Company Registration in South Africa

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Company Registration in South Africa

Business Setup & Company Registration in South Africa

South Africa at a Glance

South Africa is the Most Sophisticated and Developed Economy In Africa and has some high-class companies in finance, real estate and business services, manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade. South Africa is the ‘gateway to Africa’ for investors due to its comparative sophistication, ease of doing business, continental expertise and ability to act as a base for critical services (e.g. auditing) for doing business on the rest of the continent.

Strategically located at the tip of the African continent, South Africa is a key investment location, both for the market opportunities that lie within its borders and as a gateway to the rest of the continent, a market of about 1- billion people. it is the economic powerhouse of Africa and forms part of the BRICS group of countries with Brazil, Russia, India and China. It has a favorable demographic profile and its rapidly  expanding middle class has growing spending power.

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Reasons why Investors prefer to invest in South Africa include the following;

  • The country has a wealth of natural resources and gets increasing attention from international markets.
  • World class infrastructure—South Africa is at the forefront of new green technology—creating jobs in the process.
  • Labour costs here are less than half that of European countries.
  • Healthy legal environment for business
  • South Africa has a large labour force consisting of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labor
  • South Africa has some of the most modern transport systems in Africa.

The Tax Regime in South Africa is Quite Straight forward with the Tax rate for personal Income ranging from 18 to 36 %, Corporation Tax is at 28% and Vat at 15%.

For over 1 decade now, East Africa Business Consultants Has assisted many clients with the following Key Company or business SetUp Services in South Africa;

  • Company registration in South Africa
  • Government Licenses Processing
  • Business Bank Account Opening
  • HR Recruitment and Management
  • Work Permit Processing
  • Apartment/Office/Warehouse Sourcing.
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Company Registration in South Africa Summary Table

Entity Subsidiary Company Branch Company
How Long does the Company registration process Take? 15 Days 15 Days
How long Does it take to Open Bank Account?  5 Days 5 Days
After how Long can you Invoice and Hire  20 Days 20 Days
Minimum Number of Directors and Shareholders  2  –
Foreigner Can own the Company 100% Yes Yes
Can the entity hire expatriate staff Yes Yes
Tax Identification Registration required Yes Yes
Access to South Africa double Tax treaties Yes Yes
Can bid for Government Contracts? Yes Yes
Can Secure Trade Finance? Yes Yes
Can Secure an Import and Export Licence? Yes Yes
Can Easily Convert into a PLC? Yes No
Can Secure Work permits for foreign Employees and Directors? Yes Yes
Multi Currency Bank Accounts Available? Yes Yes
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Company registration in South Africa FAQS

  1. 1
    What is the cost for company registration in South Africa?

    The company registration cost varies depending on the type of company that you want to register, the number and nationality of the shareholders and directors. Contact us for more details.

  2. 2
    What type of companies can I register in South Africa?

    Company registration in South Africa can be confusing. Here are the most common entity types in South Africa.

    Branch Company – This is also referred to as an external company. This is a company that is duly registered in another country and now has the intention to setup in South Africa. Such a company is mandated by law to register with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) within 20 business days after it first begins to conduct activities within South Africa

    Private companies – These companies are otherwise known as proprietary and they normally have ‘(Proprietary) Limited’ or ‘(Pty) Ltd.’ after their name. These companies are required to have at least one director, must limit transferability of shares to the public, and limit the number of shareholders to 50.

    Personal liability – These Company types are registered by professionals such as accountants, engineers and lawyers. Once registered, the entity’s name is followed by ‘Inc.’ or ‘Incorporated’. The Company must have at least one director and directors of these companies (whether past or present) are jointly and severally liable for any debts and liabilities incurred by the company.

    Public Companies – These companies are allowed to offer their shares to the public and the company is usually managed by a board of directors appointed by the shareholders. Once registered, the company’s name is followed by ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd.’. The minimum number of shareholders is 7 and there is no limit on the maximum.

  3. 3
    What are the requirements for company registration in South Africa

    The requirements for Business setup in south Africa includes the following

    • – Proposed names of the company
    • – Activities the business will be involved in
    • – Physical and postal Address of the company
    • – Stated Capital
    • – Email address and telephone number for the company.
    • – Notarized travel passport copy of the directors and shareholders

  4. 4
    How long does company registration in South Africa take?

    Within a maximum of 15 days, the business set up process is complete. Business set up in the unregulated industries would take less days to setup.

  5. 5
    Does a foreigner need a work visa after company registration in South Africa?

    It is not mandatory for you to apply for a visa if at all you will not be residing and working in South Africa. The requirement for a business Visa only comes into play if you would like to work physically in South Africa.

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