South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors and a stock exchange that is the 16th largest in the world. Even though the country’s modern infrastructure supports a relatively efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers throughout the region, unstable electricity supplies retard growth. 

Annual growth in GDP fell to 1.5% in 2014, but is expected to rebound to 2.0% in 2015, as the large rand depreciation may stimulate an export-led recovery and the global economy gradually improves.

In 2015, South African growth should benefit from a slight recovery in foreign demand, due notably to more buoyant economic activity in the EU. 

The latest DB Report (2013) ranks South Africa 39, out of 185 countries surveyed. South Africa was the second easiest African country to do business in, after Mauritius twenty (20) places ahead.

This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in South Africa. 

If you’re setting up a private company ((Pty) Ltd), you need to register your company as a legal entity. All the information you require can be found at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) website. (www.CIPC.co.za)

This site gives you information on each of the types of business structure in South Africa you may consider for your business if setting up operations as a foreigner.

This site provides a brief description of the various business structures possible in South Africa

RATES OF TAX FOR INDIVIDUALS

The Sales Tax Rate (VAT) in South Africa stands at 14 percent.

VAT is presently levied at the standard rate of 14% on the supply of most goods and services and on the importation of goods. The VAT on the importation of goods is collected by customs. There is a limited range of goods and services which are subject to VAT at the zero rate or are exempt from VAT.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in South Africa stands at 41 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in South Africa averaged 40.08 percent from 2004 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 41 percent in 2015 and a record low of 40 percent in 2005. Personal Income Tax Rate in South Africa is reported by the South African Revenue Service.

The Corporate Tax Rate in South Africa stands at 28 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in South Africa averaged 34.64 percent from 2001 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 37.80 percent in 2002 and a record low of 28 percent in 2013. Corporate Tax Rate in South Africa is reported by the South African Revenue Service.

In South Africa, the CIT rate applicable for corporate income of both resident and non-resident companies for tax years ending between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016 is a flat 28%.

This site details some of the important factors when assessing the requirements for general work visa applications. 

U.S. green card holders (non-US passport holders) and nationals of other countries must check the list of visa exempt countries to see if they need to apply for visas. If the names of their countries are not listed, it means they need to apply for visas. There are also countries that are visa exempt if applicant is travelling to South Africa for a period of 30 days or less.

New requirements for visiting South Africa – particularly for children – came into effect on 1 June 2015. 

Work permit application procedure

A summary of all forms of public transportation in South Africa

South Africa has a modern and well-developed transport infrastructure. The air and rail networks are the largest on the continent, and the roads in good condition. The country’s ports provide a natural stopover for shipping to and from Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australasia and both coasts of Africa.

Telecommunications is one of the fastest growing sectors of South Africa’s economy, driven by explosive growth in mobile telephony and broadband connectivity.

Employment and employee benefits in South Africa: overview

This site provides a guide to unemployment regulations and the application procedure

Employment protection legislation applies to all employees who ordinarily work in South Africa. 

A summary of regulatory changes

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

It’s a fact that living in South Africa is not as cheap as it used to be. The rand’s fluctuating strength, combined with an economy that imports a great deal of products, means that expats who arrive expecting to find developed standards of living without the price tag, are in for a shock.

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in South Africa

Etiquette & Customs in South Africa

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

South Africa has one of the highest rates of public investment in education in the world. At about 7% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 20% of total state expenditure, the government spends more on education than on any other sector.

The South African education system consists of three types of schools: independent schools, government schools and governing body-funded public schools.

Public holidays and observances

2015-2017 public holiday schedule

Be aware that parts of South Africa are high crime areas. Although there is no need to be paranoid it is wise to take some basic precautions and be alert as you would in any situation.

South Africa’s climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the southwestern corner of South Africa to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. A small area in the northwest has a desert climate. Most of the country has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer (November through March), although in the southwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occurs in winter (June to August).

South Africa is a subtropical region, moderated by ocean on two sides of the triangle-shaped country and the altitude of the interior plateau. These account for the warm, temperate conditions so typical of South Africa

Go to “Safety and Security” on this site

Facts and data on South Africa from the CIA

Import and export regulations from South African customs

Import and export control is the function of the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC). ITAC was established through the International Trade Administration Act, No. 71 of 2002, which came into force on 1 June 2003. The Act makes provision for control, through a permit system, of the import and export of goods specified by regulation.

Summary of Main Trade Agreements between South Africa and the rest of the World

Since the end of apartheid foreign trade in South Africa has increased, following the lifting of several sanctions and boycotts which were imposed as a means of ending apartheid.

Expats moving to South Africa can look forward to finding an abundance of reasonably priced, comfortable housing options. Whether relocating to Johannesburg, Cape Town or anywhere else in the country, the range, quality and affordability of accommodation will make adjusting to life on the African continent that much smoother.

This South Africa Property Guide will tell you all about housing in South Africa, list the best property search websites, share insights regarding renting and buying property

Everything about Africa that stirs the imagination is concentrated in its southernmost country. Lions freely roam vast game reserves such as Kruger National Park, vineyards stretch across the Cape Winelands, and mountains cascade into the sea along miles of beaches. In addition to dream safaris and romantic honeymoons, South Africa offers modern cities with thriving arts and dining scenes. 

A complete guide to sites in South Africa