Doing Business in SA: What Every External Company Needs to Know

6 May 2025

AUTHOR: MATHYS BRIERS-LOUW

South Africa’s vibrant and diverse business environment makes it an attractive destination for global investors and foreign companies. When a business incorporated outside South Africa operates within the country, it is classified as an external company and must register with local authorities. These entities play a vital role in the economy by bringing foreign capital, expertise, and technological advancements. However, their operations are subject to specific legal and regulatory requirements to ensure transparency and compliance

What Is an External Company?

An external company is a foreign-registered business that conducts operations in South Africa without being locally incorporated. While it remains governed by the laws of its home country, it must adhere to certain provisions of South Africa’s Companies Act (No. 71 of 2008) when doing business locally.

Under Section 23 of the Companies Act, any foreign company engaging in business or nonprofit activities in South Africa must register with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) within 20 business days. This registration acknowledges the company’s presence but does not create a separate legal entity, meaning the external company and its foreign parent remain the same legal entity. The external company does not issue shares in South Africa, as shareholding remains with the parent company in its country of incorporation.

Registration Requirements

To operate legally, external companies must:

• Register with the CIPC (a manual process that can take time).
• Appoint a local public officer for SARS (South African Revenue Service) compliance, even though tax registration is automated upon CIPC registration.
• Comply with tax and exchange control regulations.
• Submit required documents, including: the foreign company’s founding documents (translated into English if necessary); financial year-end date; proof of a South African business address; and details of a local representative.

Non-compliance can lead to penalties and operational restrictions.

Key Regulatory Considerations

1. Beneficial Ownership Disclosure

External companies must disclose their ultimate beneficial owners as part of South Africa’s efforts to enhance transparency and combat financial crimes like money laundering.

2. Compliance with the Companies Act

While primarily governed by their home country’s laws, external companies must follow relevant sections of South Africa’s Companies Act, particularly those related to governance, financial reporting, and accountability.

3. Taxation

Registration with SARS is mandatory, including obligations for Corporate Income Tax, VAT, and other applicable taxes based on business activities.

4. Exchange Control Regulations

External companies must comply with South Africa’s exchange control regulations, which regulate cross-border financial transactions.  This includes prior approval for foreign incoming loans by non-residents to an external company, which is a resident for exchange control purposes.

4. Exchange Control Regulations

External companies must comply with South Africa’s exchange control regulations, which regulate cross-border financial transactions.  This includes prior approval for foreign incoming loans by non-residents to an external company, which is a resident for exchange control purposes.

Economic Impact

External companies contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy by:

• Boosting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• Creating employment opportunities.
• Facilitating skills development and technology transfer.
• Strengthening international trade relations.

A well-balanced regulatory framework ensures these benefits while safeguarding national interests.

Conclusion

Expanding into South Africa as an external company involves more than just setting up operations – it requires navigating legal compliance, tax obligations, and regulatory standards. Understanding the registration process and ongoing requirements is crucial for sustainable success in this dynamic market.