Many foreigners are moving to Madagascar, either for professional reasons or in the hope of spending a sunny retirement.
It must be said that this large island in the Indian Ocean has a lot to offer. But how to prepare and carry out this project?
The Formalities That Expats in Madagascar Need to Fulfill
A visa is mandatory for any expat in Madagascar. There are two main types, and it is essential to apply for the immigrant one if you are planning to settle permanently on the island.
This document is valid for one month by default. But it can be transformed into a long-term visa within one month of the beginning of your expatriation.
It should be noted that it is necessary to show an extract of your criminal record. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get this visa. Other more specific documents that you might need to present with your application are:
- A Malagasy work contract
- A certificate of retirement
- Proof of income.
Registration on the list of nationals of your country living abroad is not mandatory. But it is strongly recommended for security reasons, and to facilitate any administrative procedures.
Settling and Living in Madagascar as an Expat
Living in Madagascar as an expat is not expensive. And daily life is quite affordable, except if you wish to have a comfort level similar to what is standard in western Europe or the United States.
Overall, everything is more expensive in the big cities or very touristy areas. Whether it is food, transportation, or housing.
Housing conditions can be a little disconcerting for a European person who has never been to Madagascar. Not all apartments are connected to the water and electricity network or do not necessarily have a water heater.
It is important to check these elements before renting or buying. They will obviously influence the price of the property.
Expat in Madagascar With Kids
Another expense to be taken into account in the budget is the schooling of children if you are moving to Madagascar with your family.
The public school is very affordable, but the learning conditions and the equipment offered are quite insufficient. Due to this, expats in Madagascar often choose private schools. Their prices and quality vary greatly.
Jobs in Madagascar for Expats
The sectors that offer more jobs in Madagascar for expats are the following:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Telecommunications.
The local labor market is not comparable to that of Europe and is largely dominated by agriculture.
It is necessary to obtain a work permit if you wish to work in Madagascar. It is generally the employer who takes care of this process.
Moving to Madagascar: Health Insurance for Foreigners
All employees must be affiliated by their employer to the Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale during their expatriation to Madagascar. The self-employed are not covered by the Malagasy social security system.
This insurance system does not cover illness, only work-related accidents, and occupational diseases. And the local health system is of poor quality.
All services are subject to a fee, both in public and private medical institutions. Medicines are often in short supply, and there is no emergency service as such.
Therefore, in case of an accident or illness requiring proper care, it is very common to turn to medical facilities in other countries in the area. Due to these issues, in Madagascar, health insurance is almost mandatory.
Taking out an international policy that covers common health expenses, hospitalization costs, repatriation, and evacuation is essential. It will grant you satisfactory reimbursements in the event of an accident or illness, and also an appropriate level of care.
To choose the most suitable contract among all the offers available on the market, the easiest solution is to use an online insurance comparison tool. It will allow you to obtain detailed quotes quickly and free of charge.
