If you’re like many business visa applicants, you’ve decided on buying a business instead of setting up a business from scratch. This is often a complex and intensive process, but Intergate can help you with finding and buying a business in South Africa. Our in-house experts have helped thousands of other foreigners do exactly the same.

Making sure it’s the right business

Intergate offers access to credible business brokers to help foreigners with their research and acquisition. Due diligence services are offered in addition. This set of services will help ensure a business is indeed what it appears to be. It includes but are not limited to the following:

• The appropriateness of the business for permit regulations.
• Management run or hands-on.
• Existing financials and infrastructure.
• Value for money.
• Exit strategies.
• Asset registers.
• Outstanding or potential liabilities.
• Market threats.

Intergate also has on attorney on board to provide legal services, like help with offer-to-purchase documentation or partnership agreements. Ensuring that this and other paperwork is in order is important to protect your interests.

Let Intergate help you with buying a business in South Africa

Whether you’ve already identified a business or just started your search, contact Intergate today to help you buy it. All our client managers are licenced, so we are in the perfect position to help.

Get the buying process started today by dialling +27 (0) 21 424 2460 to consult with a client manager. Alternatively, request a call back and one of our consultants will endeavour to contact you within 24 hours.

Opening a business in South Africa means having to transfer money from abroad. You might continue transferring money to and from South Africa once the business is open. Our in-house consultants can help you with money transfers and foreign exchange in South Africa.

Tailored and cost-effective solutions

An integral part of our money transfers and foreign exchange services is getting to know each and every business. Understanding how the business works and what its currency requirements are enable us to provide a tailored solution.

Our clients can count on much more than just personalised service though. We also offer:

• The very best exchange rates.
• Safe and secure trading.
• All exchange control approval.
• Advice on foreign exchange control and compliance thereof.
• The ability to open accounts before arrival in South Africa for transfers.

Why is foreign exchange different in South Africa?

South Africa is one of the few countries in the world that still has foreign exchange control regulations in place. These regulations govern the flow of all money that comes in or goes out of South Africa and place certain restrictions on what can and cannot be transferred.

It is therefore vital to transfer money in a compliant manner, allowing for recovery of funds at a later date. Transferring money out of South Africa is as complex and requires permission from the Reserve Bank. Intergate will take care of this for you, generally at no cost.

Let us help you with your money transfers and foreign exchange in South Africa

Instead of queuing at the bank for hours, trying to understand financial and legal terms, and working your way through endless application forms, let Intergate handle your money transfer and foreign exchange.

All our transactions are processed through local banks that are approved authorised dealers by the South African Reserve Bank. Our money transfers are done in strict accordance with regulations and all our transactions are audited in terms of licence and banking requirements.

Not only that, but Intergate has helped thousands of foreign immigrants with money transfers and foreign exchange in South Africa. Talk to our team by calling +27 (0) 21 424 2460. You could also request a call back or complete an online assessment form for us to call you. Your request will be assigned to a consultant who will endeavour to contact you within 24 hours to discuss your case.

A crucial but time consuming part of setting up a business is opening the appropriate banking accounts. As a foreigner, you have the added task of setting facilities for transferring money to and from South Africa.

To help lessen the stress associated with establishing a business in a foreign country, Intergate employs in-house consultants to advise you on banking and foreign exchange in South Africa.

Banking and foreign exchange services

Intergate has set up special arrangements with a number of South Africa’s most prominent banks. This means our clients do not have to set foot in a bank. Everything happens in our boardroom, from the first consultation to the opening of the bank accounts.

Our consultants are able to help with:

• Corporate bank accounts.
• Cash account options for larger cash holdings.
• Personalised banking.
• Foreign exchange.

Ask about our Cash Account

Our Cash Account is a dynamic alternative for foreigners to a money market account available from the banks. It is a fully managed and service-driven account with competitive interest rates and the additional benefit of personal banking facilities.

Why is the cash account so great?

• It can be opened from abroad.
• Foreign currency can be transferred into the account whenever it suits the account holder.
• Money can be transferred directly from the Cash Account to third party accounts.
• Debit orders can be set up on the account.
• The money is available 24 hours.
• Each cash account holder has a dedicated personal cash account manager. All instructions for payments, debit orders and the like go directly to the manager for processing.

Let us help you with your banking and foreign exchange in South Africa

You can set up all your banking on your own, but why not let Intergate help you? We’ll take away the hassle of opening bank accounts and ensure you get the correct advice.

