News and Updates
SARS Hits Former Tax Residents with Surprise Tax Bills
South African expatriates who have previously ceased their South African tax residency are often caught off guard by unexpected additional assessments raised by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This is becoming increasingly common, as many taxpayers are unaware that changing their tax residency status during a tax year can trigger split tax return implications under section 9H of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (ITA).
Why More Foreigners Are Choosing South Africa's Retired Person Visa
Retiring Well in South Africa — Once the Questions Have Been Answered
For many international retirees considering South Africa for the next chapter of their lives, the journey begins long before the move itself.
Here Are Your 2026 Tax Deadlines: SARS Knows How to Kick Off Your Long Weekend
Get ready to file your 2026 income tax return: the deadlines have been set. Non-provisional taxpayers must file by 23 October 2026, and provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027.
Foreign Nationals Under Increased SARS Scrutiny: When Global Wealth Creates South African Tax Exposure
South Africa’s evolving tax enforcement environment is increasingly drawing foreign nationals into complex disputes with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) — particularly where individuals hold South African permanent residence, maintain local bank accounts, own property, or support family members living in the Republic.
South Africa’s Sought-after Retired Person Visa: A Narrow Window for Prospective Applicants Before New Rules Take Hold
South Africa’s Sought-after Retired Person Visa: A Narrow Window for Prospective Applicants Before New Rules Take Hold
The Withholding Tax Trap: Why Foreign Sellers of South African Property Often Overpay
Foreign nationals disposing of immovable property in South Africa for more than R2 million, are often caught off guard when they suffer a significant withholding tax on the proceeds upon transfer.
SARS Streamlines Partnership Reporting with Simplified Beneficial Owner Register
With tax filing season drawing closer, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced changes to make it easier for taxpayers who are in a partnership to declare their partners’ details on their annual income tax returns, in line with the beneficial-owner regulations.
Critical Skills Work Visa South Africa: A Solution for Investors and Highly Skilled International Professionals
Are you a highly skilled international professional whose expertise is in short supply in South Africa’s local labour market? Or are you an employer operating in a high-demand sector, struggling to find the relevant skills locally?
Hurdles of Ceasing Your South African Tax Residency Once the Clock Has Ticked
Ceasing South African tax residency is already a technical and evidence‑driven process but attempting to do it more than a decade after leaving the country introduces an entirely different level of complexity.
The Higher R3 Million Capital Gains Tax Exclusion: Top Tax Planners Understand the Value of Timing
The 2026 Budget announced an adjustment to the capital gains tax (CGT) exclusion for primary residences from R2 million to R3 million. For qualifying sellers, this change effectively increases the tax-free portion on the capital gain (profit) realised on disposal (sale) of a “primary residence” in South Africa by R1 million or using a top marginal capital gains tax rate of 18%, it means you save R180,000.
D-Day for Trust with Outstanding Tax Returns: Penalties Now Binding by Law
Time has run out for non-compliant trusts: from 4 May 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will impose administrative penalties on trusts with outstanding tax returns, levied monthly and potentially amounting to R16,000 per outstanding return.
National Treasury’s 2026 Tax Amendment Acts: Relief in Some Areas, Refinement in Others
National Treasury’s long-awaited 2026 tax amendment Acts were promulgated, which introduce a focused set of changes to South Africa’s Valued Added Tax (“VAT”) and Income Tax frameworks. These new amendments have immediate practical consequences for taxpayers, employers, and investors.
Do Not Let a Dormant SARS Tax Number Derail Your Life Abroad
Dormant or inactive tax numbers, often the result of prolonged non-compliance or outdated personal details, can send unsuspecting taxpayers down a dead-end street very quickly.
South Africa’s Immigration Reset Now Official: What the Approved White Paper Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Cabinet has approved the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection (CIRP), marking one of the most complex and consequential governance undertakings of the democratic era.
SARS Holds Crypto-Traders to Account per the “International Tax Standard”
The draft Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and revised Common Reporting Standard (CRS) regulations, proposed to be effective 01 March 2026, increases the regulatory and reporting burden on crypto service providers and taxpayers in South Africa! This strengthening of tax treatment leverages the automatic exchange of information, with other competent revenue authorities, to uncover global crypto assets and activities.
Home Affairs Grants Generous Extension to Protect Visa Holders with Pending Applications
Foreign nationals in South Africa who have faced uncertainty while awaiting the outcome of their long-pending visa, waiver, and appeal applications have been granted welcome and unexpected relief by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), allowing them to remain in the country under the concession for a further 15 months.
Rental Income Restrictions in South Africa: What Foreign Property Owners Must Know
SARS Tax Numbers Explained: What Foreign Nationals and Expats Get Wrong
HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, powered by Standard Bank, 10 Mar Hot Business Interview - Nicolas Botha 10 March 2026
Foreign Buyers of South African Property Documentation Is Not Optional, It Is Protection
Beyond the excitement of purchasing a dream home in South Africa, foreign buyers are entering into a long-term regulatory relationship — and in that relationship, your documentation is everything.
