Living in NZ on SA salary ?

[dean foster]

I read a few letters about salaries in NZ and it seems 60K-70K can sustain a small family much the same as R30 000 here in SA. We are very middle class, small home, 2nd hand cars, but have enough pocket money to enjoy simple pleasures. I'm self employed and would like to continue working for my clients in SA as I work via internet anyway.

Are there any of you in NZ who live on your SA incomes ?

[ronaldd]

Dean,  if that is what you get,  then it is great
but isnt the risk that the exchagne rate might change to something like R10 for a dollar,  which would halve your salary.

[dean foster]

No doubt it's going to . . . but for a year or two maybe is my main concern. I have freelanced my whole life as an illustrator / cartoonist and where ever I have moved in SA I always build up a new client base withing a year or 2, which is what I intend doing abroad.    Just to get a permit to go over is the tough part.

[ronaldd]

Would that not be a bussiness visa

i am just curiouis on the taxes.
If you have SA clients,  paying SA rands,  then you are paying SA tax.  If you brought money into the country you also pay commission,  but being a resident here,  would you not have to pay tax again ?  My head hurts thinking of it.

may i ask what work you do?

[dean foster]

I am a freelnace illustrator /cartoonist. I would imagine all the countries involved would want their dues. But if for a year or so I could clear 2 or 3000 dollars a month until the clintel picks up in NZ it would be a better option than having to work as a delivery man or construction labourer to bridge the gap like I have heard a lot people have to do. I have NO qualification other than matric and 1 year graphic design, but I have a 24 year track record and bank record behind me with no blemishes ( sadly these seem to be void from all lists on the application forms ) I have supported a stay at home wife  :-*and 2 kids  :knuppel2:on my income for 14 years now.

It's a good proffession, but not reckognised 

[NicholaM2]

Hi Dean

I am a freelance writer and run my own business in SA from New Zealand. I also run a branch of the business in NZ. I understand all your concerns - I had the exact same ones!

I think that a salary of $60 000 would be fine to start with as you build your NZ client base. Just remember, this is a tiny country with a tiny population and many businesses struggle. I would think of some additional imaginative ways to use your skill (E.g. satirical artworks), or consider outsourcing your work to Australia as well. So your online presence will have to be very zoosh.

We think NZ (Auckland) is a fabulous place to be, by the way (to answer your other post). But just like one person can't please everyone, one country can't please everyone.

Good luck!

[ronaldd]

I am a freelnace illustrator /cartoonist. I would imagine all the countries involved would want their dues. But if for a year or so I could clear 2 or 3000 dollars a month until the clintel picks up in NZ it would be a better option than having to work as a delivery man or construction labourer to bridge the gap like I have heard a lot people have to do. I have NO qualification other than matric and 1 year graphic design, but I have a 24 year track record and bank record behind me with no blemishes ( sadly these seem to be void from all lists on the application forms ) I have supported a stay at home wife  :-*and 2 kids  :knuppel2:on my income for 14 years now.

It's a good proffession, but not reckognised 

It would be cool to see your artwork. 

[dean foster]

Thanks NicholaM, We both feel quiet drained after only one week of investigating the immigration process

My work is at       www.dfoster.co.za   

I'm not the top cartoonist or illustrator around, but I am listed amongst the top. My biggest problem is I have NO recognized qualifications.

[AndreCT]

I am doing what you are talking about.

A few rules.
Once out of country for 330 days you cease to be tax resident in SA. This is a CGT event and you will need to pay Capital Gains on any fixed property you still own.

SA and NZ have a joint taxation agreement and I file two tax returns. Any tax I pay in one country is used as a credit in the other.

As a SA Tax resident, if you spend more than 183 days and 60 days continuous, then income earned from  foreign source is tax free in SA (but no NZ).

Get an accountant to help you.

Regards
Andre

[SaKiwiBoer]

Love your work. Stunning!!!
Enjoy, SAKB.

[Clarikdeens]

Hi Dean. Just been on your website. Your work is of a high standard and as SAKB says "stunning".  Keep it up and hope you come right to get here asap.

[ronaldd]

awesome artwork,  i am so amazed.

Every picture is a different feeling.  AWESOME.

[tmprince]

ok Dean seriously now, I hate talented people  cool to know that   I know the guy who draws the Spurs little injuns 

[SaKiwiBoer]

      ME TOO!!! Stunning guy, hey Marcia??
      Cheese and enjoy, SAKB.

[dean foster]

  hey THANKS everyone ! this is the closest I ever had to fan club 
Funny thing happened this week, I decided to go back to college after 24 years to get certificates for a number of design packages that seem to be the basics to apply for any design job theses days. And get this,
the college is giving me a SCOLARSHIP . . . .    months worth about R25000 . . .  was I chuffed.
So by the end of the year I'll be as qualified as needs be to hired in NZ  I'm going to do what ever it takes.