thank you so much for this information, it is very helpful. I am looking for information on registering an export company (specialising in perolium machinery) and partnering with a foreigner. I have no idea where to start as information seems to be all over the place.
Hi Thembekile, I am assuming you are South African. My suggestion would be that you become the sole director of the company as this would make it simpler to open bank accounts etc. You can divide the shareholding between yourself and your partner according to your shareholders agreement. I would start by registering a Pty. To help you understand more about the process, I have made a video on this topic. I hope it helps. Good luck. th-cam.com/video/z7p-wMpyjW8/w-d-xo.html
Thank you great information I am a American I want to start a aviation, charter, cargo company in South Africa as well as other companies I need all the help I can get!!!!
@@swiftreg Great content. Thanks, look I was wondering if I can register on someone else's behalf, like make a business out of it, have my smalanyana mark up, do you have any idea how I can do that without getting into trouble, are the laws that I need to know of, or some procedures to follow? Your response will be highly appreciated. Tnx❤️
Hi, great video this helps a lot. I'm planning to register an online business in South Africa with a partner, do I still need a business permit in order for the online business to operate? both of us will be the owners of the business
Hi Alpha, Is your partner a South African? If so, the opening of the business bank account will be much easier. If not, you would both need to apply for the business permit from Home Affairs as per the video.
Hi Alpha, Yes the company registration remains the same. I would suggest that only your partner is initially appointed as the director of the company. You can both be equal shareholders from the start, but this will allow the banks to open the business bank account. Once you have your work permit you can become a director if you so choose.
If you are a foreigner and intend to start a business with a South African business partner, do you still need to present the R5million? Say we are going 50/50 on a Fintech business idea
Hi Fernando, that is an excellent question. However, regardless of the percentage ownership in the business you still require the R5m investment to obtain the business visa.
@@swiftreg Thanks for your reply. Still find it unfair to put a fixed price to it. Because our business fall into critical skills arena and we are building something out of our brains as we are both say software engineers and decided to build something to impact the whole african continent and chose South Africa as a hub. The business can start and run with far less than R5million. Can't I be one of the directors with a critical skills visa? Use it to get a temporary residence and become an employee of the same firm and also a shareholder? How ilegal that would be? :)
Hi Simon, that a broad question, but yes it may be the most rewarding decision you will even make. There will be ups and downs, but just remember you learn the most during the hard times. Good luck we need more entrepreneurs like you!
If starting a new business in South Africa, I wouldn't have the R5m upfront. How would that work? And you mentioned the amount can be waived altogether, how likely is that?
Hi Boomerang, this is a question you would need to put to Home Affairs, however dealing with them can be frustrating. I would therefore consider contacting a few consulting companies that offer assistance with business visa applications as they deal with these application on a daily basis.
Hi. Thanks for the video. If I am a South African Citizen, but I'm not a tax resident (I've ceased my tax residency) I have a company in another country which I own 100%. I want to open a branch or "external company" in South Africa that will own property and offer short term stays. I will appoint a South African resident to be managing director that will run the business, represent the branch and manage sars compliance. With me owning the foriegn company earning dividends from the branch, will that trigger SARS to tax me as an individual since that is from a South African source? Or is my income not taxable if the branch pays my dividends to foreign headquarters which will pay me? Is that still South African source income?
Hi Bantumart, thank you for your enquiry. Your last sentence is correct. The company will pay tax (27% on profits) as well as dividends tax (20%) so there are no additional taxes in your personal capacity as you are not drawing a salary. I hope this answers your question.
A Question - does the company in my home country have to be trading in the said country to be allowed to register as an external or subsidiary branch in South Africa ?
How is it for a someone who already lives in the country on a student visa and they want to start a company headquartered in RSA even if the market is another country!? Thank you
Hi there, the same principles will apply. Generally speaking most countries tax income at source, so this would mean you should register another company in the country in which your market is (i.e where you generate your income). I hope this answers your question.
Hi. I'm currrently a university student studying here in south Africa on a study visa. me and my south African friend decided to start our e-commerce company and are planning to register the company. Do I still need business visa to 1. work in the company 2. create our business bank account ?
Great content 👌🏻 Planning to buy a farm currently owned by a business do i need to register a company/ i can buy the farm in my own name. What other visa can i apply for if i want to relocate to South Africa with my family ?
Hi there, you can buy the farm in your name or in a company. I have made a video of the benefits of registering a company. This may help you with your decision. th-cam.com/video/_CAYSrmUSjk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=dnjGIT54V_VV6AT5 I am afraid I can't advise on the visas as this is a service we do not offer.