Fixes South Africa Needs to Compete Globally for Investment and Skills
South Africa remains in competition with other emerging markets to attract global finance and investments, and the scarce skills that come with it to boost its economy. To become globally competitive, the country must solve its core issues around electricity supply and network industry challenges that hinder growth. This was the key message delivered by Deputy Minister of Finance Ashor Sarupen at the 5th Global Mobility Conference hosted by Xpatweb in Johannesburg on 13 August 2025.
Do South African Expats Return Home for the Braais?
The fact that several countries abroad do not let you have a braai whenever and wherever you want, is not on its own the reason why South African expats return home after many years abroad. But when added to factors like cultural differences, the lack of traditional support structures, and the high cost of living overseas, it might just be the final straw.
Let Their Partners Work: South Africa Should Act Now to Stay Competitive in the Global Skills Race
South Africa risks shutting the door to sought-after global professionals by not allowing direct employment access to their accompanying partners or spouses.
More Americans Are Choosing to Call South Africa Home —Here’s Why
As of the 2022 Census, South Africa is home to over 2.4 million foreign-born residents, among them around 7,400 individuals originally from the United States. While Americans make up a small share of the expatriate population, signs indicate a growing interest in making South Africa a long-term home.
Budget 2026: What it Means for Foreign Property Owners in South Africa
Foreign nationals owning property in South Africa, or who are considering buying or selling local real estate, should take note of several key announcements in the 2026 National Budget that will directly affect their tax obligations.
Home Affairs Becomes Smarter by the Day – Making More South Africans ‘Smart’ in the Process
Role players in the immigration industry have welcomed the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) Smart ID rollout for naturalised citizens and permanent residents who, up to now, had to rely on the outdated green bar-coded ID books - leaving them vulnerable to the risk of fraud.
Living the Good Life: Fine Dining, Art, and Culture for the Elite Retiree in South Africa
Retirement is not just about slowing down—it is about indulging in the finer things in life. For the high-net-worth globetrotters seeking a destination that offers all that and more in their golden years, South Africa presents an unrivalled opportunity for this next chapter in your life.
Another Positive Move To Attract More Tourists To SA
South Africa’s imminent implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, as announced in the State of the Nation Address (SONA), will allow a full digital visa application process, ensuring a quick and effective turnaround time for travellers coming for short-term visits. This will help boost tourism numbers which have not yet recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels.
New Banking and Tax Rules Impact Receiving and Remittance of Rental Income for Foreign Property Owners in South Africa
Foreign nationals who own fixed property in South Africa and derive rental income from it, are increasingly facing new compliance hurdles when accessing or transferring those funds. Recent feedback from multiple South African banks indicates the tightening of access to non-resident bank accounts where additional tax compliance requirements are not met, which could leave foreign property owners temporarily out of pocket.
What SARB’s Rule Changes Mean for Your Offshore Transfers
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has adjusted the operation of the Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA) regime for South Africans transferring funds abroad, now allowing greater flexibility for bona fide current transfers above the R1 million annual threshold.
Immigration Reform or Tax Overreach by Stealth?
Why Home Affairs’ latest proposal should alarm investors, foreign nationals and National Treasury alike
SARS Gatekeeper Role Delays Offshore Directors’ Fees
Non-Executive Directors who are non-resident for South African tax purposes are increasingly experiencing delays and uncertainty when seeking to remit directors’ fees offshore. This follows recent regulatory amendments published by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), which formally position the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as the primary compliance gatekeeper for the externalisation of income.
Simplify Complexity: The Power of Unified Advisory in South African Property
Stop juggling multiple consultants. Discover how FBPS’s Unified Advisory model integrates legal, tax, and immigration compliance into a single, centralised strategy for secure South African property investment
The FBPS Advantage: Two Decades of Precision in South African Property
Experience the difference of a fully integrated property advisory. With over two decades of expertise, FBPS offers foreign investors a unique, full-service solution covering tax, law, and acquisition.
Navigating the Maze: Hurdles Foreign Individuals Face in Securing a South African Tax Number
Securing a South African tax number is often the first hurdle for foreign nationals and returning expats, but digital shifts at SARS have made it a complex maze. From rejected foreign contact details to accidental duplicate registrations, we unpack the common pitfalls and how to navigate them successfully.
The Exit Strategy: How to Guarantee the Repatriation of Your Capital and Profits from South Africa
Investing in South Africa is lucrative, but can you get your money out? Working with the expert team at Foreign Buyer Property Solutions ensures your capital repatriation is secured from the very first day of your purchase.
Mastering the Lifecycle: Structuring Your South African Property Investment
Structure your South African property investment for success. Discover how personal ownership, companies, and trusts affect your tax, liability, and future repatriation options
Maximising Your Exit: Navigating Section 35A Withholding Tax
Selling property in South Africa? Understand Section 35A withholding tax. Learn how non-residents can apply for a tax directive to reduce the 7.5% withholding rate and maximize capital repatriation.
