Umzug nach South Africa: Steuern, Aufenthalt und Leben
So werden Sie in South Africa steuerlich ansässig: Einkommens-, Dividenden- und Gewinnsteuer, 9 Aufenthaltsprogramme, nötige Tage, Klima, Sicherheit und Wirtschaft – im Vergleich mit 194 Ländern.
Taxes
In South Africa the top income tax rate is 45%, dividends are taxed at up to 20% and companies pay 27% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in South Africa from arrival once you take up residence (Ordinarily resident (real home, settled intent) → resident from arrival; else physical presence 91 days × 6 yrs (915)). The typical route is Financially Independent Permit (direct permanent residence): Net worth ≥ZAR 12m (assets minus debts, certified) + ZAR 120k fee after approval; alt. retired visa ZAR 37k/mo There are 9 open residence programmes in South Africa — see the list below.
Living there
Cape Town has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with winter highs around 18 °C and summer highs around 27 °C. The economy grew +1.1% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 1.2% for 2026. Its passport opens about 98 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No armed conflict; gang, taxi & political killings, very high crime.
Key facts
| Höchste Einkommenssteuer | 45% |
|---|---|
| Dividendensteuer | 20% |
| Gewinnsteuer | 27% |
| Steuerliche Ansässigkeit | ab Zuzug — Ordinarily resident (real home, settled intent) → resident from arrival; else physical presence 91 days × 6 yrs (915) |
| Typischer Aufenthaltsweg | Financially Independent Permit (direct permanent residence) — Net worth ≥ZAR 12m (assets minus debts, certified) + ZAR 120k fee after approval; alt. retired visa ZAR 37k/mo |
| Pass | visumfrei oder Visum bei Ankunft in 98 Länder |
| Economic growth | +1.1% (2025), forecast 1.2% (2026) |
| Klimatyp | warm-summer Mediterranean · 18° / 27° (Cape Town) |
| Krieg & Konflikte | unrest — No armed conflict; gang, taxi & political killings, very high crime |
| Alle Naturgefahren | 5/10 |
| Bankensicherheit | 6/10 · BB |
| Eigentumsschutz | 5.5/10 |
| Warme Wohnungen im Winter | 3.5/10 |
Aufenthaltsprogramme in South Africa
- Permanent Residence – Financially Independent (s.27(f)) — independentMeans · open · 2026-10
- Retired Person's Visa (s.20) — Einkommen / Jahr CHF 20'000 · open · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence – Retired Person (s.27(e)) — Einkommen / Jahr CHF 20'000 · open · 2026-10
- Business Visa (s.15) — Investition CHF 225'000 · open · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence – Business (s.27(c)) — Investition CHF 225'000 · open · 2026-10
- Critical Skills Work Visa — employment · open · 2026-10
- General Work Visa (points-based) / Intra-company Transfer / Trusted Employer Scheme — employment · open · 2026-10
- Remote Work Visa — Einkommen / Jahr CHF 45'000 · open · 2026-10
- Spousal / Relative's Visa and family PR — Einkommen / Jahr CHF 4'590 · open · 2026-10
Passende Ratgeber (Englisch)
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in South Africa to become tax resident?
ab Zuzug. Ordinarily resident (real home, settled intent) → resident from arrival; else physical presence 91 days × 6 yrs (915) Worldwide income; exit charge on ceasing residence
How much tax will I pay in South Africa?
In South Africa the top income tax rate is 45%, dividends are taxed at up to 20% and companies pay 27% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does South Africa offer?
Permanent Residence – Financially Independent (s.27(f)); Retired Person's Visa (s.20); Permanent Residence – Retired Person (s.27(e)); Business Visa (s.15) (CHF 225'000); Permanent Residence – Business (s.27(c)) (CHF 225'000)
What is the usual way to move to South Africa?
Financially Independent Permit (direct permanent residence). Net worth ≥ZAR 12m (assets minus debts, certified) + ZAR 120k fee after approval; alt. retired visa ZAR 37k/mo
Compare with nearby countries
Algeria · Angola · Benin · Botswana · Burkina Faso · Burundi · Cameroon · Central African Rep. · Chad · Congo · Côte d'Ivoire · Dem. Rep. Congo
Nur allgemeine Information – keine Steuer-, Rechts-, Migrations-, Anlage- oder Finanzberatung und kein Mandatsverhältnis. Zahlen sind vereinfacht, unverbindlich und können veraltet sein. Prüfen Sie vor jeder Entscheidung bei der zuständigen Behörde und einer zugelassenen Fachperson im betreffenden Land. Partnerlinks sind gekennzeichnet und können uns eine Vergütung einbringen.