What if I have a study visa that allows me to work less than 20hours a week as I am a international student, can I work in that same company that 20hours
Hi Ali, yes you can register your company now, I would recommend you click on our website www.swiftreg.co.za and select one of the packages to get the best value.
You don't need a visa I just finished applying mine.just go to ghandi square at cipc offices they will tell you step by step.after that you can open a FNB account they just need a valid passport and company registration then you good .@@swiftreg
Hi Bill, not necessarily, this is because international ecommerce sites pay corporate tax in the country where the company is registered Eg Mauritius (15%) Ireland (12.5%) and South Africa (27%) The amount of tax will be based on the amount of money is collected by the company. You will also need to pay sales tax in the country where the sale took place Eg South Africa (VAT =15%) A great example of this is Google is headquartered in Ireland but pays VAT on all revenue generated here in South Africa. I hope this answers your question.
Hi Bill, can use the following link, just remember you need a South African address, but you can use your passport as a foreigner. www.swiftreg.co.za/Swiftreg/products/Company_registration.aspx
Hi Thelmar, for the purpose of registering a South African company with CIPC a foreigner is considered anyone who does not have a South African Identification number.
Good day, im a foreigner and so me and a friend of mine wanna register a coffee company together but the thing is i dont have a South African ID and don't have that money tbaat qualifies you to open a business as we are starting up is there a way we can still go about registering the company
Thank you so much for this information… I’m glad I found this today.
Glad it was helpful!
thank you so much for this information, it is very helpful. I am looking for information on registering an export company (specialising in perolium machinery) and partnering with a foreigner. I have no idea where to start as information seems to be all over the place.
Hi Thembekile, I am assuming you are South African. My suggestion would be that you become the sole director of the company as this would make it simpler to open bank accounts etc. You can divide the shareholding between yourself and your partner according to your shareholders agreement. I would start by registering a Pty. To help you understand more about the process, I have made a video on this topic. I hope it helps. Good luck. th-cam.com/video/z7p-wMpyjW8/w-d-xo.html
Very informative! Thanks for this video
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for your clear informations.
You are welcome!
Thank you great information I am a American I want to start a aviation, charter, cargo company in South Africa as well as other companies I need all the help I can get!!!!
I am glad it was helpful, good luck with your business venture.
@@swiftreg Great content.
Thanks, look I was wondering if I can register on someone else's behalf, like make a business out of it, have my smalanyana mark up, do you have any idea how I can do that without getting into trouble, are the laws that I need to know of, or some procedures to follow?
Your response will be highly appreciated.
Tnx❤️
Hi, great video this helps a lot.
I'm planning to register an online business in South Africa with a partner, do I still need a business permit in order for the online business to operate? both of us will be the owners of the business
Hi Alpha, Is your partner a South African? If so, the opening of the business bank account will be much easier. If not, you would both need to apply for the business permit from Home Affairs as per the video.
@@swiftreg yes my partner is a South African. So whether it’s an online business or a bric & mortar the registration is still the same right?
Hi Alpha, Yes the company registration remains the same. I would suggest that only your partner is initially appointed as the director of the company. You can both be equal shareholders from the start, but this will allow the banks to open the business bank account. Once you have your work permit you can become a director if you so choose.
@@swiftreg Thank you very much this helps a lot. I owe you a nice cold savanna when I come down to SA :)
If you are a foreigner and intend to start a business with a South African business partner, do you still need to present the R5million? Say we are going 50/50 on a Fintech business idea
Hi Fernando, that is an excellent question. However, regardless of the percentage ownership in the business you still require the R5m investment to obtain the business visa.
@@swiftreg Thanks for your reply. Still find it unfair to put a fixed price to it. Because our business fall into critical skills arena and we are building something out of our brains as we are both say software engineers and decided to build something to impact the whole african continent and chose South Africa as a hub. The business can start and run with far less than R5million. Can't I be one of the directors with a critical skills visa? Use it to get a temporary residence and become an employee of the same firm and also a shareholder? How ilegal that would be? :)
I am from Swaziland looking to start a media company with a South African friend of mine. What advise would you give me?
Hi Simon, that a broad question, but yes it may be the most rewarding decision you will even make. There will be ups and downs, but just remember you learn the most during the hard times. Good luck we need more entrepreneurs like you!
If starting a new business in South Africa, I wouldn't have the R5m upfront. How would that work? And you mentioned the amount can be waived altogether, how likely is that?
Hi Boomerang, this is a question you would need to put to Home Affairs, however dealing with them can be frustrating. I would therefore consider contacting a few consulting companies that offer assistance with business visa applications as they deal with these application on a daily basis.
Hi. Thanks for the video.
If I am a South African Citizen, but I'm not a tax resident (I've ceased my tax residency)
I have a company in another country which I own 100%.
