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Company Formation in South Africa
LegalBison makes company formation in South Africa straightforward. Whether you are registering a new proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company, converting a sole proprietorship, or structuring a holding entity, LegalBison handles the CIPC filings, B-BBEE considerations, and compliance paperwork so you can focus on building your business. From name reservation to your final registration certificate, the process is guided, transparent, and built for speed.
Book a free consultation
Get a free consultation nowThousands of clients trusted us to form their legal entity
Cost and Packages for Company Formation in South Africa
Choose a package that you would like to receive more information on:
MOST POPULAR
| Compare plans | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Included | Included | Included |
| Turnkey Company Formation | Not included | Included | Included |
| Company contact person | Not included | Included | Included |
| Registered legal company address for 1 year | Not included | Included | Included |
| Remote incorporation | Not included | Included | Included |
| Notary Services | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Company Secretary | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Local personnel | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Accounting for 1 year | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Long-term POA | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Apostilled set of documents | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Additional legal support | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Corporate Account | Not included | Not included | Included |
STORIES OF OUR CLIENTS AND HOW THEY WENT BEYOND WITH OUR ASSISTANCE
They called us, we made it, they said this
A fruitful cooperation. As a result of the fruitful cooperation with LegalBison, Yellow Card obtained a VASP registration, fast and without any legal complications.
Best for Crypto Licenses. Best company for Crypto Licenses! Kudos to the team for making the incorporation of our company really smooth
Very proactive. Very proactive, responsive, and able to provide solutions and advice. The firm is familiar with the new industry of blockchain and cryptocurrency
Reliable Partner. We are happy to cooperate with LegalBison for more than 2 years and during this time they definitely secured a reputation of very professional and reliable partner. Great knowledge, competence and good attitude. Keep up the good work!
Excels at adapting to challenges. LegalBison excels at adapting to challenges and demonstrates a perfect understanding of our business needs.
Fast and Reliable. Quick set-up and straightforward process. It was a smooth process, we are happy to have chosen LegalBison as our Partner for incorporations, globally.
Getting started with company registration in South Africa
Find out all the necessary information about company setup in South Africa. Discover why South Africa is a popular jurisdiction and how it may help your business to reach another level. Additional information on demand, directly with our team of experienced consultants.
Timeline
Procedure to prepare the registration of a company in South Africa
The registration process for a company in Company Formation in South Africa with LegalBison is very simple. There are only 6 steps:
- Initial consultation and agreement;
- Payment of the full invoice;
- [IF REMOTELY]: Notarization of POA by client;
- Preparation of registration documents;
- Document signed at the notary;
- Official register validity: immediately.
Duration
How long does it take to form a company in South Africa?
South Africa company formation takes around 4-7 working days once all the necessary documents are ready.
Remote incorporation
Can I form a company in South Africa remotely?
The whole incorporation process can be conducted remotely. No travel necessary. Notarization of documents is necessary.
- A Power of Attorney (POA) from (all) partners is needed;
- The POA is sent to you by us based on the services you want;
- You have to certify the POA by a notary and in some cases legalize it by apostille (some countries need full legalization);
- Once you have the POA on your hands, we double-check, and you send us the original form (physical document!) via courier to the provided address;
- South Africa is part of the Hague Convention of the Apostille.
Required Information
Necessary information to begin with company formation in South Africa
- 3 options of your desired name for the company and a company contact email address;
- Names, addresses, and emails of all shareholders and board members;
- Short description of your company’s activity.
VAT
Without VAT number in South Africa
- Your company will not be eligible to receive VAT refunds, which means everything bought is 15% more expensive;
- Your company will not have to file monthly tax returns (prerequisite: no one receives a salary), which means low costs.
With VAT number in South Africa
- Monthly tax returns have to be filed, even if no transactions occur;
- A company registered in South Africa generating 1 million ZAR or more in turnover must register for VAT;
- A business may also register voluntarily if the income earned in the past 12-month period exceeded 50,000 ZAR;
- The standard VAT rate is 15%.
Documents
Required documents to provide to register a company in South Africa
- Passport copies (scans) of all individuals above, also beneficiary owner if applicable;
- A Power of Attorney (in case of a remote company registration);
- Certified company documents (in case at least one of the shareholders is going to be a foreign company).
Procedure to prepare the registration of a company in South Africa
The registration process for a company in Company Formation in South Africa with LegalBison is very simple. There are only 6 steps:
- Initial consultation and agreement;
- Payment of the full invoice;
- [IF REMOTELY]: Notarization of POA by client;
- Preparation of registration documents;
- Document signed at the notary;
- Official register validity: immediately.
How long does it take to form a company in South Africa?
South Africa company formation takes around 4-7 working days once all the necessary documents are ready.
Can I form a company in South Africa remotely?
The whole incorporation process can be conducted remotely. No travel necessary. Notarization of documents is necessary.
- A Power of Attorney (POA) from (all) partners is needed;
- The POA is sent to you by us based on the services you want;
- You have to certify the POA by a notary and in some cases legalize it by apostille (some countries need full legalization);
- Once you have the POA on your hands, we double-check, and you send us the original form (physical document!) via courier to the provided address;
- South Africa is part of the Hague Convention of the Apostille.
Necessary information to begin with company formation in South Africa
- 3 options of your desired name for the company and a company contact email address;
- Names, addresses, and emails of all shareholders and board members;
- Short description of your company’s activity.
