Register Your South African Company. Fully Managed, From Anywhere.
CIPC registration, SARS compliance, tax clearance, and bank account support. Handled by professionals who know the South African regulatory environment inside out. Done remotely in days.
South Africa is one of Africa's most important business destinations. Whether you are an international investor entering the South African market, a diaspora entrepreneur formalising a local operation, or a UAE-based business establishing a South African entity, DBC manages the full registration and compliance process through our Johannesburg-based team.
Why Register a South African Company
South Africa is the second-largest economy in Africa and home to the continent's most developed financial sector. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is Africa's largest stock exchange. The country has double taxation agreements with the UAE and over 70 other countries. Its legal and corporate framework is internationally recognised, making a South African entity credible with Gulf investors, DFIs, and international partners.
For UAE-based businesses entering Southern African markets, a South African entity is the correct vehicle. For South African entrepreneurs, formalising your business structure unlocks access to banking, government contracts, B-BBEE certification, and institutional relationships.
DBC handles South African company registration through our affiliated Johannesburg accounting and tax practice. Your company is registered correctly, with the right structure, from the start.
South Africa in Numbers
South Africa's GDP (2024). Second-largest economy in Africa.
Double taxation agreements signed, including with the UAE, UK, US, Netherlands, and Germany.
Typical CIPC registration turnaround once documents are correctly submitted.
Corporate tax rate for standard companies. SBC sliding scale starts at 0% on the first R95,750.
Standard VAT rate. Registration mandatory above R1 million annual turnover.
South Africa consistently ranks as Africa's top destination for FDI in professional services, finance, and technology.
Packages and Pricing
All prices include 15% VAT and all government fees. USD amounts are indicative, calculated at the rate applicable at time of invoice.
Starter
New entrepreneurs registering a company for the first time.
CIPC Registration
- Company name reservation at CIPC
- Company registration (Pty Ltd)
- Memorandum of Incorporation (standard)
- Share certificates
- Beneficial ownership filing
SARS Registrations
- Income tax registration
Business
Most PopularOperating businesses that need full compliance setup from day one.
Everything in Starter, plus:
- eFiling setup
- PAYE registration
- UIF registration
- SDL registration
- B-BBEE EME Affidavit
Premium
Serious businesses that need the full stack from registration to banking.
Everything in Business, plus:
- Tax clearance certificate
- Bank account assistance
- Registered office address (12 months)
- 30 minute strategy consultation with a registered South African accountant
Payment terms: 100% upfront. All packages completed within 3 to 5 business days of document submission.
What You Need to Provide
- Copy of your South African ID or passport
- Proposed company name (3 options in order of preference)
- Residential or business address in South Africa
- Details of all shareholders and directors (name, ID number, address)
- Percentage shareholding per shareholder
- Brief description of business activities
Foreign nationals may provide a passport in place of a South African ID. Additional documentation may be required depending on the shareholder structure.
Ongoing Services After Registration
Company registration is the start, not the finish. DBC's Johannesburg team provides ongoing accounting and tax services for South African entities, including:
Contact us for a quote on ongoing services tailored to your business size and transaction volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a South African company if I do not live in South Africa?+
Yes. Foreign nationals can register and own a South African company without being resident. Our team handles the process remotely.
Can a UAE company own a South African company?+
Yes. A UAE holding company owning a South African operating company is a legitimate and commonly used structure. There are specific SARB loop structure considerations for South African residents. DBC advises on the correct structure for your situation.
How long does registration take?+
CIPC registration typically takes 1 to 2 business days once all documents are correctly submitted. Full package completion including SARS registrations takes 3 to 5 business days.
Do I need a physical office address in South Africa?+
CIPC requires a registered address. The Premium package includes a registered office address for 12 months. For Starter and Business packages, you will need to supply your own address.
What is a B-BBEE EME Affidavit?+
A B-BBEE Exempted Micro Enterprise affidavit certifies your company's broad-based black economic empowerment status. Most businesses with annual turnover below R10 million qualify as EMEs. Having this in place is required for certain government contracts and preferred supplier relationships.
Can DBC handle my South African taxes on an ongoing basis?+
Yes. Our Johannesburg team provides full accounting, VAT, payroll, and tax services for South African entities. Contact us for a quote.
Ready to register your South African company?
Talk to us today. The first call is free and comes with no obligation.