How SARB’s New Rules Affect the Transfer of South African-sourced Income Abroad
The South African Reserve Bank has introduced Exchange Control Circular No. 15/2025, fundamentally changing how non-residents transfer SA-sourced income abroad. The new framework aims to close compliance gaps by requiring strict SARS verification before any funds—such as rental income, trust distributions, or pension payments—are processed by Authorised Dealers.
Bridging Jurisdictions: Integrated Tax Solutions for the Global Investor
Avoid double taxation and fiscal pitfalls. Learn how Foreign Buyer Property Solutions integrates South African tax law with international regulations to ensure your property investment is compliant at home and abroad.
Estate Planning for International Investors: Why You Need a South African Will
Do you need a separate will for your South African assets? Discover why relying on a foreign will causes delays, how 'freedom of testation' works, and why FBPS recommends a dedicated local will for international investors.
SARS and SARB Decide Whether Your Funds Can Leave South Africa: AIT Now Required to Externalise Dividends
South Africans abroad are waking up to a new reality: dividends and offshore transfers are now blocked unless strict SARS and SARB requirements are met. From the mandatory AIT PIN to endorsed share certificates, we explain why the "honour system" is over and how to ensure your funds don't get trapped in SA.
How You Talk with SARS is Important: Why a Tax Practitioner with Its Own SARS ISV Link Matters
In South Africa's increasingly digitised tax environment, the way information reaches the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is no longer a technical footnote - it is a strategic differentiator.
Securing Your Investment: The Documentation Required for a Non-Resident Home Loan in South Africa
Applying for a non-resident home loan in South Africa? Master the essential documentation-from FICA to income verification-and ensure your property finance is approved and structured for future repatriation.
Residency Routes for Property Buyers: Choosing the Right Visa
Planning to buy property in South Africa? Compare the Retired Person, Critical Skills, and Remote Work Visas. FBPS guides you through the income thresholds, tax implications, and application processes for seamless residency.
Stay SARB Compliant: Protecting International Capital
Secure your South African property investment. Learn how to navigate South African Reserve Bank (SARB) regulations, manage 'Non-Resident Rand Accounts', and ensure seamless international funds repatriation with FBPS.
Retiring in South Africa: Understanding the Section 20 Retired Person Visa
Secure your South African retirement. Discover the Section 20 Retired Person Visa income requirements (ZAR 37,000), and learn how FBPS and Xpatweb streamline your residency and property investment strategy.
The Exit Strategy: How to Guarantee the Repatriation of Capital and Profits from South Africa
Investing in South Africa can be rewarding, but repatriating funds depends on how the transaction is structured from day one. Foreign Buyer Property Solutions outlines the steps that support a clean capital exit.
Unlocking Value: Why the Exchange Rate Favours South African Real Estate
The Rand exchange rate can stretch offshore budgets further when buying property in South Africa. Learn why, and how to structure funds, finance and compliance correctly from day one.
Strategic Investment in South Africa: Exchange Control, Tax Efficiency and a Clean Exit
South African property can offer exceptional value for foreign buyers, but exchange control and tax rules shape your net outcome. Learn how to structure funds, financing and compliance from day one to protect capital and support repatriation on exit.
Investing in Emerging Markets: How to Secure Your South African Property Investment with Proper Structuring
Considering a property investment in South Africa? Learn how to reduce emerging-market risk through the right legal, tax and exchange control structuring. Foreign Buyer Property Solutions helps you stay compliant, protect capital and plan a clean exit.
Why Foreign Buyers Need a Specialist Cross-Border Team in South Africa
Buying property in South Africa as a foreign buyer involves more than an offer and transfer. Learn why a coordinated tax, immigration and cross-border financial team helps protect your capital, compliance and exit strategy
The Strategic Guide to Funding Your South African Property Purchase
This guide explores the risks of bypassing traditional banking channels, specifically how converting currency offshore can endanger your ability to repatriate funds or satisfy tax authorities later. By prioritizing "Authorized Dealers" and Treasury Dealing Desks over low-cost apps, investors ensure their capital is correctly classified—generating the essential "Deal Ticket" for future liquidity. Foreign Buyer Property Solutions emphasizes that in a complex regulatory environment, prioritizing compliance over the lowest spot rate provides necessary legal certainty, ensuring your investment remains secure from purchase to eventual sale
A Foreign Buyer’s Guide to Securing a Mortgage in South Africa: Understanding the 50% Borrowing Rule and When a Foreigner Can Borrow More
While South Africa welcomes international property buyers, securing a mortgage is controlled by strict Exchange Control Regulations rather than standard bank policy. The primary constraint is the "50% Borrowing Rule," which mandates a 1:1 ratio: for every Rand borrowed, a non-resident must invest an equivalent amount of their own capital, effectively capping loans at 50% of the purchase price.
Foreign Buyers Beware: Do Not Miss the Hidden Visa, Tax and Forex Risks When Purchasing Property in Sunny South Africa
Every year, international visitors and holiday makers arriving in South Africa, especially those flocking to Cape Town over the festive summer season, are captivated by the country’s natural beauty and enviable lifestyle.