hong Kong are; The Hong
Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lingnan University, Hong Kong Baptist University, The
Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong and. There are also roughly
twenty post-secondary institutions for those who need training and certification at a level that is
below that of a first degree.
You can access both local and international qualifications in Hong Kong. While the institutions
that are in the state are likely to offer courses that focus mainly on local requirements, some of
the international agencies have entered the territory and are certifying individuals at branches
established there. Most of these international organizations are British in origin.
SPP FOR INDIANS
If you are migrating to Hong Kong to take up a job offer, the following documents are required:

The application form known as (E) 936.

Proof of the sponsors (prospective employers) business/ company; includes the business
registration certificate, the certificate of incorporation, and the memorandum of
incorporation and articles of association.

The documents showing the business financial status; includes profit tax return, trading
profit and loss, and income tax return documents.

A listing of the companys current staff with clear indications of the expatriate members
of staff. It also comprises of an overview of the companys history of hiring expatriates,
geared to show how frequently the company has hired expatriates.

A copy of the contract of employment, which should detail the post being offered along
with the remuneration and benefits.

A full description of the post you are about to fill.

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Justification for employing a foreigner in that particular position; usually a letter

explaining why the vacancy cannot be filled locally, along with evidence that supports the
explanation.

Qualification details; includes your academic and training certificates, along with
testimonials.

The current location and personal details of the Hong Kong-based employee being
replaced if applicable.

If the post you are filling is a new one, justification for the creation of this post; an
explanation, with proof if required, of why the job is necessary.

Evidence of any past visits or extended stays in Hong Kong

WORK PERMITS
There is no work permit for Hong Kong in the literal sense of the word. What suffices as a work
permit is the work visa that is obtained prior to entry into the country. It is hard to get, as the
immigration department needs convincing that you can to do a job that others who are already
living in Hong Kong are either unable or unwilling to do.
The visa isnt the only official document that you will need to your quest to live legally in Hong
Kong successfully. It is, however, the first step in this crucial and exciting life-changing process.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW LIFE (KNOW THE COUNTRY)
It's a smart thought to acquaint yourself with Hong Kong's surroundings before you set foot
there. That way, you will be rationally prepared to manage the aspects of life that will be new to
you.
Originally a British-governed territory, Hong Kong was handed to China by Britain in 1977. In
fact, the initial Constitution of Hong Kong was created through an agreement in the between
Britain and China. Having been a British province before getting to be a Chinese-represented
region, Hong Kong has a comparable past to India, which is a particular thing that ought to make
your move easier. It is one of the fundamental reasons travelling between India, and Hong Kong
is more liberated than that which exists between different countries.
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Hong Kong dollar is the official Hong Kong currency. The authorized delicate in bordering
China is the Reminibi, yet it is not legitimate delicate in Hong Kong, nor is the Hong Kong
dollar measured authorized delicate in China. The Hong Kong dollar has parts of six banknotes
and seven coins. The notes include; the yellow one thousand dollar note and the five hundred
dollar note. It also includes the one hundred dollar note red in colour, the fifty dollars purple
note, the twenty dollar note, and the ten dollar note.
You don't have to stress over the outer cash that you bring with you into Hong Kong. When you
are prepared, you can utilize legitimate neighbourhood currency trade organizations to change
over your cash to Hong Kong dollars. Simply be mindful that the rates will change as money
qualities vacillate from every day. Furthermore, access to your money is made simple with the
vicinity of ATMs that work 24 hours a day. A hefty portion of the ATMs and organizations
acknowledge universal charge and Visas, for example, MasterCard.
In any occasion that you are moving with your family, here is a touch of uplifting news:
housekeeper administrations are remarkably moderate in Hong Kong. It is the reason most
persons who move to the state can hire help. These house cleaners and partners are from the
Philippines or Indonesia through contractual game plans endorsed by the Immigration
Department.
Medicinal services in Hong Kong are thought to be world-class. The government gives cheap
social insurance through its fifty public hospitals. You can access these services as soon as you
get permanent residency and, of course, your ID card. There are also thirteen private hospitals
offering care to residents and non-residents alike.
Paying for healthcare services is not a big issue if your employer provides you with health
coverage as part of your remuneration package. As is the case everywhere else, health care plans
are not all equal. If, for instance, the coverage is with BUPA Hong Kong, the amount that you
pay out of pocket will be more noteworthy than it would be if your scope were with BUPA
International. With BUPA Hong Kong, however, you can make a case for reimbursement up to a
pre-set limit.
LAND AND CLIMATE

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Hong Kong is on the shoreline of China. Its atmosphere is subtropical and has very humid
summers, mild winters and, occasionally, thunderstorms. Typhoons are the main predictable
natural disasters. They are tornados that are coils of winds and rain.
A three-tiered warning system is used in Hong Kong to help citizens prepare for typhoons. The
method includes cautions that use a numeric rank to reveal the intensity of the likely storms
impact. There is additionally a notice system for rainstorms, yet the evaluating is through
colours. Red and dark warnings demonstrate a genuine danger to life and property, and with
these levels of caution, organizations and schools are directed to close their doors.
Despite the fact that it has notoriety for its ocean of towering high-rises, Hong Kong has more
rocky landscape than tall structures. The most astounding mountain is Mount Tai Mo Shan. It
additionally has astonishing extends of shorelines and thick ranger service in a few areas. The
state has been developing into a monstrous city, however; there are still undisturbed standard
areas.
SEASONS
Hong Kong has a summer-like atmosphere for around eight months every year. The other four
months are gently wintery. As a security measure, amid storms and extreme rainstorms, schools
and organizations are shut.
Spring in Hong Kong happens amid the months of April and May. The temperature throughout
this period varies from 12 to 14 degrees Celsius. It is a fantastic season with greenery in the
parks thriving and looking lively. Hong Kong official summer is during the months of June to
August.
The summers are usually very long and hot, and it is during this time that residents find escape
in the coastal areas or the pools.
Autumn lasts from September to October in Hong Kong and is a milder version of summer. It
brings a lot of daylight and cooler temperatures in the meantime. It is similar to the perfect in the
middle of summer and winter. The vast majority of the state's reaping takes palce at harvest time.
It is the thing that makes fall the most favoured season for inhabitants of the city.

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Hong Kong's winter endures from November to March and can be freezing, with temperatures
dropping beneath zero degrees Celsius. The frosty environment may be troublesome for migrants
from tropical or usually humid or hot zones, such as India, to handle.
PROVINCES AND CITIES
Hong Kong comprises of eighteen districts. They belong into three major areas: Hong Kong
Island; consists Central and Western, Eastern and Wan Chai. The New Territories; consist
Islands, North, Sai Kung, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Tsuean Wan, Sha Tin and Tai Po. The
Kowloon; comprises of Kowloon City, Yau Tsim Mong, Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po, and Kwun
Tong.
Kowloon is the most thickly populated area of Hong Kong. It is typically indeed difficult to
discover sizeable lodging alternatives there. The state has tried to react to the swarmed condition
of Kowloon by setting up private zones in different regions, for example, the New Territories.
The New Territories has a quieter ordinary environment. It is between territory China and
Kowloon. Present day expressways give access to the city. This district is the home of the Mai Po
Nature Reserve, a characteristic sanctuary that is a habitat for numerous types of plant and
animal existence, especially birds. This reserve has become a very famous tourist attraction and
place of relaxation for residents as well.
Hong Kong Island is home to the mini-city known as Central. It is a vibrant urban community.
PEOPLE
Cantonese and English are Hong Kongs two official languages in: Mandarin is not among the
official languages, even though it is the official language of China. It has been one of the biggest
communication issues between individuals in Hong Kong and those from territory China.
Because numerous persons in Hong Kong communicate in English, you won't have an extreme
problem with correspondence once you arrive. You ought to be mindful, however, that the
predominant talked dialect is Cantonese.

Hong Kongers adoration puppies, and as you walk, the lanes this will be clear to you. They
likewise view puppy proprietorship as a sign of status. They are extremely defensive of their
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majority rules system and rush to walk against any endeavour by the legislature to encroach on
their rights. It is extremely clear when a law that they seem to be excessively prohibitive goes
through the organization of territory China. Dissent bunches rapidly get together and line the
lanes to demonstrate their restriction and disappointment. You can in this manner hope to witness
more than one tranquil exhibition as an occupant of Hong Kong.
The locals of Hong Kong are not fierce by nature. Here and there, be that as it may, interests rise,
and tranquil exhibitions can turn aggressive. The state's notoriety for having one of the most
minimal wrongdoing rates on the planet, be that as it may, says a lot about the way of the
individuals.
GOVERNMENT
Due to its one of a kind history, Hong Kong has its particular one of a kind government system.
You will come up against the term HKSAR as often as possible as an occupant of the state.
Indeed, you will likewise after sometimes embracing the term as a significant aspect of your
routine correspondence. HKSAR indeed indicates Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Hong Kong's SAR status implies that particular authorities represent the state except for foreign
issues and National Guard issues. China controls those parts of the country's undertakings. The
people of Hong Kong choose their officials democratically. It is a right that they fought
passionately, mainly in the times leading up to Britains surrender of the country to China.
LAW AND JUSTICE
China controls issues related to national defence and foreign issues.
The laws of Hong Kong are intended to ensure the privileges of a democratic society. It implies
issues, for example, the right to speak freely and a free press are bolstered by the lawful
arrangement of the state. Also, the laws ensure the entrepreneur environment of the region.
Conflicts do emerge now and again, however since the circumstance of a democratic nation
being in part administered by a comrade state is intrinsically adversarial. There have been
situations in which the people of Hong Kong firmly resisted Chinas attempts to establish and
enforce laws perceived infringe on the existence of a democratic society. One such instance was
the anti-subversion law, which faced strong opposition in HKSAR.

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TRANSPORT
Hong Kong operates a large number of ferries. Sampans and jetfoils are other water
transportation vehicles that are available around Hong Kong.
The citys transit system is modern, making it easy to get around town. The city is always busy
and hurried, with a lot of traffic and pedestrians. A network of subways and sky bridges assist the
pedestrian making his or her way across the city.
HOUSING (FINDING A HOME)
If you move to Hong Kong, you are moving to an area where typhoons are relatively common.
Whether you prepare to lease, hire, or buy, you need to verify that the home in which you will
live is built to code so that it can withstand typhoons and floods.
After taking safety into account, you can consider which type of home best suits your lifestyle. If
you enjoy a fast, exciting life, then the core of the city may be your ideal location. Remember,
though that the town centre will be far more expensive than the outskirts and suburbs. Just in
case you are taking your family with you, then you may want to look at homes that are further
away from the city. But the cost of commuting to work and school may be expensive and timeconsuming.
Decide what you want, what areas appeal to you, and define your budget, and then you can start
looking at what is available for you.
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Hong Kong has a lot of real estate agencies, both large and small. These experts can greatly
facilitate the process of finding your ideal new home. They also help you navigate the details of
getting into it, from evaluating costs to helping you locate movers.
If you decide do the work yourself, be cautioned that it can be quite challenging. One of the
surprises you may face is reluctance on the part of real estate managers and owners to work with
you. Many property owners prefer not to deal directly with clients, especially those who are not
from Hong Kong, and prefer instead to deal with agents.

