In another post, Welcome to Madagascar, I talked about entering Madagascar with a tourist visa.
What happens if you feel like changing your life and settling in the land where pepper grows long-term, or for example, spending the Northern winter in the Southern summer?
How can one live in Madagascar and what hurdles must be overcome to make the decision possible?
A brief overview of the topic of emigrating to Madagascar is the topic of this post.
First of all, it is important to take some trips to the country to have at least a slight idea of what to expect and whether one can handle such a decision when confronted with the local reality.
Of course, the vision one has of this fascinating country from Europe is completely wrong. After having taken some trips to Madagascar, one may have a rough idea of what to expect, but it is still completely impossible to understand the people, their mentality, and the way of life of the Malagasy and to adapt to it. It’s something again. Living here permanently or being a frequent guest is a completely different experience. This decision should never be taken lightly, without experience and guidance. Regardless of income, whether retired or an entrepreneur, those who do not quickly understand the rules in Madagascar have little chance of staying more than 6 months, countless “traps” and obstacles of all kinds are always present. The easiest and least risky category are retirees and those who have a regular income in Europe, from which they can usually live exceptionally well here. Entry conditions are very simple. But I will explain that later in this article. Before embarking on your next adventure in Madagascar, it is important to register with the “Fokontany”. With the receipt of registration and your passport, you can then open a bank account.
The next step is in Europe:
You must obtain a certificate of good conduct with no record and have it translated into French by a sworn translator. Individuals with a criminal record cannot obtain a long-term visa for Madagascar.
Either through the internet on the website of the nearest embassy of Madagascar in Europe (easily found on Google), you can find the necessary information. To obtain a long-term visa for Madagascar, you can download the necessary forms and documents or inquire directly at the nearest embassy or consulate. After that, you must personally visit the nearest embassy and justify your request. Retirees or individuals with a regular income are privileged in this process.
The next category is also straightforward – those who are married to Malagasy citizens or have children from mixed marriages can also obtain a long-term visa for family reunification reasons.
Entrepreneurs and other business founders must first establish the basics in Madagascar and then establish their company here. Members working in aid organizations, missionaries, and others who are here for religious reasons can apply for it with the appropriate justification. At the embassy, one must apply for a “Transformable Visa,” as mentioned earlier, it is paid and is valid for only one month from entry.
Entry to Madagascar with the “Transformable Visa”
All necessary documents are required before the provisional residence permit expires in order to submit all necessary documents in a timely manner. It is advisable to take care of all necessary documents early to avoid delays. An efficient advisor can help expedite the process and ensure that everything is submitted correctly and on time. It should not take longer than three months to complete the process, provided all documents are in order and the stay is justified. Assistance is crucial throughout the entire procedure to avoid any difficulties. After all the paperwork is done, one can either enjoy a very pleasant and peaceful life or slowly sink into boredom, alcohol, and tobacco. The “Venus trap” is also a classic in Madagascar, where older men (and sometimes women) believe they have suddenly become 30 years younger, only to realize after a few months that they are significantly poorer but certainly not younger. There are, however, many mixed marriages that work very well and are often much more harmonious than in Europe. Many French people are joyful retirees and do not want to return to Europe under any circumstances. Working in Madagascar is much more difficult, although many things would be possible, but the country is very poor and if one does not know the rules, the business often ends tragically in a relatively short time. I would say that without excellent knowledge of Madagascar, one should not invest more than they can afford to lose if it doesn’t work out. A somewhat pessimistic advice, but it is important to be cautious. It is realistic. If interested readers have specific questions on the topic, I am happy to provide more precise answers.