We have helped thousands of foreigners do the same since our inception in 2005, so we are in the perfect position to help.

Talk to one of our consultants by calling +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a call back or complete an assessment form and we’ll contact you instead to discuss your need for banking and foreign exchange in South Africa.

If you’re investigating the option of setting up a business in South Africa, you might already have discovered that one of the business visa requirements is having the correct tax registrations for South Africa in place.

A one-stop tax registration service

Our in-house international tax lawyer can guide foreigners through the required registrations for their business, helping to ensure compliance.

The first step would be doing a full analysis of the company to see which taxes it should be registered for. Following this, our lawyer will help with the following:

• Completion of appropriate registration forms and, where required, supporting evidence.
• VAT applications.
• PAYE and SITE registrations

Tax registrations for foreign business owners

There are a number of tax registrations in South Africa that foreigners might have to register for. These include but are not limited to:

• Registration with CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) within 21 days of starting.
• Registrations with the Receiver of Revenue:
  • As a provisional tax payer.
  • As a VAT vendor (where applicable).
  • Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax on employees.
  • Standard Income Tax on Employees.
  • Registration with the Cape Metropolitan Council or District Council.
  • Registration with the Department of Labour.

Other potential tax registrations can range from registering with the local authority when dealing in fresh foodstuffs to applications for import duties or registering as an exporter.

Let us help you with your tax registrations for South Africa

Intergate has helped thousands of foreigners with the tax registrations for their business. Let us do the same for you. It’ll leave you with more time, energy and resources to sort out the rest of your immigration.

You can speak to any of our consultants by calling +27 (0) 21 424 2460.

If you’d like us to contact you instead, request a call back or complete our online assessment form. As soon as we’ve received your details, we’ll pass it on to one of our consultants who will endeavour to contact you within 24 hours to discuss tax registrations for South Africa with you.

Finding a property for a business is never easy. It’s made even more difficult if you have to do it in a country you’re not familiar with. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be like this if you’re shopping for commercial property in South Africa. That’s because we have property consultants who can help you look for and purchase the perfect premises.

Independent consultants with your best interest at heart

Our property experts have helped many foreigners find office, retail and industrial spaces for their business. Many guest house owners have also used our services in the past.

The reason so many buyers have to turned to is because our service is independent and impartial – we do not stock property or act on behalf of sellers. Only buyers, lessees and investors can make use of our services.

Transparency is a given too and whether you are looking to lease or buy, our process remain the same:

• We start by getting a clear understanding of the buyer’s property needs via a series of consultations. Part of this step is identifying an appropriate are in a city or town for the business.
• Next we draw up a short list of suitable properties and arrange a viewing schedule. We ensure that this schedule fits the buyer and accompany the buyer on all viewings. The property consultant will also introduce the buyer to the area, amenities and local lifestyle.
• Once the buyer is happy with a property, our experts and attorneys will vet the offer-to-purchase to ensure that it contains all relevant terms and conditions. The buyer will also be advised on an appropriate offer, based on market information.
• The buyer will be assisted in this way throughout the buying process until a successful move into the premises has taken place.

Let us help you find commercial property in South Africa

Our independent property consultants will ensure that you get the right property at the right price, so why not talk to us if you are looking for commercial property in South Africa?

Call us today and let us take the hassle and stress out of finding the ideal premises for your business. You can reach us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460.  Alternatively, request a call back or complete our online assessment form, and we will contact you.

Insurance is a must when operating a business. In South Africa, there are generally very little regulatory requirements in terms of insurance cover, but you still want to take out comprehensive commercial insurance to protect your business and its premises.

Various types of commercial insurance are available in South Africa. These range from basic retail insurance products to more sophisticated liability and indemnity products. Before deciding on the type of insurance cover for your business, you must have a proper risk assessment done. You want a product that is tailored to your specific needs and that provide appropriate cover.

It is essential to review the cover the business have on an annual basis, as the needs and nature of most companies change on a constant basis. It is important too to only accept the services and products of qualified, independent and registered professionals.

Here are just some aspects of commercial insurance that have to be considered:

Property Insurance

As the name suggests, property insurance protects the premises of the business and its content. The insurance would be against loss or damage. It could also insure the property of others in your control at the time of the loss.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects the business when sued for negligence of the business or its employees. Only a few examples are an employee that was injured on the job, a customer that suffered an injury while visiting the business or someone impacted by your employees or goods in transit.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

This insurance covers all vehicles used for business purposes.