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Owners of less expensive properties will be more willing to deal directly with you to evade the
charges by real estate negotiators.
TYPES OF HOMES
The city has a lot of tall residential buildings designed for apartment living. It has a considerable
measure to do with the town planners acceptance of their limited supply of land. The cost of
your home will to a great extent rely on upon the location and type of property being bought,
rented, or leased. Consider the features that you would like for the home of your choice, and bear
in mind the impact that this may have on your budget. Harbour views, sea views, green views,
and open views vary in price; however, the sea and harbour views are pricier.
You should also prepare to find small living spaces being the norm. You may want to invest in
multipurpose furniture, as the average size of an apartment in this city is 450 square feet. The
square footage of the property usually includes spaces such as balconies, so bear this in mind
when you read descriptions of homes.
The rare privilege of a roof balcony is an extremely sought-after feature in Hong Kong homes. It
is because the roof balcony not only provides an excellent view but also allows for relaxation or
entertainment under the stars at night or in a garden setting for those who adorn their balconies
with plants.
One of your housing options in Hong Kong is a duplex or penthouse. It is a double-floored unit
within a larger residential building. You will most likely find a study, guest bathroom, living
space, kitchen utility space, and helpers quarters. As a rental property, this type of unit
commands prices starting at sixty thousand Hong Kong dollars per month.
You will also see old apartment blocks up for rent and sale. These are relatively large with sizes
ranging from eighteen hundred to three thousand square feet. The age of these properties gives
them a classic or more traditional character and makes them ideal for those who are not into the
modern look.For those renters who are on a tight budget, the monthly rent of about twenty-five
thousand Hong Kong dollars will be appealing, especially when compared with the cost of the
penthouses. The downside with these types of properties, though, is that they are unlikely to have
amenities such as pools and clubhouses.

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If you can afford more than fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars monthly, then you may include
new apartment blocks in your home search. The interior and exterior of these units are more
modern than their older counterparts. Residents also get access to amenities such as pools and
clubhouses. The more upscale apartment blocks have their external facilities such as
supermarkets and ATMs.
Studio flats are very economical when compared with other housing options for Hong Kong
residents. They typically go for about eight thousand Hong Kong dollars per month and comprise
a single room with sleeping, cooking, recreation, and bathroom facilities.
Another economical housing option is shared flats. Multiple tenants get the units with a view to
having residents take a group approach to renting. This way is very supportive for those that have
a difficult time handling the rent. Some of the areas known for this type of housing are the midlevel districts of Sheung Wan, Soho, and Happy Valley. These are ideal locations for families
with children due to the proximity to schools and the large size of the apartments. The going rate
for these spaces is usually between thirty-five hundred and fifteen thousand Hong Kong dollars.
Be wary of offers that fall below the base rate, as they tend to be of very low standards. Trendy
newspapers, for example, the South China Morning Post often carry advertisements for these
flats.
Serviced flats offer luxury and comfort for those who can afford it. These housing solutions
belong to the hotels. It allows renters to benefit from hotel amenities such as maid service,
breakfast, linen changes, and membership in fitness clubs. These units usually rent for prices that
range from ten thousand to fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars.
If your dream home is a spacious mansion with extended driveways and garden space, then you
will want to look into the homes available in communities such as Kowloon and Hong Kong
Island. These houses go for rates in excess of one hundred and fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars
monthly. They are typically occupied by officials and diplomats, as others find the prices
unaffordable.
A townhouse is a very real option for you if you find detached houses too costly, but prefer the
thought of having your space. They come with driveways, porches, and parking and are available
in a wide variety of sizes. Some are so huge such that they compete with the detached homes
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when it comes to desirability. The rent for a townhouse is a little less than that of a detached
house, with the base rent being around one hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars.
If you are in it for the long haul, buying a home is your ideal. Rentals will suffice for those who
wish to spend a few years in the state. For those who are seeking to migrate permanently, a more
permanent housing solution is appropriate. The problem is that homes in Hong Kong are very
expensive, with starting prices being bout four hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars.
The prices for homes follow a pricing mechanism that is similar to the rented properties, in that
they are priced based on size and location. The most expensive residential properties are in the
islands, also referred to as the Southern region and these are within reach of only the wealthiest
residents in the state. Residents in these areas benefit from the advantages of an ideal mix of
urban and rural. The exquisite sea views make the area known as the Peak particularly pricey, for
obvious reasons.
Younger single residents gravitate towards the Central region because of its fast pace of life.
Properties less than 40 square meters in Kowloon attract prices of just above one hundred
thousand Hong Kong dollars.
FINANCING THE HOME
Hong Kong properties such as condominiums are acquired by outsiders relatively easily. They
are not, however, inexpensive. Hong Kong is a standout amongst the most extravagant real estate
markets in the world and based on current trends, experts are predicting continued increases in
property values and prices. That makes it buying residential property, or any real estate for that
matter, a good investment. It is also a deterrent; though, leading to many people opting to rent
instead of taking on the hefty burden of home ownership.
After evaluating the current situation in Hong Kongs real estate industry, you must consider the
financing choices that are available to you to aid you acquire your new home.
Financial organizations in the country offer home ownership loans to the qualified people. As
expected, one of the main criteria for qualifying for a loan is your ability to repay, as mortgage
rates can be quite high. It means that your income as a business owner, a manager, or employee
will play a significant role in your ability to buy a home in Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong has a booming banking industry. With about seventy of the top one hundred banks in
the world represented among its financial institutions, the states citizens have access to multiple
commercial products. These products include financing options for home ownership. For
convenience, customers can apply online as almost these entire institutions offer online banking
options.
One of Hong Kongs premier business and financial entities is HSBC. The Corporation provides
mortgage loans to its customers. Like all other mortgage-providing institutions, HSBC is guided
and monitored in its operations by the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation, Limited. The
maximum amount that the client can secure is eighty percent of the cost of the property. You will,
therefore, be required to find twenty percent of the cost plus the additional fees. If you are a firsttime home buyer and receive a salary and have a debt-to-income ratio of forty-five percent; then
you are eligible for a mortgage loan that covers up to ninety percent of the cost of the home.
HSBC applies a fee of 15% of the propertys cost for all mortgage applications. You dont need
to worry much about this because it is used towards your mortgage balance after the deal goes
through. As with any mortgage anywhere else, customers need to provide proof that they can
repay. It amounts to statements showing the last three salary deposits, and other bank statements.
Additionally, you will need to have your guarantors submit their documents and sign the
necessary agreement forms, and you will need to produce your Honk Kong ID card or passport.
In addition to the well-known HSBC, Hong Kong has several other financial institutions that
offer financing options for customers who want to purchase homes. Since the same entity
governs all mortgages in the state; the requirements will primarily remain the same in all of these
institutions.
There are some fees that you are likely to encounter as you attempt to buy your Hong Kong
home. One of those fees is the ad valorem stamp duty on the cost of the home. It is paid by the
buyer and currently ranges from 1.50% to 8.50%. The buyer stamp duty is also your
responsibility, and it now stands at 15%. There is also the special stamp duty, a cost of 5-20% of
the propertys value, for the buyer to consider. The buyer and the seller both pay one percent of
the propertys value as the real estate agents fee. In total, a buyer can expect to pay between
22.5% and 44.63% in fees and associated costs.

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One of the unique aspects of the real estate industry in Hong Kong is the fact that you cannot buy
land. All Hong Kong property is possessed by the government and goes out in lease agreements
with individuals. The only exception to this rule is St. Johns Cathedral, which sits on the only
freehold in the state. To take advantage of the worth of land, you may lease from the government
whose lease periods sometimes extend up to fifty years.
The typical home purchase in Hong Kong begins with a down payment of five percent of the
total cost. Another five percent is after the agreement is drafted and signed. The completion of
the payment occurs six to eight weeks later.
LOCAL BUSINESS
As an entrepreneur in Hong Kong, you must be familiar with the major banking facilities of the
state. The three national commercial banks, Bank of China, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank
monitor the issuing of Hong Kong banknotes. The government uses coins. If you want to avoid
the intricate details, you can always outsource the start-up of your business to companies such as
HK Commons, a Hong Kong-based company that specializes in establishing businesses in the
state. You can expect to pay roughly four hundred Hong Kong dollars for their services.
You also need to be familiar with the various entities that exist to support businesses in Hong
Kong, and with the business environment within which you will be operating. Research and
preparation are essential to doing your business a success in Hong Kong.
KNOW THE LIMITS
As a prospective Hong Kong entrepreneur, it is imperative that you know the boundaries within
which you will have to operate. It is significant to recognize, for example, that a license to
operate in Hong Kong does not translate into working in China, as the two are separate
jurisdictions.
One of the first things you need to be aware of is the need to pay corporate taxes. It is something
that is happening in any court, and so it will not come as a surprise that Hong Kong has this
requirement. The system is simple compared to other places, however. Businesses are required to
pay 16.5% of their profits as corporate tax. Hong Kong companies are not obliged to pay capital
gains tax.
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The government of Hong Kong wants to see locals flourish in the newly created environment. It
is why they go to such extreme lengths to ensure that immigrants who are coming in for
employment are not taking up posts that can be filled by locals. The business visa that allows you
to operate in Hong Kong will expire in twelve months. After twelve months, your company will
be reviewed to determine whether you should be permitted to remain in the state. One of the
things that will act in your favour is if you are hiring and developing local talent.
They will also look to see if you have been operating successfully, or if there is hope for growth.
Your first year, therefore, has to be used to set a solid foundation. During that year, you must also
keep meticulous records and ensure that you are prepared to make a convincing presentation to
support your continued operations in Hong Kong.
GETTING STARTED
For those entrepreneurs who want to do the work themselves, the process will be more intense,
but worth it in the end. The initial thing to note down is that to be allowed to operate a business
in Hong Kong you need an Investment Visa or Business Investment Visa.
For low-budget start-ups, a virtual office is a good idea since it does not require a physical space
and it is in the system in Hong Kong. Businesses in the state can be assigned a business address
and hire staff to take calls in the language of the country while also completing other officebased tasks. All of this can be through the creation of your virtual office. Once you require
setting up conventions and conferences, temporary space may be available through entities such
as HK Commons.
PROVINCIAL ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME
The authorities in Hong Kong have plans in place that are designed to encourage the
establishment and growth of business entities. It is a part of their general thrust to maintain and
augment the growth of the economy. There are six government-supported bodies created to
support start-ups. They include; Create Hong Kong, Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Productivity
Council, Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Hong Kong
Trade Development Council.
Create Hong Kong
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Create Hong Kong is an entity that was established with the goal of boosting the creative
industries. If the business you plan to build falls under this category then it would be fine thought
to link with them for some government-based support. Among their initiatives, you will find
programmes such as a 3D animation support programme, which takes submissions from artists
and entities and provides training, exposure, and professional mentorship geared at improving
their chances of success.
Cyberport
Cyberport was born out of a need and desire to provide support to virtual businesses. The system
creates a virtual framework that can be used to establish online companies in Hong Kong. ICTbased businesses (Information and Communications Technology) can find some valuable
assistance here.
Through Cyberport, companies that want to start small can establish their virtual offices by
contracting the services of remote or freelance office staff. These businesses are treated as
tenants of Cyberport. They also provide physical space when needed. It comes in handy,
especially when companies need to host physical events.
Smart-Space is one of the innovations of Cyberport. It is essentially a community of offices that
are made available temporarily to businesses. The period of use is flexible and can last anywhere
between one and twelve months. This option may be ideal for your start-up if you are on a
restricted budget and need the amenities of a modern office. The spaces are relatively small. The
benefit is your office will have from facilities such as Wi-Fi, 100 megabytes of internet, access to
a fitness centre, access to board rooms and conference rooms, and a complimentary subscription
to Cyberport Collaboration Centre (CCC). The CCC is a facility designed to allow the business
to access the market in mainland China.
A room in the Smart-Space system currently rents for four thousand Hong Kong dollars monthly.
A workstation goes for one thousand five hundred Hong Kong dollars per month. A Flexi-Space
rents for eight hundred Hong Kong dollars per month. These prices are very low when compared
to the high rent costs of offices in the typical Hong Kong commercial buildings.
Invest Hong Kong

