Moving to South Africa: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in South Africa: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 9 residence programmes, tax-residency requirements and climate. Explore the basics and compare residence routes.
Taxes
In South Africa the top income tax rate is 45%, dividends are taxed at up to 20% and companies pay 27% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in South Africa from arrival once you take up residence (Ordinarily resident (real home, settled intent) → resident from arrival; else physical presence 91 days × 6 yrs (915)). The typical route is Financially Independent Permit (direct permanent residence): Net worth ≥ZAR 12m (assets minus debts, certified) + ZAR 120k fee after approval; alt. retired visa ZAR 37k/mo There are 9 open residence programmes in South Africa — see the list below.
Living there
Cape Town has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with winter highs around 18 °C and summer highs around 27 °C.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 45% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 20% |
| Corporate tax | 27% |
| Residencia fiscal | desde la llegada — Ordinarily resident (real home, settled intent) → resident from arrival; else physical presence 91 days × 6 yrs (915) |
| Vía de residencia típica | Financially Independent Permit (direct permanent residence) — Net worth ≥ZAR 12m (assets minus debts, certified) + ZAR 120k fee after approval; alt. retired visa ZAR 37k/mo |
| Tipo de clima | warm-summer Mediterranean · 18° / 27° (Cape Town) |
| Military service | none |
| Taxed for holding the passport | none — Residence-based; exit CGT on ceasing residence; 'financial emigration' abolished 2021 (3-year rule for forex) |
| Can you give it up? | allowed — Declaration to Home Affairs |
| Passport reputation (banks, sanctions) | medium risk — Generally accepted; EDD |
Residence programmes in South Africa
Active programmes
- Permanent Residence – Financially Independent (s.27(f)) — independentMeans · 2026-10
- Retired Person's Visa (s.20) — Ingresos / año CHF 20'000 · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence – Retired Person (s.27(e)) — Ingresos / año CHF 20'000 · 2026-10
- Business Visa (s.15) — Inversión CHF 225'000 · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence – Business (s.27(c)) — Inversión CHF 225'000 · 2026-10
- Critical Skills Work Visa — employment · 2026-10
- General Work Visa (points-based) / Intra-company Transfer / Trusted Employer Scheme — employment · 2026-10
- Remote Work Visa — Ingresos / año CHF 45'000 · 2026-10
New 2024-25 visa; income threshold reported, low certainty
- Spousal / Relative's Visa and family PR — Ingresos / año CHF 4'590 · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in South Africa to become tax resident?
desde la llegada. Ordinarily resident (real home, settled intent) → resident from arrival; else physical presence 91 days × 6 yrs (915) Worldwide income; exit charge on ceasing residence
How much tax will I pay in South Africa?
In South Africa the top income tax rate is 45%, dividends are taxed at up to 20% and companies pay 27% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does South Africa offer?
Permanent Residence – Financially Independent (s.27(f)); Retired Person's Visa (s.20); Permanent Residence – Retired Person (s.27(e)); Business Visa (s.15) (CHF 225'000); Permanent Residence – Business (s.27(c)) (CHF 225'000)
What is the usual way to move to South Africa?
Financially Independent Permit (direct permanent residence). Net worth ≥ZAR 12m (assets minus debts, certified) + ZAR 120k fee after approval; alt. retired visa ZAR 37k/mo
Compare with nearby countries
Algeria · Angola · Benin · Botswana · Burkina Faso · Burundi · Cameroon · Central African Rep. · Chad · Congo · Côte d'Ivoire · Dem. Rep. Congo
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.