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Quick answer: Yes. Foreign nationals can be directors of a South African private company. The companies registry accepts passports for foreign directors, but those applications are checked manually, so they take longer than applications with South African ID holders only.
What you need
- A valid passport for each foreign director
- A registered office address in South Africa
- Contact details and up to four proposed company names
- The shareholding: who owns the shares and how many
How the companies registry handles it
The registry’s quick online approval applies when all directors are South African ID holders. With a foreign director, the application goes for manual review with a copy of the passport attached. Make sure names, dates of birth and passport numbers match the passport exactly to avoid queries.
Things to plan for
- Banking. Banks apply extra checks to foreign directors and may ask for proof of address, permits or visas. Some accounts require at least one South African resident signatory. Ask the bank before you register.
- Immigration. Owning or directing a company does not give you the right to live or work in South Africa. Check your visa requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or an immigration practitioner.
- Tax. The company is a South African taxpayer. Where you live and how you are paid affect your personal tax; get advice.
- Beneficial ownership. Foreign owners who hold 5% or more must be declared like anyone else.
How we help
Our Foreigner Assurance service (R990) prepares the extra documents and steps for foreign directors, alongside the normal company registration.
Company Registration from Digitalx, priced in writing before we start.