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HPT Group
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Africa · Jurisdiction

South Africa

We advise on company formation, structuring and related work in South Africa, and coordinate local formation agents, banks and counsel where the matter requires them.

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Our work in South Africa

What clients most often ask us for here

Other HPT services are available in South Africa where the matter calls for them.

  • South African company formation
  • Real estate structuring
  • Inbound investment and African gateway

Key facts

Headline corporate tax
27%
Typical formation
3 to 6+ weeks
Formation, first year
From £900, government fees included
Annual renewal
From £600, government fees included
Classification
Onshore
Region
Africa

Headline tax rates and formation times are indicative and change. We confirm the current position in writing for each matter.

Talk to us

Sheung Wan and Mayfair

Hong Kong and London. Meetings by appointment only

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We aim to reply within 48 hours.

Advisers in discussion at a meeting table

Common questions

South Africa: questions we are often asked

Is South Africa suitable for my structure?
That depends on where you and the other owners are resident, where the business operates, where it will bank and how counterparties will view South Africa. We review those points before recommending any jurisdiction.
Can a South Africa entity open a bank account?
Often, but it depends on the activity, the owners and the bank. We consider banking before anything is formed and will tell you if we think an account is unlikely.
What substance is required?
Substance rules differ by jurisdiction and by activity. We set out what applies to your structure, and what it costs to meet, in the written recommendation.
What will it cost?
We agree our fee in writing before work begins. Formation and annual renewal fees include the standard government fees and the registered agent. Other third-party costs, such as local counsel, are set out separately in the same document.

Compare

Other Africa jurisdictions

Other Africa jurisdictions
JurisdictionClassificationHeadline corporate taxTypical formation time
MauritiusHybrid3% effective2 to 3+ weeks
EgyptOnshore22.5%4 to 8+ weeks
MoroccoOnshore20 to 35%4 to 8+ weeks
KenyaOnshore30%4 to 6+ weeks
Africa overview

Insights

Further reading

All insights
Old books (Unsplash).

Tax Strategy

How to Leave the South African Tax System: A Practical Guide

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa.

Corporate

South Africa Company Formation: A Complete Guide

Outeniqua Pass, George, South Africa.

Tax Strategy

South Africa Tax Residency: A Practical Guide

We do not give legal or tax advice in jurisdictions where we are not qualified to do so; where needed, we coordinate local counsel and tax advisers.

Fees agreed in writing before work begins. Where a bank or provider pays us for an introduction, we tell you before the introduction is made.

See also what we will not do and prohibited and restricted matters.

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, at night

Next step

Considering South Africa?

Tell us about the structure you have in mind. A senior adviser will review it and reply with the questions we would need answered.

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