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Invest Hong Kong is mandated with the task of making the state appealing to prospective
investors. Their website has pertinent information about how to get your business started in Hong
Kong. They have specialists that will engage in consultation sessions with you and advise you on
how to get the company up and to run.
Once you have planned and established your business, they will help you to launch it free of
charge. The launch-related services they offer include the preparation of client profiles, publicity
campaigns and generation, a free feature of your company in their bi-monthly newsletter, and
public relations assistance for launch events. Once you are prepared to enlarge your businesses,
they are there to help again with a free consultation and other support services.
Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council is a non-profit government-run organization that works
towards improving the production sector. It facilitates the liaison between companies with a view
to improving the quality and quantity of output. The council provides consultation, training,
management, and technology transfer service.
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Through the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, businesses can access some
of the beneficial services and facilities. These services and facilities are geared towards the
development of activities in the field of Biomedical Technology, Electronics, Green Technology,
Materials and Precision Engineering, and Information Communications Technology.
As an entrepreneur or CEO in any of these areas, you benefit from access to events such as
symposiums and expos to expose your services and products to new markets. These events also
provide ample opportunity for the growth of your own business via the adoption of new
technologies and innovations.
The HKSTC is the organizing body behind TecONE, a service centre for businesses established
in July of 2014. This service centre provides businesses with technical advice and pertinent
information regarding access to government funding. It comes in very handy since start-up
capital is always an area of concern in the typical business plan. It is an excellent scheme to

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register for their electronic newsletter so that you will remain informed about their latest events
and facilities.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
As a component of its force to heighten businesses in the state, the government established the
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). This body works toward establishing
productive links between companies in Hong Kong and international entities. They support startups by organizing trade fairs through which companies can promote the products or services they
offer. They also provide valuable information through their electronic newsletter.
For businesses that are just getting off the ground, their SME (Small and Medium Enterprise)
Start-up Portal is an essential tool. This portal is used to present advice and information related to
starting and growing a business in Hong Kong. Among the programmes that they use to achieve
their goals are workshops for entrepreneurs. Business owners are trained in the art of establishing
a company. They also provide an SME centre that not only has information related to business
establishment but also offers consultation, Entrepreneur Day and other similar events. The events
expose the new businesses while directing them towards the most lucrative fields. They also
provide SME management workshops through which operators gain pertinent knowledge on
issues such as import and export.
Making productive connections is critical to the success of any business. A method to do it in
Hong Kong is to ensure that your company is represented at corporate events. The governments
SME Creativity Centre has a calendar that is entirely helpful when it comes to keeping you
abreast of the events that can help you to make these connections.
State Financial Support
In addition to start-up support, the state offers financial assistance to businesses through a
number of financing loan or insurance facilities. It includes Export Credit Insurance,
Microfinance Scheme, SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, and SME Loan Guarantee Scheme.
Export Credit Insurance
Export Credit Insurance provides protection for exporters registered with the Hong Kong
authorities. The scheme protects businesses against risks associated with the exporting of goods
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and services to overseas entities. It is done within credit limit periods of up to one hundred and
eighty days. Credit limit periods extending to five years are also available.
Their Comprehensive Coverage Policy targets Hong Kong exporters and manufacturers. Covered
under this policy are the goods and services that are transferred to credit from Hong Kong
businesses to overseas entities. It includes those that are shipped from Hong Kong to their
overseas destinations as well as those that are sent from the Hong Kong business overseas
branches to the intended recipients. It is required that the Hong Kong business be the principal in
the sale contract.
Their Contract Cover Policy targets businesses in Hong Kong that export and manufacture goods
and services. It protects the products and services from pre-shipment loss and damage. It also
protects the products against post-shipment risks.
Another policy provided by the state-run Export Credit Insurance entity is the Small Business
Policy. This system is designed to deliver support for export businesses whose turnover is less
than fifty million Hong Kong dollars a year. It protects the sale agreements that they have with
their overseas clients. They often offer complimentary benefits such as the annual policy fee
waiver, and up to twenty percent discount on the premium, both of which are in effect until
February 29, 2016.
Bank policies in the country ensure that businesses thrive in Hong Kong. Two such systems fall
under the ambit of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation. One is the CCP or
Comprehensive Coverage Policy. To qualify for this plan, a receivables purchase agreement must
have been made between the financial entity and the exporter. The other policy is the EFIP or
Export Finance Insurance Policy. In qualifying for this, the financial entity must have provided
the exporter with post-shipment financing.
For both protection schemes, the policy is activated on the date of shipment. Additionally, both
facilities offer risk coverage of up to ninety percent of the insured value. The systems also come
with credit and risk management services. Another perk of the policies is the fact that the cost of
pursuing debt is shared in such a manner that up to ninety percent of the cost may be paid
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The policies cover two categories of risks: buyer risks and country risks. Buyer risks include
bankruptcy and insolvency, refusal to pay, and default, as well as refusal to accept the goods.
Country risks include payment moratorium, war, revolutions, riots, natural disasters, import bans,
the revocation or cancellation of import license, and foreign exchange remittance issues such as
blockages and delays.
In addition to the insurance coverage, the entity offers risk assessment and monitoring services.
They use an informed approach to providing advice on how much credit to extend and which
overseas entities are safer in terms of credit rating. The informed approach is secured through
meticulous data analysis and evaluation of the foreign businesses records and performance over
the years.
They also assist in curtailing loss. They do this through their expansive network of lawyers and
debt collectors, which makes them able to ensure the collection of outstanding debts, and also
provide valuable tips on how to avoid amassing bad debts.
You may gain other benefits from participating in these insurance schemes, as banks accept the
policies as collateral for discounts on export bills. They in addition, create an easier environment
for banks to extend their facilities to businesses, since the coverage is extended to the policy
holders bank and the payments are made relatively swiftly and directly.
Microfinance Scheme
Hong Kongs government-run microfinance scheme targets all businesses in the state. Through
this entity, prospective business owners can source loans for self-employment or the
establishment of enterprises. The businesses that the scheme supports are sole proprietorships,
partnerships, and limited liability companies incorporated in Hong Kong. They also offer a selfemployment loan that serves to establish or enhance a self-employed business.
The loans purpose is to support the establishment of a new business or to enhance an already
existing business no older than five years counting from the date of registration. Depending on
your agreement, you may find that the loan repayment period is one, two, three, four, or five
years.

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The amount of money that may be accessed depends on the purpose for which the loan is being
taken. A micro business start-up loan, for instance, has a cap of three hundred thousand Hong
Kong dollars and is intended for the persons who wish to start their own businesses. The selfemployment loans cap is two hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars and is offered to people who
want to start a business for the purpose of self-employment. The interest rate is typically capped
at nine percent, but if you can provide a satisfactory third party guarantee, you may benefit from
the lower eight percent interest rate.
There are some eligibility requirements that you must first meet before accessing the loan. One
of them is that you must be at least eighteen years old and in possession of a Hong Kong Identity
Card, in addition to Permanent Resident status. The maximum number of co-borrowers for a loan
is two, and where the business is owned by more than two persons, both must be co-borrowers.
Another criterion for qualification for this loan is that borrowers should not be undergoing any
proceedings related to bankruptcy at the time of the application.
SME Loan Guarantee Scheme
Small and medium enterprise proprietors can access loans from financial institutions through this
scheme. The purpose of these loans is to provide money for general business uses, the purchasing
of equipment, and supplying working capital. To succeed for the loans, the business must fit the
description of a small or medium enterprise as outlined by the HKSARK. This definition states
that manufacturing companies that fall in this category must have an employee list of fewer than
one hundred persons. For non-manufacturing entities, the number of employed individuals must
be less than fifty. Additionally, these employees must be in Hong Kong, and the number must
include shareholders and partners.
The definition extends to the nature of the entity. It specifies that the company must be involved
in trading, commerce, craftsmanship, a professional calling, or any other activity. The goal is to
yield profit. Clubs are not included in this definition unless the club is being operated intending
to generate profit or gain.
If you are capable of finding a sponsor, this person should be able to provide security for fifty
percent of the loan amount. The maximum loan amount for this facility is six million Hong Kong
dollars.
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BUD Fund
This facility targets all businesses operating in Hong Kong. It offers financial support to nonprofit entities whose operations serve to assist Hong Kong enterprises in the development of their
brands via distribution activities. To apply, the applicant and company must be either statutory
bodies or bodies registered under the HKSAR.
The highest loan quantity is the minor of two figures: five million dollars, or ninety percent of
the approved expenditure budget. The remainder of the funding has to be provided by the
applicant, whether through sponsorship or existing accounts.
The facility funds activities such as seminars, exhibitions, workshops, and research programmes.
It takes care of specific expenses that are directly associated with the proposed project such as
equipment costs, venue rental, and printing costs; but expenses categorized as overhead have to
be funded by the applicant. These overhead expenses include items such as entertainment and
meals.
General Support Programme
This programme offers government-funded assistance to institutions in the technology
development field. Their goal is to encourage industry development while facilitating innovation
in this area.
To be assisted under this programme, your business must be a non-profit organization and must
be associated with the trade or technology industry. As with the BUD Fund, beneficiaries of this
programme must fund ten percent of the cost of their project. It may be done through
sponsorship or personal contributions.
Patent Application Grant
Hong Kong authorities have recognized the need for persons and companies to hold legitimate
patents on their inventions and intellectual property. It is why they have established the Patent
Application Grant. This grant provides a sum of either one hundred and fifty thousand Hong
Kong dollars or 90% of the entire cost of the patent application process, whichever is less, to
local companies and inventors. The application is available to all locally incorporated companies.
It is also available to all permanent residents of the state and all persons who have been granted
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residency of no less than seven years. The persons should not have existing patents in other
countries.
Through this grant, one hundred and fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars, or ninety percent of the
cost of processing the patent application, whichever is less, is loaned to the applicant. For those
who access the maximum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, it is important to note that
only one hundred and twenty thousand will end up going towards the actual patent application. It
is because HKPC subtracts twenty percent of the grant cost as a fee for processing. It amounts to
thirty thousand dollars for those who can access the maximum, but will, of course, be fewer for
the ones who obtain smaller sums.
If you apply for this grant, do not expect to receive a cheque in your name or the name of your
business. The funds are sent directly to the entity that is dealing with the patent application
process, so the grant applicant does not get the money directly.
SME Export Marketing Fund
The target entities for this fund are SMEs that are export-oriented. For qualification, the
business must fit the HKSARs description of SMEs as outlined earlier. The business must have
its major operations in Hong Kong. If the primary operations of the company are done outside
Hong Kong, the company will not qualify for the grant.
Through this fund, businesses may access up fifty percent of the expenditure as outlined in the
approved document, or fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars, whichever is lower. As of June 2013,
the cap on the accumulated benefits for any one entity rose to 250,000 Hong Kong dollars. That
was an increase from the previous cap of one hundred and fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars.
The money was to be used in covering expenses for participation in export-oriented trade fairs or
exhibitions. The participation must be limited to two types of roles: the entity must participate as
an exhibitor, or send delegations as a part of business missions.

