Chartered Surveyors normally based in the UK and considering working abroad need to check the requirements for visa and work permits with the country concerned (arrangements can change from time to time). These can vary depending on where you are going and what part of the profession you work in. A selection of requirements for popular places is below:
Australia
In some regions there are local associations that members ‘must join’, to gain a licence to practice from the Government. Local professional bodies include the Australian Property Institute and Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. www.australia.org.uk.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors has reciprocal rights with RICS. RICS members need to work for one year in Hong Kong and can then apply to join HKIS. Generally a local license is not required, but there are a number of licences required to practice in certain parts of the profession such as property management and real estate. www.britishconsulate.org.hk.
New Zealand
A local license is required for valuers from the NZIV. www.nzembassy.com
South Africa
Statutory registration is compulsory but you do not have to join an association.
There is a need to register with ‘Councils’ for Valuers, Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors. www.southafricahouse.com.
UAE
A local licence isn’t required if a member works for a company. If a member sets up on his own account he must have a local sponsor, a trade licence and a registered office (not simply a PO Box). Hence in addition to the trade licence cost, an office must be rented and an agreement reached with a local partner/sponsor.
These requirements may vary from Emirate to Emirate, since each one has its own laws in addition to the UAE federal law. www.britain–uae.org.
USA
There are no other organisations members must join. Local licence regulations vary depending on the area of practice. Licensing regulations questions and answers can be found on the Department of Labor website www.dol.gov.
Source: Macdonald & Company - The Property Career Guide