Registration of a company in South-Africa

Bringing business to the international arena and optimization of taxation are important steps on the way to carry out highly profitable activities. They may be implemented by means of registration of a company in the Republic of South Africa. The country is suitable for conducting export-import activities, the creation of holding companies and other firms. If you are preliminary interested in this jurisdiction, you can establish your business presence here in one of the next forms.

Major Forms of Legal and Business Presence

Realizing an opportunity of establishing your business presence in South Africa is possible in one of the next forms:

• Proprietary Limited Company – a company that may be incorporated by one shareholder at least who is not liable for the results of the company's performance.
• Public Limited Company – an enterprise that can involve extra financing from the public by distributing its shares provided that members are also not personally liable for the results of the entity’s operation.
• Close Corporation – a more simplified form of arranging business compared with the proprietary company where participants are also not liable for the results of the enterprise’s operation. The maximum number of members is 10 for this option.
• Branch – an option for an overseas company to conduct the same types of commercial activities in South Africa as abroad.
• Representative Office – an option designated to investigate local business opportunities and promote an overseas company without conducting any commercial transactions in South Africa.

Registration Requirements and Steps

If you think of incorporation a private company in South Africa, you may do this by following these typical stages:

1. Determining objectives and the types of business activities you are going to carry out.
2. Selecting, checking, and reserving a commercial name for a prospective entity.
3. Arranging the details about founders, beneficiary owners, and possible management of the enterprise.
4. Preparing and formalizing the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
5. Forming and lodging the package of registration documents.
6. Registration completion in terms of tax and social security.
7. Opening a corporate bank account.
8. Getting extra required licenses and permits.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The local legal system represents a mix of Dutch civil law, common law, and customary law. The Companies Act is a primary legal act governing the process of establishing and managing enterprises in the Republic of South Africa. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission is the primary regulatory body in terms of arranging business registration and operation.

The Republic of South Africa occupies a good position in the list of countries that are favorable to conduct non-resident business. Loyal legislation opens up various opportunities using which the founders can develop activities and increase profitability.

Advantages of the Jurisdiction

If you are considering an opportunity of the company incorporation in South Africa, these advantages may be potentially reachable to you:

• Transparent system of taxation with the agreements on avoidance of double taxation signed with 45 countries.
• Stability and developed infrastructure. In the African continent, South Africa is the richest country with a stable economy. There is a big financial potential and conditions for the development of the profitable activity.
• Using nominal services. The state allows the use of the services of nominal representatives. It significantly saves time and money.

Tax System of the Republic of South Africa

If you are going to register a company in South Africa, these valuable tax highlights may be of great help:

• Corporate income tax – 28%
• Personal income tax – 45 %
• Value-added tax – 15%
• Withholding tax (for non-residents) – (I) dividends – 20%, (ii) interests – 15%, (iii) royalties – 15%
• Capital gains tax – (i) 22.4%, (ii) individual – 18%

How Prifinance Specialists May Assist You

If you are considering an opportunity for company incorporation in South Africa, Prifinance specialists can help you with making all necessary arrangements, completing the incorporation process, and arranging bank account opening. Contact us shortly for more precise assessments and consultations.