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South Africa Immigration
Permit South Africa

Visas

Intergate Immigration Service has an expert team of immigration consultants and certified Home Affairs practitioners. The team has the latest knowledge on immigration legislation and has well established researched information on expected relocation procedures and changes.

Foreign Exchange

Exchanging money can be a daunting experience. Our well-informed experts can save you avoidable charges. Incompass Financial Solutions will guide you through the exchange process. The experts will advise you on the best solutions, whether it is a lump sum of money or a staggered monthly transaction.

Property

SA Homebuyers has been established with the aim of providing a sophisticated property buyers service. Acting as an independent property consultant, the service provides an unashamed bias towards protecting the buyers interest and assists in securing you the right property, in the right area and at the best price.

Tax

Seeking tax advice is never high up on anyone's shopping list, however the perception that tax advice is a necessary evil is not always correct. Yes it is true that tax advice helps you to comply with legislation and ensures compliance but it can also offer the opportunity to structure your affairs in the most tax advantageous fashion.

Insurance

Whether it is house and home, car insurance, medical aid or commercial cover, Incompass Insurance offers a free and independent assessment on your specific insurance needs. Furthermore, Incompass Insurance is one of the biggest guest house insurance brokers in South Africa.

Banking

Opening up an appropriate bank account in South Africa often proves more difficult than you may think. We are able to provide our clients with advice on local banking, cash accounts for lump sums and Swiss banking.
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  Banking in South Africa  
Money Market Accounts
Private Banking Cash Accounts
Transferring Money
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Opening a South African Bank Account - Individual Immigrants

The procedure for opening a bank account in South Africa relates directly to the type of permit you have been granted.

Whilst on a tourist visa you are only able to open a bank account in South Africa that is classified as a non resident account. Whilst these accounts can have all the features of a normal banking account they are restrictive in so much as they cannot generally receive deposits in Rands. Not being able to deposit rands into your account can at times be troublesome.

There are exceptions to the rule, such as if you own a property and let it out (in these exceptions the paper trail is of prime importance).

If you are in possession of a valid permit that confirms your temporary or permanent residency  status then you are able to open a bank account in South Africa which is known as a residents account. A residents account is in essence a 'normal' bank account with no special restrictions.

How does Intergate help its clients?

Opening a bank account in South Africa as a foreigner can be a little tiresome. The normal course of events is to gather all required documentation and queue at the bank. There one sits (normally after lengthy wait) whilst any number of forms are completed. Often there is confusion over the residency status, sometimes hard to proof address and lack of credit history.

At Intergate we have set up special arrangements with First National Bank, RMB and Investec private banking. This means no queues, no confusion and quick facilitation of the establishment of your banking facility.

High Interest and Private Style Banking

In addition to this, for clients with funds in excess of R250, 000, Incompass operate a high interest private banking facility in conjunction with Investec Private Bank. This account is ideal for those individuals who wish to keep funds in a secure, accessible and high interest paying environment. An added advantage is that this account can be opened up before arriving in South Africa, allowing you to transfer funds directly into your account from abroad in anticipation of your arrival. The account has the added advantage of transactions and client interaction being in line with private banking. Therefore offering high interest rates and superior service. You can read more about the Incompass Cash account here.

For those who arrive without their permit in place, the first place we would assist you is to open a non-residents account so you may transfer funds in from abroad and later on (after your residence permit has been secured) this would be converted to a residents bank account.

For those making their own arrangements to open a South African bank account please ensure you have contacted them prior to arrival as each bank may require some specific documentation to support your application. Typically you will need your passport, proof of your current permit, proof of residential address and possibly some proof of source of funds.

Opening a South African Bank Account - Business

Your close corporation or Pty Ltd can obtain a business account. There would be no currency restrictions in terms of rand deposits into this account, as the company is viewed as a legal identity in its own right and would be incorporated in South Africa.

When opening an account for in South Africa for a close corporation you will be required to provide the following documentation:
  • Founding statement and certificate of Incorporation (Form CK1) and an Amended Founding Statement (CK2), if applicable
  • One of the following documents reflecting the trade name and physical business address:
    • An original company letterhead
    • Electricity or water bill
    • A bank statement (from another financial institution)
    • Lease or rental agreement
    • Telkom account
    • SARS tax return statement

In addition you will be asked to provide information in respect of your source of income and the type of activities that can be expected on the account.

All members, authorised signatories and/or any other person who may act on behalf of the closed corporation must provide the same information and documentation as stated above, as well as written confirmation that they are authorised to act on behalf of the CC.

Intergate maintain close ties with First Bank, RMB and Investec and are happy to facilitate the opening of accounts with these institutions. Below are the contact details for the 4 major high street banks.

  Standard Bank Hotline:
Tel: 0860 123 456
Web: www.standardbank.co.za

ABSA Bank Hotline:
Tel: 0860 008 600
Web: www.absa.co.za 		First National Bank Hotline:
Tel: 0860 987 654
Web: www.fnb.co.za

Nedbank Hotline:
Tel: 0860 115 060
Web: www.nedbank.co.za

For start up companies in South Africa and companies that expect to maintain positive cash balances in excess of R250,000, Incompass operates a high interest, immediate access money market style account. The account has the added benefit of being operated in lines with a private banking facility offering a superior service and highly competitive interest rates.

Summary

Opening a bank account in South Africa can be frustrating and time consuming. Intergate Immigration offers it clients the most comprehensive immigration service available. We realise that a successful immigration is not just about the visa or permit but every day living necessities. At Intergate our clients can look forward to opening a bank account in South Africa with the minimum of fuss, with great service and great rates.

To contact our experts please use the below links:

Contact us via e-mail here

Request a call back.
 
 
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