Angola

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: High

Train Access: Yes (caminho de ferro de luanda (cfl), caminho de ferro de benguela (cfb), caminho de ferro de moçâmedes (cfm), relatively safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Macon, Musseque Express, relatively safe)

Angola is a country located on the west coast of Southern Africa. It is the seventh-largest country on the continent and is rich in natural resources, including oil and diamonds, which are the pillars of its economy. The country's landscape is diverse, ranging from the arid coastal lowlands to the lush and mountainous regions in the interior. Angola's climate varies from tropical along the coast to semiarid in the south and the central highlands. The capital city, Luanda, is a bustling metropolis that reflects a mix of Portuguese colonial influence and modern urban development. Angola has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of indigenous customs and Portuguese traditions. The official language is Portuguese, and the country is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo communities. Despite its natural wealth, Angola faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, and the legacy of a long civil war that ended in 2002. The country is working towards rebuilding its infrastructure, improving public services, and diversifying its economy beyond oil and diamonds. Tourism in Angola is growing, with attractions such as the Kissama National Park, the Tunda Vala Fissure, and the beautiful beaches along its coastline drawing visitors. Angola's music and dance, particularly Kizomba and Semba, are also gaining international recognition. However, the country's political and economic situation remains complex, with ongoing efforts to address corruption and promote sustainable development.

B-

Expat Lifestyle

Private Schools

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

B-

Senior Friendly

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

Healthcare

Cost of Living

B-

Recreation

B-

Nightlife

Restaurants

C-

Crime

Cost of Living

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

Weather

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

Educational System Angola

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

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Temporary Residence Visa, Work Visa

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Angola does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but digital nomads might use a Temporary Residence Visa which allows them to live in Angola for a period of up to 1 year, renewable.

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

Moving to Angola with a Pet

Homeschooling in Angola

How to Enroll Your Children in School in Angola

Educational System in Angola

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Angola

Buying a Home in Angola

How to Rent a Home in Angola

Guide to Residency in Angola

Expats Talk about Moving to Angola

Living in Angola

Movies Set: Death Metal Angola, Hollow City (Na Cidade Vazia), O Herói (The Hero)

Popular Foods: Angolan cuisine is a rich blend of flavors with a heavy influence from Portuguese cuisine. Staple foods include funge, a porridge made from cassava or corn flour, and feijão, a bean stew often cooked with meat and spices. Seafood is also popular along the coast, with dishes like moamba de galinha, a chicken stew made with palm oil and okra. Desserts often incorporate tropical fruits such as papaya, mango, and coconut.

Unusual Eats: One of the more unusual foods enjoyed in Angola is caterpillar, which is often dried and fried, providing a crunchy texture that can be off-putting to unaccustomed visitors.

Popular Sports: football, basketball, handball

Popular Teams: Primeiro de Agosto (football), Petro de Luanda (basketball)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When greeting someone in Angola, it is important to take the time for a proper handshake and to ask about their well-being. Rushing this process can be seen as rude. It is also considered impolite to gesture with your hands while speaking to someone older or in a position of authority, as this can be seen as a sign of disrespect.

Angola Guide

"Hi, are there many expat families living in Angola? My main questions are: Is it safe for children - mine are aged between 4, 6 and 10. Are there any British Cirriculum Schools. Would be interested in any feedback to help us make our decision. Many thanks Gron" - gron

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Healthcare in Angola

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

"Hi, I am Rosie and we are moving to Luanda in a couple of months, if anyone have info regarding housing and school in this place, pls let me know. I have been browsing the internet and there is very little info or most of it is in portuguese. Thanks a lot!" - Rocioiviani

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Angola

Visa & Residency

Living in Angola

Healthcare in Angola