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I would pick Hong Kong any day if I wanted to start a new life. Its an exciting city and has
much to offer, and you can feel the heartbeat of this remarkable city. Its the Las Vegas of
Asia, and there are unlimited things to do, place to go, and fun to have. Even though theres
competition, there are plenty of opportunities. If you possess the right combination of
professional experience and skill, you may be eligible for a working visa. The country is
open to investors.
If it happens that you are a student studying from Hong Kong, then after graduation you
can submit an application for an additional room of your reside under the Non-Local
Graduates Immigration Arrangement. Then apply for a working Visa to be eligible to
work. You can also immigrate to Hong Kong under the GEP (General Employment Policy)
if you have a degree or qualification in another country. I believe it would be sensible either
to get an attorney in Hong Kong to help, or to get an employment offer before relocating to
Hong Kong. Always be prepared ahead of time and know as much as you can about
government policies and visa stipulations.
Housing in Hong Kong can be very expensive, but most people live in apartments. Living
outside the central business area is cheaper, but will make for longer commutes into the
city.
There are not many strictly Indian communities in Hong Kong, but you can look into an
area called North Point for Indian communities there. There are also a lot of Indians in
Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, as well as Indian children going to the Junior High School there.
Theres also an English school foundation in Hong Kong that represents about twenty
schools. Also, look into other Indians running businesses in Hong Kong who could be of
help hiring a fellow Indian.
I think Hong Kong is worth the effort, considering the bright future of this still-growing
city that has so much to offer. To provide you with an advantage over the opposition, you
might need to speak Cantonese, the primary language here. Some Indian expats, even
though born in Hong Kong but who do not speak Cantonese, are having some difficulty
finding high-paying jobs. Maybe this rule doesnt apply for all. English is a dominant
language here. Again, starting your own business might be the way to go. There are many
companies around the Chunking Mansions area; perhaps there is an opportunity there.
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Hong Kong is approximately 21% Buddhist, 15% Tao, 11% Christian, and 3% Islam. For
meeting other Indians in Hong Kong, please visit:
http://internations.org
There is also an Expat Arrivals in Hong Kong Guide. Here you will find information about
housing, suburbs, and the cost of living in certain areas as well as schools and education.
See:
http://expatarrivals.com
Also visit:
http://IndiansinHongKong.com
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa, home of Nelson Mandela, the Springboks Rugby Team, and the Proteas Cricket
Team with some Indian-South African Players is one of the most beautiful and diverse
countries in the world.
There is now a Nelson Mandela app that can be downloaded. It tells of Madibas journey and his
inspirational life story, how he was released from death row to become the first black president
of South Africa. This app also describes twenty-seven tourist attractions and includes audio to
immerse the user in the story, as well as breath-taking images, visitor details, and rewards for
checking in.
South Africa is called many things but most notably, the Cradle of Humankind. There are
heritage sites such as the Voortrekker Museum, the Apartheid Museum, the African Art Museum
on the waterfront in Cape Town, and Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for more
than twenty years.
South Africa is a land of safaris and wildlife parks that can offer you an adventure anytime you
choose. From the hippos and crocodiles in the Limpopo River to the penguins walking the
beaches of Cape Town, South Africa is breath-taking. The Kruger National Park is a largely
visited wildlife sanctuary in the world that hosts abundant wildlife from elephants, rhinos, deer,
monkeys, and many more species.
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One of the top surfing countries in the world, South Africa also offers amazing sea adventures
like whale watching, shark expeditions, kayaking, and sailing. Coastal cities like Durban, Cape
Town, Mossel Bay, Port Shepstone, and many others have flourishing fishing communities.
Inner-city communities range from the Boer people (Afrikaners), Indians, Portuguese, and
Lebanese. They also include many African tribes like Xhosa, the primary ruling party of ANC,
and the second largest black population, the Zulus. Afrikaners are mostly in agriculture, whereas
Indians and other immigrants tend to live in the major cities and focus on businesses such as
clothing and electronics stores, restaurants, transportation, and other trades.
From Gauteng (Johannesburg) to Cape Town, South Africa offers an abundant nightlife. Cape
Towns Long Street under the famous Drakensberg Mountain overlooks the very southern tip of
Africa and offers many nightclubs, restaurants, and other entertainment. Durban offers a large
Indian population, some amazing nightlife, and Indian cuisine restaurants. Dont forget to visit
some of the best beaches in the world and enjoy the lavish sunsets. With a year-round sunny
climate, Durban in the Natal province is a must-see for anyone, especially to witness the annual
sardine run up the coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa is an attractive country for immigration, even though it has had some problems with
Zimbabweans, Congolese and other African people coming into Gauteng (Johannesburg) and
taking jobs away from local South African blacks. There had been minor uprisings, but the
government stepped in and calmed the situation.
Despite the presence of Europeans, foreign nationals, Americans, Indians, and immigrants from
other continents, there have never been problems in the business world. South Africa welcomes
investors into its rich mineral sectors, technology, and trade.
South Africa airlines received three awards at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards and then
named the best airline in Africa thirteen years in a row. The World Travel and Tourism Council
expect South Africas tourism to grow by 2% in 2015. Employment levels are also expected to
rise.
INDIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA

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Indians are a significant minority in South Africa and live mostly in urban areas. There they work
primarily in retail and business endeavours. Indians have been in South Africa since the English
brought them as indentured servants in the middle of the 19th century. Later in the same century,
Indians came to South Africa as traders. Today, most of South Africa's Indian population lives in
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces. Immigration to South
Africa from India has been steady since the end of Apartheid, but in much of the established
South African Indian communities, members regard themselves as more South African than
Indian. However, as foreign nationals, there are many economic and social advantages to moving
to and doing business in South Africa.
MIGRATING TO SOUTH AFRICA
Indians make up approximately 2.5% of South Africa's population of over 54 million people.
There are now few Indians who immigrate to South Africa, believing it to be unsafe. However,
for those Indians looking for a diverse, exciting, and up-and-coming economic powerhouse,
South Africa holds great promise. This section outlines the various procedures required for
migration to South Africa, either long-term or permanently.
CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship in South Africa is gained by birth if one of the parents is a South African citizen. It
is also gained by descent if one was born outside of South Africa to South African parents or
adopted by and registered to South African parents. The third is by naturalization. Gaining South
African citizenship by registration is only possible for British citizens who had lived in South
Africa for at least 2 years before September 2, 1949.
Becoming a citizen of South Africa enables eligibility for various benefits and freedoms.
Citizenship can be gained by anyone recognized as a Permanent Resident of South Africa by
naturalization.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP (above 18 years of age)
Permanent Residents of South Africa need to meet the following criteria as laid down in the
South African Citizenship Act, 1995, to be eligible for naturalization:

A valid permanent residence permit or exemption;

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At least 8 years in South Africa as a Permanent Resident (can be non-consecutive);

Residence in South Africa for one entire year after applying for naturalization in addition
to the eight years previously spent in the country before applying for naturalisation;

If you are married to a South African spouse, you must have lived in South Africa as a
permanent resident for two years. In that duration, you should have been married to your
spouse for two years after having become a permanent resident;

Intention to reside in South Africa, or to work for the government or for any international
company of which the government is a member, or for any person or persons residing or
established in South Africa;

Good and sound character;

Ability to communicate well in any one of the official languages;

The Possession of adequate knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a South

African citizen.

Parents can apply for citizenship for children who are permanent residents in South Africa at any
time.
For citizenship application by naturalisation the documents below should be produced;

Completed forms DHA-63 and DHA-757;

A South African non-citizen identity document and copy;

An application for the reissue of your identity document, including two identity
document photographs that meet the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications;

The prescribed fee for the reissue of your identity document;

Proof of permanent residence/exemption and a copy of the same;

SAP 91 form with a full arrangement of fingerprints so as to get a police clearance report
for candidates 18 years and more established;
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A marriage certificate and a copy of the same or, if divorced, a decree of divorce and a
copy of the same (if applicable);

Payment of the prescribed fee for naturalisation.

Parents or guardians must sign the application form for dependents who are under the age of 18.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE
Permanent residency is a good choice if you want to make a future in South Africa without
changing your citizenship. Permanent residence permit holders are free to work in all sectors of
the South African economy except for government and national security. South Africa offers two
varieties of Permanent Residency permits: a Direct Residence Permit and Residency-on-OtherGrounds Permit. Those with a Direct Residence Permit make up a relatively small proportion of
South Africa's population because only people who have worked in South Africa for five years or
more are eligible for the status. Applicants must also show the Minister of Home Affairs that they
are not prohibited or undesirable people.
RESIDENCY-ON-OTHER-GROUNDS PERMITS
Residency-on-Other-Grounds permits are available to people who meet one or more of the
following criteria:

have a permanent work offer in South Africa;

have excellent abilities and qualifications;

plan to launch a company in South Africa;

qualify as a refugee;

meet the criteria as someone who is retired;

show financial independence and that there is no need for the person to work;

Show a familial relationship (biologically or judicially adopted) with a South African

citizen/permanent residence permit holder.