I want to open a branch or "external company" in South Africa that will own property and offer short term stays. I will appoint a South African resident to be managing director that will run the business, represent the branch and manage sars compliance.
With me owning the foriegn company earning dividends from the branch, will that trigger SARS to tax me as an individual since that is from a South African source?
Or is my income not taxable if the branch pays my dividends to foreign headquarters which will pay me? Is that still South African source income?
Hi Bantumart, thank you for your enquiry. Your last sentence is correct. The company will pay tax (27% on profits) as well as dividends tax (20%) so there are no additional taxes in your personal capacity as you are not drawing a salary. I hope this answers your question.
Hi! Im not sure you could answer this but, would a Airbnb business qualify for the business visa ? Being that I form an LLC with it?
Hi there, I don't see why not, sorry I can't be more definitive than that. You would need to discuss this with the immigration specialist.
A Question - does the company in my home country have to be trading in the said country to be allowed to register as an external or subsidiary branch in South Africa ?
Hi Sacgire, this is a brilliant question. I don't think so, as CIPC does not ask for financials during the application process.
How is it for a someone who already lives in the country on a student visa and they want to start a company headquartered in RSA even if the market is another country!? Thank you
Hi there, the same principles will apply. Generally speaking most countries tax income at source, so this would mean you should register another company in the country in which your market is (i.e where you generate your income). I hope this answers your question.
Hi. I'm currrently a university student studying here in south Africa on a study visa. me and my south African friend decided to start our e-commerce company and are planning to register the company. Do I still need business visa to 1. work in the company 2. create our business bank account ?
Hi Tafadzwa I am afraid, but according to the law you would still need a business visa.
Thanks a lot. Very helpful
You are welcome!
Great content 👌🏻 Planning to buy a farm currently owned by a business do i need to register a company/ i can buy the farm in my own name.
What other visa can i apply for if i want to relocate to South Africa with my family ?
Hi there, you can buy the farm in your name or in a company. I have made a video of the benefits of registering a company. This may help you with your decision.
th-cam.com/video/_CAYSrmUSjk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=dnjGIT54V_VV6AT5
I am afraid I can't advise on the visas as this is a service we do not offer.
Hi Douglas. I left a contact us on your website a couple of weeks ago but had no reply or feedback yet. How can I email you directly?
Hi NH Netwrox you can contact us on info@swiftreg.co.za
Does a foreigner shareholder of a company need to have business visa even if he's not working in the company?
No, the visa is just linked to working in the country.
What if I have a study visa that allows me to work less than 20hours a week as I am a international student, can I work in that same company that 20hours
That's great.I HV a visitor visa Nd I HV fnb business account as well now I started working Nd I HV business now.can I rigesterd my business.
Hi Ali, yes you can register your company now, I would recommend you click on our website www.swiftreg.co.za and select one of the packages to get the best value.
Does a Zimbabwean require a business visa, since I do not need any visa to enter south africa
Hi there, the rules are changing all the time. I would recommend you contact an immigration specialist.
You don't need a visa I just finished applying mine.just go to ghandi square at cipc offices they will tell you step by step.after that you can open a FNB account they just need a valid passport and company registration then you good .@@swiftreg
i'm foreign, if i want create a e-commerce, i need follow same thing?
Hi Bill, not necessarily, this is because international ecommerce sites pay corporate tax in the country where the company is registered Eg Mauritius (15%) Ireland (12.5%) and South Africa (27%) The amount of tax will be based on the amount of money is collected by the company.
You will also need to pay sales tax in the country where the sale took place Eg South Africa (VAT =15%) A great example of this is Google is headquartered in Ireland but pays VAT on all revenue generated here in South Africa. I hope this answers your question.
@@swiftreg Where i can create a company in South Africa as foreign? What documents is required? I only have a passport
Did you manage i have same problem I’m done some documents but i afraid something is gona be wrong
Hi Bill, can use the following link, just remember you need a South African address, but you can use your passport as a foreigner.
www.swiftreg.co.za/Swiftreg/products/Company_registration.aspx
I have multiple visa
Congratulations, what type of visa?
which of the foreigner you are referring to
Hi Thelmar, for the purpose of registering a South African company with CIPC a foreigner is considered anyone who does not have a South African Identification number.
@@swiftreg Hi there, If a foreigner has a south african ID, do they still need to apply for a business visa?
@@nicolefaro9609 Hi Nicole, No not that I am aware of.
Good day, im a foreigner and so me and a friend of mine wanna register a coffee company together but the thing is i dont have a South African ID and don't have that money tbaat qualifies you to open a business as we are starting up is there a way we can still go about registering the company
Sooo useful
Glad it was helpful!
❤
Thank you :)