⚠️ Important: VisaRequest is a private, independent consultancy - not affiliated with any government, embassy, or official authority. We provide informational and advisory services only. We do not process, issue, or submit government documents on behalf of clients.
For Foreign Nationals

Doing Business in South Africa?

Your visa gets you here. We provide advisory guidance on company setup, tax, banking, legal, and compliance readiness - so you can understand the steps needed to operate with confidence.

We work with foreign nationals and international businesses entering the South African market. Beyond your visa, navigating company setup, SARS-related requirements, payroll, banking, and legal compliance can be overwhelming. We guide you through every step - or connect you with the right specialists - so nothing falls through the cracks.

1

Get Visa Guidance

We provide work or business visa consulting, document review, and guidance through our standard consultancy service.

2

Plan Your Business Setup

We advise on CIPC requirements, MOI guidance, and company setup steps, and can connect you with appropriate specialists.

3

Get Compliant

Tax compliance, payroll, banking, legal - all guided through one point of contact.

4

Start Operating

With everything in place, you can focus on running your business - not chasing paperwork.

What We Help With

End-to-End Business Support

From company setup planning to ongoing compliance, we provide advisory guidance or coordinate with specialists so foreign nationals can understand what is needed to operate legally in South Africa.

Service 1

Business Setup & Company Readiness

A complete "start-to-operate" package for foreign nationals establishing a presence in South Africa.

  • Company setup guidance for CIPC requirements
  • Name reservation
  • MOI (Memorandum of Incorporation) drafting
  • Director appointments & changes
  • Beneficial ownership compliance
  • BEE Certification
Service 2

SARS & Tax Compliance Guidance

Get registered with the South African Revenue Service quickly and correctly - one of the most critical steps for any business operating in South Africa.

  • Tax number guidance for SARS requirements
  • VAT readiness guidance
  • PAYE, UIF & SDL compliance guidance
  • Import & export code advisory support
  • Tax clearance certificates (TCS)
Service 3

Accounting, Payroll & Compliance

Ongoing monthly services to keep your business financially compliant and your team paid correctly.

  • Monthly bookkeeping
  • Financial statements (annual)
  • Payroll compliance guidance (PAYE, UIF, SDL)
  • EMP201 & EMP501 advisory coordination
  • VAT returns
  • Management accounts
Service 4

Banking & Financial Setup

Helping you become financially operational as quickly as possible - from opening your first business account to setting up international payments.

  • Business bank account setup (Standard Bank, FNB, etc.)
  • Assistance with FICA compliance
  • Introductions to banking partners
  • Forex & international payment setup guidance
Service 5

Legal & Compliance Services

Protect your business and directors with the right legal structure from the start.

  • Shareholder agreements
  • Director resolutions
  • Employment contracts
  • BEE advisory
  • POPIA compliance (data protection)
  • Contract drafting
Service 6

Business Licensing & Industry Compliance

Guidance on sector-specific registration and licensing requirements depending on the nature of your business.

  • Trading licenses (municipal)
  • Health & safety compliance
  • Sector-specific registration guidance (construction, transport, etc.)
  • COIDA compliance guidance
Enquire Now

Let's Get You Set Up

Tell us what you need and we will come back to you within 2 business hours with a clear plan and quote.

Note: VisaRequest assists with visa applications and coordinates business setup services for foreign nationals. Some services are delivered in partnership with registered accountants, attorneys, and compliance specialists. We will always be transparent about who is delivering each service.

Response within 2 business hours · Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00

Already have your visa sorted?

Browse our visa services to get your permit in place first, then come back to set up your business.

Work & Long Stay Visas Short Stay Visas

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

VisaRequest is a private, independent consultancy and is not affiliated with CIPC, SARS, any government department, embassy, or official authority. We provide informational and advisory services only. We do not process, issue, or submit government documents on behalf of clients. Business setup and compliance services are advisory in nature and may be delivered in partnership with accredited third-party professionals. All regulatory decisions rest with the relevant government authority. © 2025 VisaRequest.