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Whichever type of permanent residency you apply for, you'll need to send the following to the
South African Department of Home Affairs. It is done via the nearest office in the South African
province in which you intend to live and work. If you're still in India and applying for permanent
residency of either type, you can submit an application at your closest South African
international embassy, mission or office:

Fee payment;

A complete set of fingerprints;

A wedding certificate/evidence of spousal affiliation (if applicable);

A divorce verdict/confirmation of legal parting (if applicable);

Evidence of charge of a minor (if applicable);

A decease certificate for a late partner (if applicable);

The approval of parents in the case of juniors;

Verification of court adoption of a minor (if applicable);

Police authorization certificates for all nations in which you lived for a time of one year
or longer ever since your 18th birthday;

Legitimate provisional citizenship consent (if already in South Africa).

In addition to those documents, the permanent residence application Form BI-947 lists the
documents required for each type of permanent resident status.
INVESTORS
Investors will have a slightly easier time gaining Permanent Residence status in South Africa.
Depending on the investments that you have in the country, you could qualify for Residency-onOther-Grounds status either as a person who wants to start a business in the country or as
someone who is financially independent. Otherwise, there is no special exception for investors
trying to gain permanent residence status.

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STUDY OPTIONS
South Africa is home to several different universities. According to the QS World University
Rankings 2014/2015, three of the country's universities are in the top 400 universities in the
world. They comprise of the Cape Town University, Witwatersrand University, and Stellenbosch
University.
Education has been essential in the government's efforts to help close the wealth gap between
citizens. Part of these efforts was to divide public universities into three categories:

Traditional, theory-oriented universities, known simply as traditional universities;

Technical universities for vocational training, known as Technikons; and

Institutions known as comprehensive universities that offers students a mix of

theoretical and practical training.

In total, South Africa has 23 accredited, public universities serving over 800,000 students, along
with several private universities.
South Africa is a great place to study emerging countries, geography, international politics, and
linguistics. The country's universities are known for their incredible research.
Without question, the University of Cape Town is the most renowned university in South Africa.
It is ranked at 141 in the QS World University Rankings overall. Its also ranked 11th in the QS
University Rankings amongst the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) states.
South Africa's private universities offer some alternatives to the countrys larger schools, but
none of them shares the reputation of these top three. South African universities are known to
have a great diversity of international faculty and to publish frequently. They are also recognised
for the high level of collaboration between the various schools in South Africa.
7.5% of students in South African universities are international. Many come from other African
nations, but there are also some who come from other continents. Officially, the government
limits the number of foreign students enrolled in its universities, but only those coming in from
other African nations. The other African nations should be part of the SADC group of countries
(Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi,
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Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia

and Zimbabwe). International students from outside Africa regard their experiences studying in
South Africa as positive, though they're quick to note that it's important to avoid discussion of
South Africa's history of racial segregation. The languages of instruction are English and
Afrikaans, but other options may be available on a university-by-university basis.
Universities in South Africa are applied to directly, and the application to a university is the first
step in getting a student visa. Currently, there are no special restrictions on international students,
though there are no government scholarships for international students who are not from the
continent of Africa. The University of Cape Town, however, does have a competitive scholarship
programme for international students that can cover some of their expenses.
UNIVERSITIES
South Africa has a total of 46 universities, both public and private. Some of the biggest and most
well-respected universities in the country are:

University of Cape Town

University of Witwatersrand

Stellenbosch University

University of Pretoria

University of the Western Cape

University of Kwazulu-Natal

Rhodes University

University of the Free State

University of Johannesburg

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

COST
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The cost of university in South Africa ranges from 45,000 ZAR (INR 230,900) up to 70,000
ZAR (INR 360,000). These tuition fees are cheaper than those in North America and the UK
and are even more affordable than elsewhere in Africa. Still, they might seem high to Indians
who are used to tuition costs being quite small. Some scholarships are available directly from
universities, but these will cover only part of the cost of attending university in South Africa. To
maintain these scholarships, you must keep up your grades and show that your studies are
progressing. It should also be noted that these scholarships are mostly only available for honours,
graduate, and postgraduate international students.
In addition to the cost of their studies, if you come to South Africa for education, you will face a
cost of living that's much higher than in India. So you must also plan for these costs as well.
VISA AND PERMITS
The first step to studying in South Africa is to obtain your student visa (also called a study
permit). Applications for student visas need to be sent to the nearest South African embassy or
consulate. A courier service, travel agent, or family member can submit your visa application for
you if need be. To complete the student visa application you will need:

A completed Form BI-1738, the student visa request form;

A passport legal for no fewer than 30 days past the end of proposed visit;

imbursement of the set charge;

A immunization permit;

Evidence of monetary means to cover up living costs throughout your stay in South
Africa and to pay your tuition fees. This evidence ought to be in the structure of:
o Bank statements,
o Cash available, or
o Travellers cheques;

Proof of medical coverage;

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A money deposit corresponding to the worth of a return ticket;

Medical and radiology reports;

approval from both parents for your reside in South Africa, or from the parent who has
solitary charge, along with testimony of sole custody;

A certified note from the learning institution where you aim to learn, confirming
temporary recognition and detailing the length of the course;

A police approval certificate from each state in which you lived for 12 months or even
longer as of the age of 18 years.

If 18 years or even older, you must also provide a police clearance certificate from each country
in which you've lived a year or more since you turned 18. The clearance certificate can be
submitted with the application or within three months of filing the application.
When you have your study visa, you can also apply for permission to work, whether you want to
work to gain experience or as part of your education. To apply for permission to work, you'll
need to send the following to the nearest regional office of the Department of Home Affairs:

An offer to do practical training;

Consent from the educational institution;

Confirmation that you are still a signed up student.

However, when processing student visa applications, it is South Africa's policy to put some
restrictions on international students. First, no foreigner may displace a South African citizen or
resident at a local educational institution. As a potential international student, you must also have
proof that you have enough money to cover your costs of living, accommodation, and tuition
during your stay in South Africa. You must also have sufficient medical coverage with a
registered South African medical plan and proof because of that.
EXCHANGE VISA
Another option if youre looking to study in South Africa is to apply for an Exchange Visa. An
Exchange Visa is available to anyone younger than 25 years old who wants to participate in a
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government- or university-run social, cultural or economic exchange programme. These visas are
very limited since they can only last 12 months at most and cannot be renewed or extended. But
if you want to experience learning in South Africa in this way, you can apply for an exchange
visa. You will have to send the following to your nearest embassy, consulate, or mission:

A duly completed application Form BI-1738;

A passport for no under 30 days after the expiry of proposed visit;

Imbursement of the recommended fee;

A immunization certificate, if needed by the Act;

Confirmation of monetary ways to take care of your living expenses during your stay in
the Republic in the form of:
o Bank statements,
o Cash available, or
o Travellers cheques;

mission(s) by the host(s) in the state of South Africa;

evidence of health coverage;

A deposit of cash equal to the estimation of a return ticket or an endeavour by the

applicable foundation to take care of expenses for extradition, if important;

Restorative and radiology information;

A police freedom certificate from every nation in which you dwelled for 12 months or
more since the age of 18 years.

For exchange programmes run by a university, you will also need:

A letter from the Department of Education or a public higher educational institution in

South Africa. It should state that it is in charge of sorting out/directing the project, and

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delineating the exercises and length of time thereof. In addition stating that it will assume
full liability for you while you are in the state;

A letter from a foreign state organ, confirming your personal details, including
confirmation of your enlistment with a tertiary instructive organization abroad, and also
the date on which study will begin;

A statement from a South African organ of state or learning organization endorsed in

regulation 19(3).

For exchange programmes run by a government organisation, you will also need:

A statement from the organ of state claiming the significance/reality of the exchange
plan;

A letter from the instructive organization abroad confirming your enrolment or a letter
from the remote state organ stating your support in the system and their attention to the
trade program

Yearly reports from the supporting body, delineating advancement of the project. Without
a supporting body, the instructive establishment or organ of state must present the reports.

For any other exchange programme, you'll also need a declaration from the potential manager
verifying that:

The situation for which the swap authorization will be given out exists;

Your payment obeys the labour necessities;

The manager will look after for your wellbeing and requirements whilst you are in its
employ;

The manager will notify the section if you do not conform to the stipulations and
conditions of your authorization or abscond the Republic;

You will depart the nation when your consent runs out.

WORK AND EMPLOYMENT

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Indians first came over to South Africa as indentured servants to the British colonizers and as
traders. Because of this, the first jobs that Indians had were service and retail positions. Today,
South Africa's nearly two million Indians work in all sectors, from industry to trading to politics.
Those who come to South Africa from India say that they do it for the climate, the safety in
places like Durban, and for the multicultural society.
FINDING A JOB
These days, South Africa is working to be a more knowledge-based economy. As part of this
incentive, they're putting much more emphasis on financial services, communications, mining,
and tourism. They're also working to make sure the country's manufacturing, retail, agriculture,
and mining operations continue to prosper. For the job hunter, there are many websites where
openings are posted. These include:

indeed.co.za

careerjet.co.za

Learn4Good.com

naukri.com

MonsterIndia.com

Friends and relatives already living in South Africa are also excellent resources for your job
search. Incase you fancy to go your approach, and then self-employment is a viable option in
South Africa. Over 10% of people employed in South Africa are self-employed. Whether you
want to be self-employed or work for a company, you will need the proper work visa.
WORK PERMITS AND PASSES
Work permits in South Africa determine what kind of work you can do and for how long you can
stay in the country. Depending on whether the work you'll be doing is unskilled or skilled, you'll
need a different kind of permit. In most cases, these licences are only awarded if there are no
available South African citizens qualified for the work that you will be doing. The following are
the different kinds of work permit that the South African government issues.

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1. QUOTA WORK VISA

If you are applying for a Quota Work Visa, then you need to submit these documents along with
the BI-1738 (Temporary Resident Permit) application form:

A passport that will be valid for at least 30 days after the expiry of your resident permit;

Payment of the required fee;

A vaccination certificate (if applicable);

Bank reports, money on hand or travellers cheques to prove that you can cover your
living expenses while in South Africa;

health and radiology statements;

A police freedom certificate from every nation in which you dwelled for 12 months or
more since the age of 18 years.

To complete your application for a quota work visa you must also:

Make a cash deposit equal to the price of a ticket;

surrender certification from the South African Qualifications Authority that confirms that
you are qualified for the job that you will be doing in South Africa;

Submit a confirmation that you have the work experience required for the job;

Sign up with the applicable trade body, if needed by authority;

Give out all of the required documentation for your spouse and/or dependents if they are
going to come with you.

