LET US TAKE CARE OF IT. ALL OF IT.

CEASE TAX RESIDENCY WITH SARS

Speak to us about your next steps

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MARKET LEADING EXPATRIATE TAX COMPANIES

Taking care of the entire Financial Emigration application process on your behalf from start to end.
Dealing closely with SARS we ensure full compliance with all legislation.

I AM STILL IN SOUTH AFRICA

WHAT IS MY EXIT STRATEGY?

Let’s Proceed!

I AM STILL IN SOUTH AFRICA

WHAT IS MY EXIT STRATEGY?

If one plans to relocate from South Africa then tax planning is necessary to ensure that one does not get caught in the pitfalls of moving abroad, whether this is from the perspective of possible double taxation, a too-high tax burden or as a consequence of the exit tax. There are certain tax obligations that need to be met when one exits South Africa.

Depending on each taxpayer’s circumstances, a strategy can be put in place to minimize their tax obligations and ensure full compliance. As a first step, it is best to begin with a tax diagnostic of your tax profile and, from there, consider one’s tax residency status and how your banking will be affected as an expat.

I AM ALREADY ABROAD

LET’S CEASE MY TAX RESIDENCY

Upon emigration, one of the most pertinent issues to be addressed is whether a taxpayer will still be considered a “resident” for tax purposes in South Africa.

Expatriates whose intention is to remain abroad permanently, will qualify for the Financial Emigration (FE) process. This should be considered by South Africans who have departed with a permanent intent to reside abroad.

The FE process is once-off and will enable expatriates to permanently break their status as South African tax residents. This will also enable them to encash their retirement fund interests in South Africa, sans apportionment for an annuity, after three years following their residency cessation date.

If the taxpayer intends on returning to reside in SA again one day, then they may consider a temporary cessation of their tax residency via the DTA (if there is one in place), should the country they are in have a DTA treaty with SA. However, ceasing tax residency does not automatically happen – this must be formalized with SARS in every case.

I AM ALREADY ABROAD

LET’S CEASE MY TAX RESIDENCY

Let’s Proceed!

I AM STILL UNDECIDED

WHAT DOES THE FORMAL PROCESS ENTAIL?

Let’s Proceed!

I AM STILL UNDECIDED

WHAT DOES THE FORMAL PROCESS ENTAIL?

Deciding on whether to break one’s tax residency or not, is a complex matter. It also is a question of whether one actually qualifies to cease their tax residency or not. There are many factors to consider in each individual taxpayer’s situation, such as their intentions for the future, type of employment or other income earned, as well as foreign and local assets. All of these factors, and others, would have an impact on what the individual will qualify for in terms of tax relief. The formal process of changing one’s tax residency status is a legal process that is undertaken with SARS and the authorized dealers (banks) in South Africa. It is, unfortunately, not a simple application – it must be considered in detail and submitted correctly, to ensure full compliance.

FINANCIAL EMIGRATION:
THE SARS CONFIRMED PROCESS TO CEASE TAX RESIDENCY

Financial emigration is the process used by many South Africans abroad to formalise their non-resident tax status for both tax and exchange control purposes.

The process has been extremely successful for South Africans to cut tax ties, and as such, SARS has made it more difficult to cease tax residency by amending the process effective 1 March 2021.

We have an in-depth understanding of the complex process and can help you complete your Financial Emigration and guarantee non-tax residency through SARS. This will provide you with protection whilst ensuring your foreign earned income remains tax-exempt in South Africa.

VIEW FULL SERVICE SUITE

“Therefore, if one financially emigrates (taking into consideration the tax residency tests) that would then indicate that the taxpayer ceased to be a tax resident.”

SARS, Foreign Employment Income Team

HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY…

     Excellent  
     Based on 194 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Marthin Steyn 
 2024-07-31
 
 
  The South African financial emigration process can be tough but the team at Financial Emigration persisted in a professional way to get the job done despite all the challenges. We would never have been able to get the process finalised without their assistance.
  
