Q1. What should I bring with me?

A1. You can bring all the stuff you need to make your stay in Africa as comfortable as possible. However , note that costs of moving bulky items can be steep. You may also be charged some import duty by the government or incur dumping penalties for items that may be considered obsolete or outdated. This mostly applies to vehicles, electronic goods or household appliances.  Just bring the essentials. 

 

Q2. How much does it cost to relocate to Africa?

A2. This depends both on the country you traveling from and the one you are traveling to. Apart from your airline ticket you will need a visa (in most cases), Residence Permits as well as accommodation costs. Since you might not start earning any income immediately, you require money for your food during the period you will be settling in and starting your business. Bring some reserve cash with you for sustenance.

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Q3. What are the business opportunities available?

A3. There are numerous business and investment opportunities in Africa. Check out the current ones our "Investment Opportunities" Section.

 

Q4. How is the accommodation like?

A4. You can live in an apartment, town house, mansion or bungalow in big bustling city, or a simple grass thatched hut in a remote village. It all depends on your tastes and preference as well your ability to adopt to your new environment.

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Q5. What type of visa do I need?

A5. You can apply for a volunteer, business, tourist or retiree visas. It all depends on what activities you will be engaged in while in your new country.

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Q6. Can I try to experience the African lifestyle for a while before making the decision to relocate permanently?

A6. Yes. At Return To African, we have a program called the "Taste The Motherland" package. This all inclusive package

is designed to give you the opportunity to experience the authentic African lifestyle for a short period of time. This will give a you a feel of how things work in Africa, you get to see how the local people live, taste the local food, tour the favorite tourist attractions, historical sites and even get to engage in some volunteer jobs if you wish. The package includes visa processing, airport pick-Up and accommodation for a period not exceeding 9 months. Check out our products page under "Taste Mother Africa Package" or email us on admin@return.africa

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Q7. Can I work online while in Africa?

A7. Yes. There are several jobs opportunities available for expatriates. You will however need to check with the local labor office to confirm the terms of the work permit for the job that you want to apply for because in some cases, expatriates will ONLY be granted work permits on condition that no local personnel were available to fill in the position. Such a process may take time. There are limited "Work From Home" opportunities here on Return To Africa. Anyone interested should send their resume to admin@return.africa

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Q8. Can I find volunteer work?

A8. Yes. Check available volunteer opportunities here.  

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Q9. How much does residential accommodation cost?

A9. Depends on the city, town or village you decide to live in. Apartments range from 250$ to 600$ a month for a two bedrooms while town houses with a fenced yard and parking might go for around 500$ outside the main city center. A price guide for all available accommodation currently can be email to you upon request. Please state the town, city or country you are inquiring about in your email to admin@return.africa

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Q10. Can I open a bank account?

A10. Yes. You will need a valid passport for the process.

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Q11. What payment options are available when I go shopping?

A11.  Mobile Phone payments options are most popular and wide spread. Major credit and debit cards are also available and usable in many retail outlets.

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Q12. Where do I find fresh produce?

A12. Fresh produce markets are available in most urban and rural centers. You can also find assorted fruits and vegetables fish and meat at supermarkets.

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Q13. Can I buy and own real estate property?

A13. As a foreigner, you will need to check with the laws of the country you are in since some countries wont allow foreign  individuals to own land. In such cases, you might need to setup an investment company through which you can purchase land. For more information regarding land ownership, email on admin@return.africa

 

Q14. What if I get sick?

A14. In most urban cities, there are fairly good public and private hospitals. You will be able to use you international medical insurance in many of them. You can also purchase medical insurance from local health service providers. Ambulance rescue and evacuation services by road or air are also available. 

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Q15. What means of transport is suitable for me?

A15. Public transport is readily available, taxis, Ride Sharing Apps (Uber, Bolt, Little) as well as car hire services are easy to access. Trains, Ferry services and airlines service most urban cities.  You can also buy used cars form the many local dealerships.

 

Q16. Where will my children go to school?

A16. You have the choice of the local and international curriculum. Private schools will give you the latter choice. Technical and vocational training center are also available for post secondary school children.  

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Q17. Where will I work?

A17. There are limited employment opportunities for expatriates. Return to Africa offers Online jobs for those that may like to work form home. These are commission based jobs. Alternatively you can start a business and earn from it as your own employee. Many have found tremendous success in business. Those wishing to get employment assistance can email admin@return.africa

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Q18. How is the food?

A18. Not only is the local food very delicious, it is also healthily, nutritious and readily available at very affordable costs. 

 

Q19. Can I get western food?

A19. Yes. Many urban cities have western fast food outlets. KFC, Burger King and JAVA are common. You can also order deliciously made burgers, fries, Pizza and hotdogs from the many local restaurants and cafes.

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Q20. Can I find passive investment opportunities?

A20. Yes. Return To African provides investment opportunities. Check them here.

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Q21. Can I spend my retirement in Africa?

Q21. Yes you can and we at Return To Africa will assist you do so. Please provide your details here

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Q22. What charitable activities can I engage in?

Q22. You can volunteer or donate your resources such as books, computers, sports equipment, wheelchairs and other items through our philanthropy program. If you are interested in donating any items to a charity, please email admin@return.africa

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Q23. What are Preference Shares?

A23. They are a legal financial instruments that give you the means to own a company. They come in form of share certificates and an investment contract that defines the amount of Return On Investment (ROI) you will earn from your shares over a specified period of time.

 

Below are Questions and Answers Specific to Residency Issues in Tanzania.

 

1) Do you have to volunteer for a certain number of days or hours if you pick the volunteer one? 

YES. The minimum is at least 2 hours a week. Note that online and on-call (phone) volunteer work is also counted so you do not have to physically go to a location to fulfill this requirement. 

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2) If we choose to pick the Tanzania Business Residency package, can we still volunteer sometimes?

YES, but you will not need to register with the department of social services to be recognized as a part time volunteer.  

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3) Can you reserve the Packages and pay later in Installments?

YES, You can pay a 50% deposit and the balance in two installments. In this case the final installment MUST be paid at least 30 days before your planned travel date. It is however recommended that you pay in full and then defer your travel date. This is because Immigration rules and fees are constantly changing, and we need to pay the Government fees in full to get the reservation.

  

4) What does the Tanzania Business Investors Visa Offer? 

Its allows you to live and conduct business in Tanzania for a period of 3 years. It is renewable 

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5) Do these Residency packages include dependents as well and what is the fess for each dependent.

Check out the latest information here www.immigration.co.tz 

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6) Do I need to pay everything upfront in cost? 

YES, although in some cases your request for a payment plan could be accepted.

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7) Do we have to live in Tanzania/Zanzibar for us to qualify for anyone of these packages and still be able to come in and out as we please?  

YES, all the residency permits allow you to live in mainland Tanzania and/or Zanzibar for a period of 3 consecutive years and any additional renewed terms during which time you will be allowed to exit and re-enter the country without visa restrictions as many times as you wish.   

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8) How long do I have to live in Tanzania before I am allowed to apply for citizenship?   

You need to have stayed in the country for 11 years, with the 12 months before your application having all been spent in the country without exiting in order to be allowed to apply for citizenship.

And even in such a case, your citizenship application is not guaranteed unless you fulfill other conditions set by the government of the United Republic of Tanzania. 

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9. Can I engage in AirBnB business in Tanzania?

YES, as long as the business is legally registered and licensed, and the business has a valid TIN (Taxpayers Identification Number) from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). CAUTION: - Airbnb in Tanzania is considered a hotel accommodation business so you need to get a hotel service license from the relevant authority.  

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