What is the purpose of tax clearance?
South Africa has strict foreign exchange controls that allow the South African Reserve Bank to keep track of the outflow and inflow of capital in South Africa. Taxpayers over the age of 18 who are South African residents are eligible for the following allowances:
- R1 million single discretionary allowance (no AIT required from SARS)
- R10 million foreign investment allowance (AIT required from SARS)
If you are looking to transfer money out of South Africa and require an AIT (tax clearance), get in touch with one of our experienced brokers who will be happy to assist you through this process.
AIT application requirements: When do you need it?
As of 1 April 2015, the foreign investment allowance increased from R4 million to R10 million per person per calendar year and R20 million per family unit. Tax-payers over the age of 18 who are South African residents are eligible for this allowance. It is mandatory to have an AIT that is valid for 12 months to take advantage of this allowance.
The R1 million single discretionary allowance may be used for any legal purpose abroad (including investment purposes). This can be used solely at the discretion of the resident without any documentary evidence having to be produced as to the purpose of the transfer. No AIT (tax clearance) is required to make use of this allowance.
The R10 million foreign investment allowance may be invested into offshore investment portfolios, property, bank accounts or other investments. You will require an AIT application to transfer these kinds of amounts of money.
We can submit your AIT application form to SARS, should you wish to make use of your R10 million foreign investment allowance. If you wish to exceed the amounts above, we can also assist you with applying to the SARB for special dispensation.
We offer the best possible exchange rate and lowest processing fees around.
Can you transfer more than R11 million out of South Africa?
There is no limit to how much you can send out of the country with a Letter of Compliance from SARS and approval from SARB. Each application received is however reviewed individually.
Our team has experience in SARS Letter of Compliance applications and can assist you through the process to maximize the potential for success. Once you have received your letter, we will be able to transfer your funds at the best possible rate.
Why transfer with us?
We are an established foreign exchange service with over a decade of experience, as well as offices across South Africa, the UK and Australia. As your forex partner, we can ensure you are always compliant, and you get the most competitive exchange rates. What’s more, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, and our South African team is always on hand and will be happy to assist you with any query you may have along the way.
Forget about your bank
Many South African’s first port of call when thinking of making large international money transfers is the bank. However, the bank falls short when it comes to advice, competitive pricing and attractive rates. A trusted forex provider can save you a considerable amount on every transfer you make and advise you on how to make the most out of every transfer.
Why our clients love our forex service
Exchange rates
We transfer your money at competitive rates. All of our fees are disclosed up front, so you never have to worry about unexpected costs.
Fully regulated
We are regulated in South Africa with the South African Reserve Bank, the South African Financial Services Conduct Authority and South African Revenue Services.
Let us answer your questions about transferring money
You may have some questions about transferring your hard-earned money, and we understand. You are right to want to know more about our service before you choose to transfer with us.
Below are the answers to the questions we get asked most regularly.
If you still have questions after reading the FAQs below, you can contact our South African based team on +27 (0) 21 657 2153. If you’d rather keep things online, you can email saregistrations@sableinternational.com and we’ll help you out.
1. Once registered, how long does it take to activate my account?
As soon as we have received your compliance documents, your account will be activated within 24-48 hours.
If your remittance request exceeds R1 million, you will need to obtain an AIT (tax clearance), we can assist with this, and provide us with a PIN.
2. How long does a transfer take to be processed?
Once we have received all the necessary documentation associated with the transaction and your funds have cleared in your account, we will quote you a rate for your transfer. The converted funds will be credited to your nominated overseas account within two to three working days.
3. What are the minimum and maximum amounts that can be transferred?
Our minimum transfer amount is R100,000 to be able to benefit from our services. As a South African resident, you are able to remit R1 million under your discretionary allowance and an additional R10 million per year with the aid of an AIT (Approval for International Transfer) for foreign investment. We can help you apply for an AIT from SARS.
If you are a South African non-resident (this means that you have never been issued with a South African ID book or ID number) there is no limit to the funds that you may remit from South Africa, provided that you can prove the source of the funds. Please contact us on saregistrations@sableinternational.com for more information.
There are certain benefits to sending larger amounts. To find out more about the benefits of sending larger amounts pop us an email, or give us a call, and tell us how much you’d like to send, and we’ll walk you through the currency conversion process.
4. How much money can I transfer into South Africa?
While there are several limits on sending money out of South Africa, there are no limits as to how much money you can send into South Africa.
5. What methods of payment can I use to transfer the funds to your account?
We accept internet banking payments. You will be supplied with a bank account in your own name to which you will transfer the funds. Proof of payment must be emailed to us at saforex@sableinternational.com, so that we can confirm receipt of payment and allocate your funds for transfer.
6. Are there any hidden charges or receiving bank charges?
Not at all. Our transfers carry a shared swift fee of R250, which ensures that the South African bank charges are covered. When the funds clear in your recipient account, the intermediary and receiving bank may charge a bank fee to depending on whom you bank with and this is generally £15. Alternatively, we charge R500 which ensures that all bank charges are paid for. We also make a margin on the exchange rate, which is disclosed and agreed upon up front.
Get in touch
Fill in your details below and one of our consultants will be in touch as soon as they are able.
In the section "How can we help you?", please include the following information:
Do you have a South African ID?
Do you have a SARS tax number?
What Rand amount would you like to send?
Are you sending money to your own account or a third-party account?