Company registration in South Africa: business setup and incorporation services

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Company Registration in South Africa

Available Africa

3-4 weeks

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Processing Time

3-4 weeks

Corporate Tax

15%

Foreign Ownership

100% Allowed

Remote Setup

Available

South Africa offers excellent opportunities for international businesses. We connect you with trusted local partners who handle every step of the company registration process, ensuring compliance with all local regulations.

Onshore 100% Foreign Ownership Remote Setup

Tax rates

15%

Corporate

18%

Personal

20%

Dividend

Special taxation terms & incentives

• Standard corporate income tax rate is 27% (years of assessment ending on or after 31 March 2023). • Special Economic Zones: qualifying companies taxed at a reduced 15% rate, plus a 10% allowance on new buildings (regime ends 31 December 2030). • R&D incentive: 150% deduction on qualifying R&D operating expenditure (pre-approval required), with accelerated 50/30/20 capital allowances on R&D assets. • Small Business Corporations (natural-person members, gross income up to ZAR 20m): tiered rates from 0% up to 27%. • Urban Development Zones: accelerated depreciation on building costs (through 31 March 2030). • Headquarters company regime: relief on qualifying foreign dividends and foreign-subsidiary gains.

Incorporate in South Africa

Banking

Business

Bank requires resident director (public officer - SA resident required for currency regulations). Usually one resident director suffices for compliance.

Personal

Non-resident accounts nominally possible but easier with local tax number and address.

Legal & compliance

Substance requirements

Must appoint Public Officer (tax representative) - SA resident individual

Tax treaties

80 treaties including USA (ratified 1997), Russia, China, most EU, India etc. Extensive network allows reducing DWT to 5-15%.

South Africa registration services & pricing

Transparent pricing: each price is the base scope for that service, including its government registration and agent fees. Route-specific authority or ongoing costs, if any, are confirmed in your written quote before you pay.

Incorporation

Basic Registration $3,360 one-time

Premium Registration $6,600 one-time

Additional Services

Virtual Office $600 /year

Accounting $300 /month

Banking

Bank Account $455 one-time

Visas & Residency

Residence Visa $1,950 one-time

What's included in South Africa registration

Company registration with local authorities
Business license
Company seal/stamp
Certificate of incorporation
Basic compliance setup

How to register a company in South Africa

Submit Application

Upload your documents online

Document Review

We verify everything is in order

Government Filing

We handle all official submissions

Company Ready

We forward the documents issued by the registry

South Africa: common questions

How long does it take to register a company in South Africa?

Registration typically takes 3-4 weeks once your documents are complete. Actual timing depends on the registry and the route for your activity; we confirm it in your quote.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in South Africa?

Foreign ownership is generally permitted, but rules can depend on the activity, the route and the legal structure. Some jurisdictions also require a local director or company secretary. We check what applies to your case before you start.

Can I register a company in South Africa remotely?

In many cases the registration steps can be completed remotely. Some routes, authorities or banks may still ask for an in-person step; we tell you before you commit.

Does company registration include a bank account?

No. Company registration and banking are separate. We support bank account applications through licensed partners; the bank decides on approval, documents and timing.

Ready to register your company?

Get started today and we'll guide you through every step of the process. Starting from $3,360 for the base registration scope. Your quote confirms any route-specific fees.

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