Also, within 90 days of admission to South Africa, you must submit confirmation that you have
permanent employment within the category or class that your work permit covers. You must
continue to send this confirmation every 12 months as well.
2. GENERAL WORK VISA

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A General Work Visa in South Africa is valid for as long as your contract of employment
continues. To get this visa you must produce the following documentation:

A completed application form signed by yourself, the applicant;

An official passport for a minimum 30 days after your anticipated departure date;

Payment of the required fee;

A vaccination certificate, if required;

Bank statements, proof of available cash, or travellers cheques to prove that you can
cover your living expenses while in South Africa until you get a salary;

Medical and radiology reports;

A police clearance certificate from each country in which you've lived for a year or more
since you were 18 years old;

A money deposit equivalent to the significance of a return ticket or an undertaking from

the employer to cover costs for deportation, if necessary;

An employment agreement signed in cooperation with you and your manager;

Original proof of qualifications for the job and assessment thereof by the South African
Qualifications Authority. In the event that the capabilities are in a remote dialect, you
must have the archives deciphered into one of the official dialects by a sworn interpreter
(and give evidence of enlistment of the interpreter);

The first ad of the post/position as it showed up in the national printed media. The ad
must agree to regulation 16(5);
o It must reflect the full particulars of the relevant newspaper or magazine as well
as date on which the advertisement was published;
o It must stipulate the minimum qualifications and experience required to fill the
position;

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o It must clearly define the position and the duties to be performed;

o It must measure at least 60mm by 60mm;
o It must state the closing date for applications;
o The closing date of the advertisement should not be more than three months
before when you apply for a work permit.

Confirmation that all short-recorded hopefuls have been met regarding regulation 16(4)
(d);

A letter of inspiration from the head honcho as needed in regulation 16(4)(d);

A letter of enrolment, if required by law, from the pertinent expert body/board.

Alternatively a verification that you will enlist with the significant expert body, board or
committee in the Republic of South Africa, where appropriate;

Full particulars of the superintendent, incorporating confirmation of enrolment with the

Registrar of Companies;

A testament by the Department of Labour or a concentrate from the database of a

benchmarking association stipulating the compensation earned by representatives
involving comparative positions in the Republic of South Africa;

All obliged documentation for a mate and/or kids on the off chance that they will be
coming with you.

To keep your work permit in good standing, you need to submit proof that you're still employed.
There should also be the terms and conditions of the job and the job description to the DirectorGeneral of the Department of Home Affairs. You must submit this proof six months after you get
your work permit and then every year thereafter.
3. CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISA
A Critical Skills Visa will allow you to apply for jobs that South African workers don't have the
skills to fill. These work visas are valid for three years only. To apply for a critical skills work
visa you need to submit the following:
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A completed application form signed by yourself;

A passport applicable in at least 30 days after the expiry of intended visit;

Payment of the prescribed fee;

A vaccination certificate, if required;

Bank statements, proof of available cash, or travellers cheques to prove that you can
cover your living expenses while in South Africa until you receive a salary;

A cash deposit equal to the value of a return ticket or an undertaking from the employer
to cover costs for deportation, if necessary;

health and radiology statements;

A police freedom report from every state in which you have lived for 12 months or more
since you were 18 years old;

A statement from an outside or South African organ of State, or from a set up South
African scholarly, social or business body, affirming your remarkable abilities or
capabilities;

Testimonials from past bosses, if pertinent, and a far-reaching educational module vitae;

Other confirmation to substantiate the outstanding aptitudes or capabilities, for example,

distributions and testimonial.

A letter of inspiration that demonstrates that your exceptional skills will be beneficial to
the South African surroundings in which you aim to work from;

Give out all of the required documentation for your spouse and/or dependents if they are
going to come with you.

4. INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER WORK VISA

Sometimes multi-national companies decide to transfer an existing employee from a foreign
branch to a branch in South Africa. As part of the employee's coming to South Africa, they must
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apply for an intra-company transfer work permit. Intra-company transfer work permits are good
for 2 years only. They cannot be renewed or extended.
Your application for this kind of visa needs to include:

A completed application form signed by yourself;

A passport applicable a minimum of thirty days after the projected date of your departure;

Payment of the prescribed fee;

A vaccination certificate, if required;

Bank statements, proof of available cash, or travellers cheques to prove that you can
cover your living expenses while in South Africa until you receive a salary;

A cash deposit equal in value to a return ticket;

An employment contract with the company that you are currently working for;

A letter from the employer/company that you are currently working for that confirms that
you shall be moved to a division/partner corporation in South Africa;

A statement from the South African organization where you will work, affirming the
exchange from the guardian/partnered organization. This letter ought to indicate the
occupation and limit in which you will be utilized and ought to likewise declare that the
most extreme span of livelihood won't be longer than 2 years;

An undertaking by the employer:

o That you will depart South Africa when your 2-year duration ends,
o Confirming that your passport is valid, and

That you will be utilized in the position for which the grant is issued.

Health and radiology statements;

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A police freedom report from every state in which you have lived for 12 months or more
since you were 18 years old;

Give out all of the required documentation for your spouse and/or dependents if they are
going to come with you.

5. CORPORATE VISAS
One way to work in South Africa under special circumstances is to work on a corporate visa.
These corporate visas allow a corporate entity (such as a mine gathering, rancher, and so on.) to
utilize a pre-decided number of talented/semi-gifted/incompetent labourers. These permits are
unique because they are valid for as long as the company that applied for them will offer their
holders work.
Applying for this sort of work permit follows the usual checklist. But, most of the application
process is done at by corporation that ordered the visas.
Along with the corporate work permit, unskilled workers will need temporary residence permits
to enter South Africa. Talented labourers should apply for general work licenses. However,
because they are coming to South Africa at the request of a company, skilled workers dont need
to possess all of the requirements for general work permits.
6. BUSINESS VISAS
If you are taking into consideration opening a company in South Africa, then you will need a
business visa. Along with a completed Form BI-1738 (the application for Temporary Residence
Permit), you will also need to provide a certificate given out by a chartered accountant. The
accountant has to be registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants that
states that you have:

At least 2,500,000 ZAR (INR 12,700,000) in cash;

A capital contribution of at least 2,500,000 ZAR(INR 12,700,000); or

At least 2,000,000 ZAR (INR 10,261,300) in cash and a capital contribution of at least
500,000 ZAR (INR 2,565,000) that is coming from abroad. It should be accessible to be
contributed as a feature of the book estimation of your business;
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A business plan outlining the feasibility of your business in both the long term and the
short term;

Proof that at least five citizens or permanent residents of South Africa will be
permanently employed or proof that have you undertaken to employ permanently at least
five citizens or permanent residents;

Proof that you've begun the process of registering with South African Revenue Services;

Proof of registration with the trade body, board, or council that is relevant to your
business (if applicable);

A police freedom report from every state in which you've lived in since you turned 18,
including South Africa;

A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled or intend to travel through an
area of Africa where yellow fever is very common;

A repatriation deposit that is of equal value to a return ticket to India or a state where you
are a civilian or lasting resident. This deposit is refundable after your final departure from
South Africa or after you have acquired a permanent residence permit for South Africa;

Medical and radiology reports.

South Africa's intents to keep its traditionally strong economic sectors prosperous while
expanding into more knowledge-based area. Therefore, the capital requirements listed above may
be reduced or waived if your business is in one of these sectors:

Information and Communication Technology

Clothing and textile manufacturing

Chemicals and biotechnology

Agro-processing

Metals and minerals refinement

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Automotive manufacturing

Tourism

Crafts

INVESTMENT
Because South Africa is an emerging market, investors are welcomed, and they also have the
chance to make incredible gains. However, while as South Africa is open to investment; it is not
necessarily easy to invest in the country. Baffling regulations and an inconsistent implementation
of those regulations can make the process of investing in the country difficult.
South Africa is internationally acknowledged as a nation with a strong economy that is
developing quickly. It is a member of the BRICS association of emerging national economies, so
its economic future is bright. In fact, even though South Africa's economy was damaged by the
2008 financial crash, it bounced back much more quickly than other nations. Hosting the World
Cup in 2010 is credited with the country's quick recover. That also speaks to the strength of the
country's tourism industry: not only did they win the hosting rights; they also drew in massive
numbers. South Africa recognizes India as a major trading partner, and consequently, Indian
investment in South Africa is common. And since foreign businesses in South Africa only require
a legal representative to be in the country, it's possible for Indians investing in South Africa to
stay in India. Finally, because South Africa wants to encourage foreign investment to strengthen
its economy and bring jobs into the country, there are few to no restrictions on foreign
investment.
Of course, there are a few benefits and risks to consider when investing in South Africa.
Benefits

South Africa has a lot of potential in the markets, a developed infrastructure, and a
domestic economy that's fairly competitive;

Economic reforms that have led to macroeconomic stability, and tax and customs
reductions are in place;

South Africa has a large and active stock exchange;

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The country has moved away from focussing on mining and agriculture in order to
concentrate on production and financial services, sectors that are now major contributors
to South Africa's GDP;

Both the retail and the tourism sectors have a lot of potential.

Risks

South Africa still struggles with a high rate of criminal violence and official corruption;

The country's labour market is highly regulated;

There are poor and/or unclear regulations in essential sectors like telecommunications;

The process of import-export can be complex.

TYPES OF INVESTMENT
The following investment opportunities are the most prominent in South Africa:

Government Securities: These are debt securities issued by the government to fund
large public projects. They are issued in the form of bonds.

Exchange Traded Funds: These are open-ended investment funds that are listed and
traded on a stock exchange. The money from all investors is pooled and invested based
on the objective of the investment.

Unit Trust Fund: In UTFs, the money is pooled along with the money of the other
shareholders to empower in a range of property based on the objectives and approaches
of the investment.

Others: Shares in companies, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Structured

Deposits, and Contract for Differences (CFDs) constitute the other investment options.

FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTIES

The future of foreign ownership of property in South Africa is uncertain. Statements from Jacob
Zuma, the country's president, in July of 2015 suggest that foreign companies will no longer be
able to own property in South Africa. Instead, they'll only be able to lease land for periods of 30
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to 50 years. However, until these policies are put in place, there are few to no restrictions on
foreign ownership of property.
INVESTING AND IMMIGRATION
South Africa has no special programmes that let investors gain Permanent Resident or Citizen
Status faster than people who are not investors. However, if you have at least 2,500,000 ZAR
(around INR 12,700,000) that you intend to invest, then you can apply for Permanent Resident
status without having to meet any of these other criteria:

Has assumed a provisional dwelling permit for at least five years and has permanent
employment;

Has been married or in a recognized permanent relationship with a citizen or holder of a

permanent residence permit for five years;

Is currently under twenty-one years old and is a child of a citizen or a permanent resident;
or

Is a child of a citizen?

UNDERSTANDING THE NEW LIFE

Since South Africa is a multicultural country with a diverse society, Indians can easily enter into
it. This is especially true around the KwaZulu-Natal area where you'll find the city of Durban.
This is the city that some say is the most Indian place outside of India. In general, the country is
a mix of urban metropolitan areas and more homogenous rural areas. Indians that are more
familiar with places in India that are less metropolitan might have some difficulty moving to
South Africa since the cities are the best places to go for jobs and for safety.
These are a number the main things that you'll want to consider when preparing for life in South
Africa:

Though life in South Africa might not be as expensive as in the US or the UK, the cost of
living in South Africa is significantly higher than in India. The country's cities continue to
expand slowly because of a wealth gap, so rent continues to be high, and cars and transit

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are more expensive than in India. However, with the proper planning, the extra costs can
be overcome.

