Register your company in South Africa with ease. We offer end-to-end support including legal setup, tax registration, and local compliance for foreign investors.
A Private Company, or Proprietary Limited (Pty) Ltd, is the most widely used entity in South Africa. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and can be owned by individuals or other companies, both local and foreign. This structure offers limited liability protection and is governed by the Companies Act of 2008.
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A Public Company can offer shares to the public and is suitable for larger businesses aiming to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) or raise significant funding. It requires at least three directors and must appoint an auditor.
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An External Company is a branch of a foreign entity operating in South Africa. It is not a separate legal entity but must register with the CIPC if it conducts business or has a physical presence in South Africa.
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This structure is the simplest form of business and is operated by a single individual. There is no legal separation between the owner and the business.
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A partnership is formed between two or more people who share profits, responsibilities, and liabilities. While it doesn’t have separate legal personality, it is often used for professional practices like law or accounting firms.
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Register your company in South Africa in 8 easy steps:
Take the first step into one of Africa’s most dynamic markets. Whether starting fresh or expanding globally, we make South African company formation smooth, compliant, and fully remote.
Book a free consultation with our experts to get complete guidance every step of the way.
Company registration in South Africa typically takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on the type of entity and the accuracy of submitted documentation. Delays may occur if additional approvals or name reservations are required.
Yes, foreign nationals can fully own and register a company in South Africa. There is no requirement for a local shareholder, although having a local registered address and tax representative is mandatory.
The most common business structures include:
Generally, you’ll need:
Yes, to conduct business locally, your company must open a South African bank account. Most banks require the director(s) to be physically present for account setup, but we offer guidance and remote solutions through our local partners where possible.
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