Business Interruption

When interruptions like theft or broken equipment strikes, a business might not be able to operate. Business interruption insurance protect the company during this time against a loss or damage to the cash flow and profit.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides a wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who suffer an accident on the business premises.

Let us help you with commercial insurance in South Africa

Intergate has helped many foreigners set up and insure their businesses in South Africa. Our in-house experts can do the same for you. Simply call us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460 for tailored advice on commercial insurance.

If you’d like us to contact you instead of the other way around, you can request a call back or complete our online assessment form. It is quick and simple. As soon as we’ve received your details, one of our client managers will undertake to get back to you within 24 hours.

You might want to enlist the services of accounting officers bookkeepers when setting up a business in South Africa or when running your business to manage the finances. While Intergate does not offer in-house accountancy services, we can recommend a number of accountants and bookkeepers that clients have used and can vouch for.

If you’d like the details of any of these professionals, speak to one of our consultants in Cape Town or Johannesburg. You can reach us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460.

You can ask about any of our other business visa services at the same time:

Business visas: Foreigners need a South African business visa to set up or buy a business in South Africa.

Company structures: The criteria for a South African business visa stipulate that the business must fit a recognised South African company structure.

Business plans: A comprehensive and detailed business plan is a vital part of a South African business visa application.

Tax registration: Businesses in South Africa must be registered for tax in order to do business.

Property consultancy: The location and appearance of a business play a large part in determining the success of the company.

Legal services: Setting up or buying a business involves contracts, fine print and foreign legal terms and definitions.

Commercial insurance: Protecting a business against losses and liabilities is essential.

Banking: Setting up bank accounts for the individual and business is an important step in setting up or buying a business and immigrating to a foreign country.

Foreign exchange: International money transfers are standard with setting up a business in a foreign country.

Why use Intergate Immigration?

Intergate has helped thousands of individuals, families and corporates with immigration to South Africa. Since our inception in 2005, we’ve processed more than 9 000 visa and visa related applications.

Contact us today – our consultants will be happy to help you set up your business. Alternatively, request a free call back and we will contact you.

Setting up a business in a foreign country is complex. There are many matters to consider. That’s why Intergate Immigration offers you business visa services – to help you make the right decisions and follow the correct procedures. This will lessen the frustrations and increase your chance of success.

We have helped hundreds of businesses set up in South Africa, ranging from guest houses and call centres, to factories, retailers and large multi-national organisations. Our team of advisers are specialists in their fields, offering sound advice and expertise in the following areas:

Business visas

Foreigners need a business visa to set up or buy a business in South Africa. Applications for both temporary and permanent residence can be applied for under this visa. Success depends on the applicant’s ability to meet certain criteria.

Company structures

One of the criteria for a business visa is that the business fits a recognised South African company structure. These range from sole proprietorships to private companies.

Business plans

A comprehensive and detailed business plan is an integral part of a business visa application. It serves as proof of the applicant’s entrepreneurial ability.

Tax registration

South African businesses have to be registered for tax. As such, it is a condition of a South African business visa.

Property consultancy

Our experts can help find the perfect premises for any business. They can also help negotiate the terms and conditions of the purchase or lease agreement to guarantee a fair deal.

Legal services

Setting up a business or buying a business involves a lot of fine print. In addition to that, legal terms, definitions and conditions are not always standard across the world. Foreigners applying for a South African business will thus benefit from the services of South African legal experts.

Commercial insurance

In order to protect the business and its owner, it is advised to have the correct insurances in place.

Banking

Immigrating to South Africa means setting up bank accounts for both the business and the entrepreneur. Knowing from the start which banking facilities are the best saves a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Foreign exchange

To open a business in South Africa, the business owner must transfer money from abroad. In most cases, money transfers will happen throughout the lifetime of the businesses.

Contact Intergate Immigration today to make use of our business visa services

The first step in setting up or buying a business in South Africa is to see if you qualify for a business visa. You can do this by completing our free online assessment. If you do qualify, you can apply for your business visa and get our experts to help you set up or buy your business.

If you’d prefer to do a telephonic assessment, you can give us a call on +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively request a call back and one of our consultants will endeavour to contact you within 24 hours.

Part of applying for a South African business visa is deciding on the type of company you’ll run. In order to for the application to be successful, your business must fit one of the prescribed company structures for a South African business visa.