South African cities boast a range of activities for leisure time. These include going to
museums and galleries, shopping, going to the cinema, visiting national parks, and
enjoying radio and television broadcasts.

Because South Africa is such a big country, it has a varied climate. Moving from the
coast to the interior, the climate starts out as Mediterranean and becomes more dry and
desert-like.

Though South Africa has made a lot of progress towards living up to its nickname of the
Rainbow Nation; it still has room to improve equality between the various people who
call it home. Because of poverty and a high unemployment rate, some areas of the
country see a lot of violent crimes.

South Africans might not dump their garbage on the roadside as some people do in India,
but the country does have problems with air pollution and general tidiness.

South Africa is still working on stabilizing its electrical grid and making internet
available to every household in major centres. If you decide to move to South Africa, be
sure to watch the blackout forecasts and know that you might not have convenient
internet access.

South Africa is home to 11 official languages, including English, and all 11 are widely
spoken. These languages include Tamil, Hindi, and Urdu.

Religious acceptance has gone hand in hand with diversity in South Africa, and there are
plenty of temples, mosques, and shrines in major centres.

KNOW THE COUNTRY

Having a basic idea of the South Africa's history, culture, law, facilities, etc. can help reduce the
alienation you might feel when moving from India to South Africa. The cultural similarities are
an advantage in this regard; however, there are many aspects of South Africa that an immigrant
should learn.
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CLIMATE
As a large country, South Africa has a variety of climates in its different regions. For example, in
the Western Cape area you'll find a Mediterranean sort of climate. But on the northern side of the
state, you'll find a drier, desert-like climate. Also, winters are cold and summers are rainy in the
northern parts of the country while winters are rainy along the western coastal regions. Rain is
always possible over the central and eastern coasts. Temperatures range from 28C during the
warmest parts of the year and 1C during the coldest. Overall, the country gets 500mm of rainfall
a year, so it is somewhat dry.
LAND
South Africa is about one-third the size of India in land area. The country is basically a large
plateau surrounded by mountains, which are themselves surrounded by coastline. A significant
part of the eastern region of the nation is forested, and the western part is semi-desert. Despite
this variety of land types, getting between major centres in the country is fairly easy. Along with
highways, there are also rails that run between cities. However, you can only access some rural
areas by plane. About 4% of South Africa is designated for nature preserves or national parks.
Two of these, Kgalagadi Tran Frontier Park and Kruger National Park, are known worldwide as
great nature and animal sanctuaries. Though South Africa earned high scores for air quality,
agriculture, and forests in the Environmental Performance Index's 2014 survey, the countrys
overall rank was 72 out of 178 countries involved.
LANGUAGE
South Africa has 22 major languages. Eleven of them (Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho,
Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu) are official. The other 11 (Arabic, German,
Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Portuguese, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telegu, and Urdu) are designated as
languages that should be promoted and developed. Most of these languages are dialects of native
South Africans or people who came to settle here throughout the country's long history.
In the country's different regions, all of these languages are spoken to varying degrees. In fact,
people in some rural areas don't speak either Afrikaans or English, but those are the two main
languages used in communication in the rest of the country. Despite this diversity of language,

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English is becoming more and more prominent as the language of South African government,
education, and business.
GOVERNMENT
South Africa is a democratic republic. The country's legal system is based on a mix of RomanDutch civil law, English Common Law, and customary laws. The most important document in
South African governance is The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, adopted in 1996.
Nothing in the country can supersede this document's authority and the laws, regulations, and
amendments it contains.
The country's government contains three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial (like
India's government). The executive branch is in charge of the various aspects of life and
infrastructure in South Africa (education, healthcare, sport, etc.) and consists of the President and
a cabinet. The legislative branch, or Parliament, is made up of three to four hundred Members of
Parliament and ten representatives from each of South Africa's provinces. The provincial
representatives in Parliament are responsible for presenting provincial issues while the Members
of Parliament are responsible for representing their electorate and voting on laws and reforms.
The head of South Africa's Parliament is the Speaker. It is Parliament's job to make sure that the
executive branch does its job and follows the constitution. The judicial branch is the country's
court system and is responsible for making sure that those who break the countrys laws receive
justice. In this system, the two highest courts are the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court
of Appeal. In the South African system, the President is both the chief of state and the head of
government.
DISTRICTS
South Africa was originally a combination of two former British colonies; the Cape of Good
Hope and Natal. It was also a combination two former Boer republics, the Transvaal and the
Orange Free State established by the British Parliaments South Africa Act of 1909. In this state,
the country was run on a parliamentary system with the British monarchy as its head. Then, 52
years later, the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act of 1961 changed the country from a
territory inside the British Commonwealth to an independent republic. The next big change for
South Africa's districts came in 1994 when the four original provinces were joined with the four
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homelands of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei and reorganized into nine provinces.
These are the provinces of modern South Africa:

Western Cape

Northern Cape

Eastern Cape

North-West

Free State

Gauteng

Mpumalanga

Limpopo

KwaZulu-Natal

Along with these administrative divisions, South Africa also has a few Industrial Development
Zones (IDZs). These IDZs are large industrial estates that are linked to international ports. Most
IDZs are along South Africa's south-eastern and north-eastern coasts.
SAFETY AND POLICE
South Africa still has some struggles with managing crime. A wealth gap, poverty, and high
unemployment all contribute to crime in the country, and fixing these problems is a long process.
South Africa is policed by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The SAPS is in charge of
basic day-to-day security. This police force has both regular and reserve members, so it is
possible for it to muster whenever larger problems might occur. However, in the 2014-2015
Global Competitiveness Report, business executives reported that South Africa's police force
was generally unreliable. There is also a history of corruption in the country's national police
force. The national police force considers any threat to the country's security or safety a crime.
Crime in the country is primarily anything that would cause public disorder or anything that
could be seen as terrorism though most of the reported crimes involve theft and kidnapping. The
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general emergency number in South Africa is 10111. You can also dial 112 from any cell phone
to reach an emergency call centre that will direct your call.
HOUSING
After reaching South Africa, one of your topmost priorities will be finding a suitable home.
Rental homes and apartments are the most accessible forms of housing in South Africa, but even
they can be restrictively priced if you're used to rental or home prices in India. For example,
apartments in Cape Town and Johannesburg can cost from 19,920 ZAR (INR 102,200) to
54,158 ZAR (INR 277,860) per month. However, most rents are negotiable, and landlords
prefer to rent to non-resident foreigners.
If you are exacting on the excellence of your housing, you might want to be in South Africa
before you start looking for a place to live. It is possible to go through the process of finding a
place to live while you are still in India, but it will be easier to do once you're in South Africa.
Most property owners and real estate agencies will need to see proof of employment, and if you
are in the country, then you can see the places that interest you in person. The South African
government does provide public housing, but these places are generally reserved for the poorest
South Africans to help them escape from poverty. If you're interested in meeting new people,
however, you can find social housing in every major South African city. A social housing unit is
a house in which every bedroom is rented out to a different person, and the kitchen and bathroom
are shared.
Real estate agents can be contacted by email, on their websites, or by phone whether you're
already in South Africa or still in India. Websites like iproperty.com, property24.com, and
seeff.com are excellent places to find housing online.
Of course, along with figuring out how much of your budget will go to housing, you require
choosing the conditions you want for your home. Anyone moving to South Africa must think
about the following aspects:

How many rooms do you need?

Do you want extra facilities (workout room, pool, shared laundry, etc.) or just the basics?

How close do you want to be to where you work?

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What sorts of transit options do you want to have nearby?

Do you want to live downtown, in an urban centre, in the suburbs, or out in the
countryside?

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Similar to most states, real estate negotiators are helpful when it comes to learning about South
Africa's various housing options, rules, and procedures, the general cost of housing, etc. On
average, South African real estate agents charge a 7% commission. Although, along with rent
usually being negotiable, this commission can also be negotiated with your agent. But if you'd
rather work directly with landlords and owners, there are many websites and local newspapers
that will give you enough information to search for housing on your own.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Once you have found a few properties, you have to make a selection. Here are some of the things
you'll want to consider:

If you do not plan to own a car, a place near transport facilities will be ideal. Taxis and
bus service are widely available in South Africa's larger cities. Bus fare is quite cheap,
but the price of taxis can quickly climb.

If you are trying to reduce expenses, you can negotiate your rent. As part of these
negotiations, it is sometimes possible to opt out of extra services or amenities if you do
not want access to them.

If you're going to live in South Africa for a short time, it may be cheaper to rent an
apartment that is furnished so that you do not have to buy any furniture or small
appliances.

Be aware of any special designations that your potential new home might have. If you
move into a heritage property, for example, you will not be able to bring in your own
furniture.

Ask the property owner to show your approval letter before finalising the apartment.

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Be aware of the rules around subletting in South Africa if you want to sublet or rent as a
sub letter.

If you are moving with kids, ensure that there are vacancies in nearby schools. You
should also look for schools that are suitable for your children and their educational
needs.

Be aware of any rules about pets that your landlord may have and be sure to follow them.

Air conditioning is considered a luxury in South Africa, but the need for heating during
the winter varies from region to region. Be sure to learn about any extra appliances or
utilities you'll need depending on the climate of your new home.

THE LEASE
When renting in South Africa, the responsibility of creating a lease falls to the tenant. As such,
you will have to put your offer in a written form following the Rental Housing Act as a guide.
You can also get a lawyer to draft your lease for you. Both you and your landlord must sign this
document. You and your landlord must also inspect the property before your occupancy begins,
to make a list of pre-existing defects. When your lease has expired, you and your landlord must
inspect the property again to see if any damage has occurred over the course of your lease. If a
deposit was given to the landlord to cover possible damage, it is the landlord's legal
responsibility to put this deposit in an interest-earning bank account. At the end of your lease, the
landlord is supposed to use the amount from that account to cover any damages and return the
balance to you.
UTILITIES AND SERVICES
Water and electricity are provided by the government, but other utilities like telecommunications,
the internet, and satellite TV have to be purchased from other sources.

Electricity and Water: Both of these utilities are provided by the government. Accounts
are set up with your local municipality and bills can be paid at the municipal office or
your nearest post office.

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Phone service for home: South Africa prides itself on its telecommunications systems,
and there are a few different private companies that provide service. Accounts are set up
with these companies and bills are paid to them, generally through the mail or in-person
payments.

Satellite TV: South Africa does not have much in the way of cable TV because it lacks
the infrastructure. However, satellite TV is available from MultiChoice. An account is set
up directly with the provider, and bills can be paid in a few ways though the most
common are in person or via mail.

