DocumentClosedpublication
Starting a business in South Africa
South African Embassy, SeoulRef: http://www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr/StartingBizSA.pdf
Official source
Source domain: southafrica-embassy.or.kr
Collected on 17 June 2026
Always confirm details on the official source before acting.
What this means
The document provides steps for South Korean companies to start a business in South Africa, including choosing a business entity type, reserving a company name via CIPC, registering the company with required documents, and obtaining tax registrations (income tax, VAT, PAYE/UIF/SDL) with SARS. It outlines typical document requirements and notes a possible exception for the R2.5 million capital/employee condition. It emphasizes the need to comply with South African corporate and tax regulations during establishment.
Facts
Reference
http://www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr/StartingBizSA.pdf
Amounts
R 2 500 000, R 1 000 000
Key Takeaways
- entity types: Personal liability company, Company (public/private under Companies Act 71 of 2008), Partnership, Shares in a local company, Business trust, Sole proprietorship, External company (branch of foreign company)
- name reservation via CIPC with a search and forms
- registration through CIPC website www.cipc.co.za
- required documents: valid passport, police clearance for countries resided in ≥1 year, business plan, proof of at least five South Africans or permanent residents employed, written agreement with partners/directors and residence status, proof of at least R2.5 million cash or capital contribution (waivable in exceptions)
- tax registrations: income tax with SARS, VAT if annual turnover > R1 million, PAYE, UIF, SDL
- references to exceptions via a Google Drive link mentioned in the document