What business structures are available?

Sole Proprietorships

The sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common form of business. It’s a business structure that is owned and run by one individual. The company may however have employees and it is allowed to conduct most types of business.

With sole proprietorships, the business does not have its own legal entity. This means the income of the business is all for the owner, as are the taxes and any liabilities.

Partnerships

A partnership is a business jointly owned by between 2 and 20 people. The partners would each make a contribution towards establishing the business and contractually agree to operate the business together and to split any profits in a fair manner.

As with sole proprietorships, the business is not a separate legal entity, leaving the partners liable for debts.

Private Companies (Pty Ltd)

Most foreigners choose to set up private companies in South Africa. It is most likely because the private company structure does not place any prohibition on foreign shareholding. Setting up is further simplified in that only one shareholder and one director is necessary.

Private companies are seen as separate legal entities and as such are taxed in their own right. This offers shareholders protection against liabilities.

Public Companies (Ltd)

Public companies are mainly set up to offer shares to the general public for the purpose of raising capital. Such enterprises should have a minimum one shareholder and three directors.

Like private companies, public companies have their own legal identity.

Personal Liability Companies

In personal liability companies, directors and past directors are jointly and separately liable, together with the company, for any debts and liabilities of the company. This would be for the time that the directors are or were contracted by the company.

State-owned Companies

A state-owned could be a company defined as a ‘state-owned enterprise’ in the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999 or it could be a company owned by a municipality.

The majority of the stipulations of a public company will apply to state-owned companies too.

Non-profit Companies (NPC)

A non-profit company is a trust, company or other association that is established for a public purpose, such as cultural activities or supporting disadvantages people.

Stakeholders in a NPC do not receive property or income from the company, apart from reasonable compensation for services rendered.

Foreign and External Companies

External companies are foreign-owned companies, incorporated outside of South Africa but trading in South Africa. As such, this type of company structure is used by foreign companies to set up a branch in South Africa.

Foreign-owned companies must register as an external company with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission). Another major stipulation for external companies is that they may not offer securities to the South African public.

Let us help you set up your business

Intergate Immigration has helped thousands of foreigners set up a business in South Africa. We can do the same for you. Our services include but are not limited to:

• A comprehensive consultancy. This will help us determine which company structure is most appropriate for you.
• Setting up your business in South Africa.
• Setting up a bank account for your business.
• Registering your company for income tax.
• Acting as Public Officer where required.

Get the ball rolling by speaking to one of our consultants today. You can reach us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460. If you’d like us to contact you instead, simply complete a free online assessment or request a call back. As soon as we’ve received your request, we will endeavour to contact you within 24 hours to discuss your business idea.

If you want to be successful in your application for a business visa, you have to meet all the criteria. As part of the criteria, you must be able to demonstrate your entrepreneurial ability.

To help them evaluate this, the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Trade and Industry will look at your business plan. That’s why we help our clients draw up their business plans as part of their South African business visa application.

While a business plan alone will not ensure a successful application, a comprehensive and detailed one will definitely increase your chances of obtaining a business visa.

What must business plans for South African business visa application include?

A business plan for a visa application should include all the standard components but special emphasis should be put on certain elements in order to show that the applicant meet the criteria for the visa. These elements are:

• The investment being made into the business.
• The amount of jobs it will create and what those positions will be.
• The business sector the company will operate in.
• Proof of the business’ chance of succeeding.
• The structure of the business
• Reasons why the visa application should be granted a waiver, if applicable.

What are the standard components of a business plan?

A business plan should provide details of how the business owner intend to develop the business, name the role players in the business, and show how the financial side will be managed.

In order to provide all of this information, business plans should at least include the following:

• An executive summary.
• A short description of the business opportunity.
• Details on operations, such as manpower, the premises, IT infrastructure and future expansion.
• The marketing and sales strategy.
• Financials.

Let us help you draw up your business plan

Our business plans for South African business visa applications are based on our expertise and experience in the immigration industry. We adopt a consultative process and work with you to draw up the best business plan for your needs.

We pride ourselves on having produced some of the most comprehensive business plans within the immigration industry. That’s because we view a business plan as not just supportive evidence for a business visa application, but an everyday working tool to help you turn your ideas into success.

To get started on the business plan for your visa application, call us on +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, request a call back and one of our consultants will undertake to contact you within 24 hours to discuss your needs.