 
       
   Werner Fourie 
 2024-07-29
 
 
  Alex was very clear with what documentation was needed. He checked-in often to offer support.
Turn around time from sending my request to final outcome, was amazing and without hiccups. Their service is defnitely recommended.
  
 
       
   Ben Maxton 
 2024-07-15
 
 
  Very impressed with the preparation and turnaround time. Thank you!
  
 
       
   Olivia Maxton 
 2024-07-15
 
 
  First class services. Extremely knowledgeable staff who are very professional. Helped us in no-time, would recommend to anyone who needs confident decisions regarding their South African tax compliance with SARS while living and working abroad.
  
 
       
   Shaun Thomas 
 2024-07-09
 
 
  Excellent service I was really impressed how easy it was to sort out my tax residency with SARS.
Khomotso and Chavaughn were great to deal with.
  
 
       
   Revauw Pentz 
 2024-07-04
 
 
  I recently used Financial Emigration's services to obtain my Non-Resident Confirmation Letter, and the experience was excellent. The team demonstrated professionalism and efficiency throughout the process. They guided me clearly, addressing all my questions and concerns promptly. The application procedure was smooth and hassle-free, and I received my confirmation letter much sooner than expected. Financial Emigration made what could have been a complex and stressful process straightforward and manageable. I highly recommend their services to anyone needing assistance with financial emigration.
  
 
       
   Luther Heys 
 2024-07-03
 
 
  Very easy to work with and helped me successfully navigate my financial emigration.
  
 
       
   Heinrich Van Der Westhuizen 
 2024-07-02
 
 
  Financial Emigration's service, especially Nikolas Skafidas and his team, has been outstanding. The entire process has been seamless, with prompt responses and excellent follow-up on issues.
  
 
       
   Isabella Venter 
 2024-06-26
 
 
  Mr Alex Mahundla was excellent in arranging an interview with a SARS agent in order to update my eFiling profile. His communication via email, phone and MSTeams was professional, informative, on time and very detailed. I gladly recommend his polite and friendly service!
  
 
       
   Karin Remmelzwaal 
 2024-06-21
 
 
  After sending an enquiry via the website I had an intro call set up within hours. Delano was confident and patient, thanks!

IN THE MEDIA

WATCH MORE INTERVIEWS READ MORE ARTICLES

RADIO AND TELEVISION

LATEST ARTICLES

RADIO AND TELEVISION

WATCH MORE INTERVIEWS

LATEST ARTICLES

LET US TAKE CARE OF IT. ALL OF IT. ALL OF IT.

Full Name*
Email Address*
Contact Number
In which country do you currently reside?*
Is your permanent intent to reside abroad?*
Where Did You Hear About Us?*
Any additional information you would wish to add?
CAPTCHA
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

LET US TAKE CARE OF IT. ALL OF IT.

CEASE TAX RESIDENCY WITH SARS

Speak to us about your next steps

I AM STILL IN SOUTH AFRICA

I AM ALREADY ABROAD

I AM STILL UNDECIDED

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MARKET LEADING EXPATRIATE TAX COMPANIES

WHAT IS MY EXIT STRATEGY?

WHAT IS MY EXIT STRATEGY?

LET’S CEASE MY TAX RESIDENCY

LET’S CEASE MY TAX RESIDENCY

WHAT DOES THE FORMAL PROCESS ENTAIL?

WHAT DOES THE FORMAL PROCESS ENTAIL?

FINANCIAL EMIGRATION:THE SARS CONFIRMED PROCESS TO CEASE TAX RESIDENCY

HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY…

IN THE MEDIA

RADIO AND TELEVISION

LATEST ARTICLES

IN THE MEDIA

RADIO AND TELEVISION

LATEST ARTICLES

AS FEATURED IN

LET US TAKE CARE OF IT. ALL OF IT. ALL OF IT.

PROFESSIONAL LIAISONS

Find Us

Contact Details

In the News

This Website Uses Cookies

I AM STILL IN
SOUTH AFRICA

I AM ALREADY
ABROAD

I AM STILL
UNDECIDED

FINANCIAL EMIGRATION:
THE SARS CONFIRMED PROCESS TO CEASE TAX RESIDENCY