Without VAT number in South Africa
- Your company will not be eligible to receive VAT refunds, which means everything bought is 15% more expensive;
- Your company will not have to file monthly tax returns (prerequisite: no one receives a salary), which means low costs.
With VAT number in South Africa
- Monthly tax returns have to be filed, even if no transactions occur;
- A company registered in South Africa generating 1 million ZAR or more in turnover must register for VAT;
- A business may also register voluntarily if the income earned in the past 12-month period exceeded 50,000 ZAR;
- The standard VAT rate is 15%.
Required documents to provide to register a company in South Africa
- Passport copies (scans) of all individuals above, also beneficiary owner if applicable;
- A Power of Attorney (in case of a remote company registration);
- Certified company documents (in case at least one of the shareholders is going to be a foreign company).
FACTS ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA
Things to know before registering your company in South Africa
Taxes
Taxation of companies in South Africa
The corporate income tax rate in South Africa is 27% on the profits.
Double Tax Treaties
DTAA signed by South Africa for companies
Many countries have bilateral conventions to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion.Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, DR Congo, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sudan, Eswatini, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Accounting and Audit
Accounting and audit requirements for a company in South Africa
Every South African company is liable to file yearly returns.
The company is required to maintain books and prepare financial statements.
Financial statements have to be produced every year.
Accounts have to be held and to be available at any time within South Africa.
Private companies only require an audit when it’s in the public interest, as indicated by prescribed criteria such as the value of the company’s turnover or assets.
Residency requirements
Economic substance and residency requirements for companies in South Africa
Non-residents of South Africa are allowed to be directors and/or shareholders of a private limited company.
A registered address in South Africa is necessary.
LegalBison offers help with all of the above requirements. We assist and are local on the ground. Speak now for free with one of our consultants to get your business started.
Taxation of companies in South Africa
The corporate income tax rate in South Africa is 27% on the profits.
DTAA signed by South Africa for companies
Many countries have bilateral conventions to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion.Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, DR Congo, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sudan, Eswatini, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Accounting and audit requirements for a company in South Africa
Every South African company is liable to file yearly returns.
The company is required to maintain books and prepare financial statements.
Financial statements have to be produced every year.
Accounts have to be held and to be available at any time within South Africa.
Private companies only require an audit when it’s in the public interest, as indicated by prescribed criteria such as the value of the company’s turnover or assets.
Economic substance and residency requirements for companies in South Africa
Non-residents of South Africa are allowed to be directors and/or shareholders of a private limited company.
A registered address in South Africa is necessary.
LegalBison offers help with all of the above requirements. We assist and are local on the ground. Speak now for free with one of our consultants to get your business started.
WHICH JURISDICTION AND LICENSE TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR PROJECT
Alternatives to company formation in South Africa
Our team has curated the following jurisdictions as being worthy alternatives to a company registered in South Africa:
MauritiusCompany Formation in Mauritius
from 1.900 €
- Very low taxation
- Top choice for financial business
- Business-friendly jurisdiction
UAECompany Formation and Business Setup in UAE
from 3.000 €
- Competitive taxation
- Trusted and growing
- Easy to incorporate
Hong KongCompany Formation in Hong Kong
from 750 €
- Ideal offshore jurisdiction
- Advantageous taxation
- Fast and cheap process
Costa RicaCompany Formation in Costa Rica
from 2.350 €
- Tax-free
- Discretion of board members
- Not listed as a tax haven!
No offers are listed for this selection.
About company registration in South Africa
The right path forward, regardless of project stage
The cost of company formation in South Africa depends on a few factors: mainly, on the amount of legal services to be provided for the incorporation to happen. We encourage you to expose your business project to our legal consultants in order to benefit from a first estimation and a full quotation down the road, tailored to your needs and expectations.
South Africa is a reputed jurisdiction for business in the African continent. It is a country with a rich cultural diversity that makes it a hub between the West and Africa for business. A South African company is great for conducting business in South Africa, as well as with all of the English-speaking African countries and the Western countries.
To register a company in South Africa remotely, entrepreneurs should prepare a basic set of documents. Most of these documents are about demonstrating their identity. Other documents will have to be drafted by a legal partner such as LegalBison for proper company registration without errors.
The answer to this question depends on what citizenship you have, what your business model is, who your business partners/clients are, and a few other aspects. If you want to know about good alternatives to South Africa, let a professional consult you for free.
Yes, it is possible for a citizen of a non-sanctioned country to register a company in South Africa. The whole process can be conducted remotely and entrepreneurs from abroad do not need to visit South Africa in order to incorporate a company in the country.
No, there are no such requirements in South Africa. All you need is a trusted registering agent such as Legal Bison to accompany you during the process and after your company has been incorporated.
There is no official requirement to operate your business in ZAR but you are expected to hold the share capital in this currency.
Contact Us
Request more information about incorporation in South Africa. Inquire about company formation in South Africa now and receive a free primary consultation call in the next 24 business hours. Our legal team will answer your questions and assist you in the realization of your business project.
Incorporation Assistance in South Africa - Free Consultation
Full assistance in registering a company on South Africa. Shelf companies are also available on request.
from 2,500 € - 4-7 working days
Get In Touch With Our Experts!
Our team of experts will be glad to provide you with answers and a one-stop-shop solution to all your legal corporate needs.
Company Registration
Consulting Team
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
Phone +44 20 4577 0974
Hweiching Lim
Consulting Manager
Consulting Manager, delivering corporate advisory and regulatory strategy across crypto, FinTech, trading, and international corporate structuring verticals for clients worldwide.
Phone +44 20 4577 0974