Investing in South Africa as a Non-Resident in 2025

Published: June 06, 2025

South Africa remains an attractive destination for non-residents looking to invest in 2025, thanks to its diverse economy, growing tech sector, and vibrant real estate market. However, navigating exchange control and tax implications is critical to ensuring a smooth investment journey.

Non-residents can freely bring funds into South Africa for investments, but the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) requires a Balance of Payments (BoP) declaration to record the inflow. This documentation is crucial for future repatriation of profits or proceeds—without it, you may face delays or restrictions when transferring funds back to your home country. For example, if you invest in South African property, SARB will need proof of the original fund source when you sell and repatriate the proceeds.

Tax-wise, non-residents are only taxed on income sourced in South Africa. If you earn rental income from a property, you’ll be subject to South African tax rates (up to 45% for individuals), but you may claim relief under a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) if your home country has one with South Africa. Capital gains tax (CGT) also applies when selling assets like property, with non-residents taxed on 80% of the gain at an effective rate of up to 18%.

At OffshoreFX, we guide non-residents through SARB compliance and optimize currency conversions to protect your investment returns. Whether you’re buying property or investing in South African businesses, our team ensures your funds are managed efficiently, with competitive exchange rates and full regulatory compliance.