Internet access: People in South Africa generally access the internet through their
mobile devices, at work, university, or in internet cafes. However, home internet
connections are available through internet service providers for about 311 ZAR (INR
1600) per month. Costs can be compensated online, through the mail, or physically in
person.

Once you have moved into your new house, you should update the address on your work passes
and/or residency permit so that the government can send official communications. The South
African Revenue Service sends the tax forms to the registered address.
BUSINESS IN South Africa
In South Africa's race to reach its full potential, the government is eager for investment to grow
the economy and increase South Africa's global profile. If you're interested in starting a business
in the country, you'll need to apply for a business visa. Some investors shy away from South
Africa because it is an emerging economy and that makes it unpredictable. However, if you are
interested in decent returns on long-term investments, then South Africa is a good place to invest.
Component of the procedure of applying for a business visa is submitting a detailed business
plan. As such, if you are granted a business visa, then your business has been approved; and you
can start setting it up. Starting the business can be quite easy since South Africa allows
businesses to be 100% foreign-owned. Remittance of funds outside of the country is allowed,
with only South African income tax applied to it.

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Along with the business visa, it is also possible for you to apply for an Independent Financial
Permit. It is quicker to get an Independent Financial Permit; and there are fewer criteria to meet,
but it can also be more expensive since it does not involve applying for temporary residency.
If you are trying to get a Business Visa, your business must fulfil a few requirements:

The business must not be illegal and should follow all government regulations;

Your company can be in any sector, and it is generally advised that you register your
business before starting it;

The starting capital required for any business is the same as that required for your
business visa,2,500,000 ZAR(INR 12,700,000);

You must own at least 25% of the company;

At least 60% of your employees must be South African.

The Business Visa and Independent Financial Permit do not need to be renewed. However, in the
case of the Business Visa, you will need to renew your temporary resident permit as necessary.
Your business will be audited, but the frequency of these audits is largely your decision. Family
members can be brought over on a business visa. Children will need study permits if they are still
attending school. Your spouse will need a work permit if he or she is looking for a job while in
the country.
TYPES OF BUSINESS
There are various types of business ownership under South African law, and depending on the
type of business the rules and regulations are subject to change. This section provides
information about the kinds of business opportunities in South Africa.
AN INDIVIDUAL/SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
When starting a business as an individual in South Africa, there are no formalities required. The
business is not considered a separate entity; and so all of the business's dealings are viewed as
having been closed by the involved party. Because of this, you, as the sole proprietor, have
unlimited liability.
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PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES

Partnerships and Joint Ventures are possible between two or more people (up to a certain number
depending on the nature of your business). The maximum number of people involved may be
increased with permission of the relevant Minister. All you need to do to form a business
partnership in South Africa is the following:

Two or more people concur to take action jointly in hunting a course;

Both parties make a contribution (whether in money or otherwise);

The purpose of the venture is to make a profit;

The parties involved divide any profit (or loss) between them.

Although no formalities are required, a written agreement is usually drawn up.

PRIVATE COMPANIES
Private companies are typically the choice for most foreigners setting up a business in South
Africa. This type of business structure does not place any prohibition on foreign shareholding
and only requires one shareholder and one director. However, under the new Companies Act,
private companies are not allowed to offer securities to the public.
Private companies are considered separate legal entities. As such, these businesses are taxed
separately from their owners and offer shareholders protection against liability.
To start a private company, you will need to reserve a company name, complete a memorandum
of incorporation, and have the written consent of any auditors who may be acting for the
company.
PUBLIC COMPANIES
Generally speaking, public companies are set up to offer shares to the general public to raise
capital. These companies require at least one shareholder and three directors.
Public companies are known as Ltd. companies and have their own legal identity.
PERSONAL LIABILITY COMPANIES
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Personal liability companies are those which have incorporated as outlined in section 8(2) (c) of
the Companies Act. As a result, the terms of these companies' memorandum of incorporation
(MOI) will state that the executives and past chiefs are mutually and severally obligated.
Together with the organization, for any obligations and liabilities of the organization which were
incurred during their time in office. Typically attorneys and accountants form these sorts of
companies.
NON-PROFIT COMPANIES
A non-profit company is one that is established for cultural or social activities or communal and
group interests. These companies' income is simply used to run the company and cover costs but
is not distributed to any stakeholder.
FOREIGN AND EXTERNAL COMPANIES
Foreign and external companies are the business type that branches of foreign companies fall
under. These companies are incorporated outside of South Africa but trade within the country. As
a requirement, these companies must register as an external company with the CIPC and they
might not provide safety to the South African people.
TAXATION
Before setting up a business in South Africa, you must understand the various tax laws and the
impact of the tax system. Since 2001, South Africa has had a source-based tax system in place.
This means that for non-residents, only personal income from a business based in South Africa is
taxed by the South African government. People with resident status in South Africa have their
worldwide gross income taxed by the government. Likewise, if a business is incorporated,
established, formed, or effectively managed in or from South Africa, then it is taxed according to
the countrys tax codes. Branch offices of companies established or incorporated in other
countries are considered non-resident entities, and only income made in South Africa is taxed.

The South Africa of today identifies itself as a nation on the rise. Since forming a
democratic republican government in 1994, it has taken huge steps towards becoming a
leading economic world superpower and is recognized as one of the major emerging
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economies of the world. South Africa also prides itself on its diversity; and this is reflected
in the country's nickname: the Rainbow Nation. And diversity sums up South Africa: it is a
place with diverse people, lands, opportunities, and challenges. Along with the Dutch and
English, Indians were among the first foreign nationals to have a major influence on the
culture and society of South Africa, and so you will find many familiar things in South
Africa. Immigration to the country comes mostly from Europe, but there are enough
people from India coming to the country to help make you feel at home. But no matter
where you're coming from, people are drawn to South Africa because of the opportunities
that it presents for living, working, and investing.
The history of Indians runs deep in South Africa. Starting in 1654, Indians were brought to
the Cape as slaves. Through 1820 Indians arrived from Bencoolen and in 1859, now a
British colony, the Natal Coolie law is passed. It made it feasible for the Natal Colony to
present the movement of Indians as obligated work with workers. They needed to have the
choice to come back to India after five years or re-indenture, thus making it possible for
Indians to stay in the colony permanently. The indentured labourers were also entitled to a
gift of crown land and full citizenship rights. In 1861, the first shop was opened by an
Indian entrepreneur in Durban, and today most businesses here are owned by Indians.
A mineral-rich country with breath-taking landscapes and a stable economy, South Africa
is a great place to invest and settle down. From Gauteng to Cape Town, South Africa has a
lot to offer, and you will find it a welcoming environment to raise children and create
businesses or find employment. India, an increasingly important technology hub, is
recognized for the talents that can be imported to complement the ever-growing internet
and technology sectors of South Africa. The Indian community had thrived since 1861 in
business, education, merchant trading, and many more sectors. Technology is on the rise in
South Africa, where some of the worlds most notable billionaires like Elon Musk (PayPal),
Mark Shuttle worth, and more got their start.
Immigrants who are in a position to contribute to growing South Africas economy will be
welcomed. Applications by skilled workers are also welcomed and encouraged, particularly
applicants by industrialists and other entrepreneurs who wish to relocate their existing
business establishments or establish new businesses in South Africa.
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South Africa Tourism runs a state-of-the-art global call centre, based in Johannesburg and
connected to local lines in some countries. The line has up-to-date information on all
services and products, accommodations, transportation, activities, immigration, events, and
contacts.
Calling from India especially, the following helpline is provided: 0008004401083. There is
also an email: info@SouthAfrica.net.
If you are trying to immigrate or get employed in one of the most exciting countries in the
world, South Africa should be number one on your list. Cities like Gauteng, Bloemfontein,
Durban, and Cape Town have abundance of young people and a lot to offer in terms of
infrastructure, shopping areas, rental properties, and farming communities.
Lastly, do not miss the Garden Route, an eight hundred kilometre stretch of forested,
coasted areas between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth. It is the crown of South Africas
beauty. South Africa has three thousand kilometres of coastline that hold many
undiscovered treasures, unspoiled spots avoided standard tourists. Find space, protection,
delicate sand and clear blue waters of the countrys most sacred beaches.

Part D: SUMMARY
Globalization is a worldwide factor that has affected and influenced the migration of people from
different parts of the world to other parts of the world, especially Indians. This movement has
enabled the creation and sustainability of transnational communities with the estimated 220
million Indians living in the Diaspora, which accounts for close to three percent of the worlds
total population.
There are some aspects that manipulate the transmigration patterns of Indians. Among them is
the increasing mobility of foreign labour which can be provided cheaply and on a large scale,
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population pressure, and very dynamic settlement patterns. In addition, there has been the need
for public diplomacy that India and its strategic economic partners feel that they need to create in
addition to the ever-increasing security concerns.
Indian migration has proved to be unstoppable over the years; and the question is no longer if
Indians can migrate to other parts of the world, but how that migration can be managed. This
movement is critical to the movement of labour, the use of capital, and for regional integration. It
is crucial to understanding how to capitalize on this migration. Therefore the move by the Indian
government to set up an annual conference that allows non-resident Indians and persons of
Indian origin. It is only for the people who are interested in Indias welfare to meet with the
Prime Minister and President, among other Indian dignitaries. The purpose was to discuss their
welfare and how best they can contribute to their homeland.
In India, migration patterns and the flow of both skilled and unskilled people has undergone
changes, from the pre-colonial period to the modern day with its advanced technology. For the
unskilled, public administration policies continue to hamper their migration, both within India
and in the host countries. At the same time, this is the key to ensuring the protection and
safeguarding of the Indian migrants wherever they go. There is also the need to ensure that
transmigration systems in and out of India are transparent and can regulate transnational
migration of Indians.
Though migration into other countries has its benefits including economic growth, stability, and
development through improved living standards, Indians are still misinformed about life, and
there are widespread stereotypical views at the moment. However, violence and xenophobic
reactions remain real threats to non-resident Indians whether in the developed or developing
countries.
No matter the atrocities faced by the non-residents, professionals of all skill levels remain major
contributors to the societies they are in, regardless of their income and social class. They all
make the society diverse, bring more and more innovation and ensure that they have an impact
on the economy and the education system, wherever they are.
There is an assumption that all Indian emigrants always travel and settle either north or northeast
of India. This assumption has no truth to it. Data collected indicates that close to half of
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migrating Indians move to the developed countries such as the United States of America,
Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. If properly managed, this transition will benefit the host
countries, as the majority of Indians often opt to remain in the host countries and work there.
It is for this reason that the international community needs to foster international cooperation. It
also needs to emulate the example set by Google and Microsoft. Therefore there will be trust in
the intellectual ability of India to come up with next-generation and problem-solving technology
products aimed at relieving mankind from everyday challenges. It will lead to encouraging
entrepreneurship and innovation.

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