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SA Tax Emigration
Formally cease your South African tax residency - with confidence
Financial emigration may have ended in 2021, but tax emigration has taken its place - with a clearer process, but still plenty of confusion for many South Africans living abroad.
At SAUK Tax, we help South African expats understand and navigate this process with clarity and confidence.
THE PROCESS IN SIMPLE TERMS
4 steps to completing SA tax emigration
Plan ahead: Obtaining a Certificate of Residence from HMRC can take several weeks - have this ready early in the process.
Need professional support with your tax emigration?
If your situation is complex, we manage the full process on your behalf - assessing your status, handling SARS, and advising on cross-border implications.
Understanding the bigger picture
What is Tax immigration?
Tax emigration is the process of formally notifying SARS that you are no longer a South African tax resident.
Once your status is updated, you are no longer taxed in South Africa on your worldwide income - but you may still be taxed on any South African-sourced income.
What you receive at the end
Once completed, SARS will issue a confirmation letter stating that you are no longer a South African tax resident.
This is important because it:
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Confirms your non-resident tax status
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Allows access to retirement funds (if you meet the 3-year non-residency requirement)
Moving money out of South Africa
Tax emigration also impacts how funds can be transferred offshore.
In the year of emigration, you may:
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Transfer up to R2 million without formal approval
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Transfer up to R10 million subject to an Approved International Transfer (AIT) application
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Apply for approval for amounts above R10 million through SARB
Thereafter, the R10 million annual allowance remains available, subject to successful AIT applications.
Banking and exchange control
Your status must be updated with your bank and any other financial institutions. From an exchange control perspective, you are no longer treated as a South African resident.
As a result:
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The Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA) is no longer available
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Transfers of funds from South Africa must be processed through an Approved International Transfer (AIT) application
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Your bank, as an Authorised Dealer, is required to apply the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) rules when facilitating these transfers
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Supporting documentation will be required to verify the source of funds and tax compliance status
Transfers are processed in line with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) framework through your bank, with supporting documentation required to confirm the source of funds and tax compliance
What if you don't tax emigrate?
❌ You remain a South African tax resident
❌ SARS may continue to tax your worldwide income
❌ Your bank accounts remain classified as resident accounts
A practical, informed approach
Tax emigration is not just a form - it's a process that affects your tax position, your finances, and your future planning. Whether you manage it yourself or work with us, the key is to approach it with clarity and structure.