Starting a business in South Africa: the compliance basics
To start a business in South Africa: register the company with CIPC, register for tax with SARS (corporate income tax 27%; VAT 15% once over R2.3 million (from 1 April 2026)), comply with the Labour Relations Act & Basic Conditions of Employment Act if you hire, and meet POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) for personal data.
First compliance steps
- 1 Register the company with CIPC.
- 2 Register for tax with SARS.
- 3 Register as an employer (UIF (1% employer + 1% employee)) and use written contracts if you hire.
- 4 Register for VAT once turnover passes R2.3 million (from 1 April 2026).
- 5 Put a basic POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) framework in place.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start a business in South Africa?
Register with CIPC, register for tax with SARS, and meet labour (Labour Relations Act & Basic Conditions of Employment Act) and data-protection rules. Confirm specifics with SARS.
More on South Africa
- Register a company — South Africa
- Company tax — South Africa
- VAT / sales tax — South Africa
- Hiring staff — South Africa
- Data protection — South Africa
- Tax clearance — South Africa
- Empowerment / B-BBEE — South Africa
- Licences & permits — South Africa
- Payroll & employee tax — South Africa
- Importing & customs — South Africa
- Annual returns — South Africa
- Full South Africa compliance guide
Start a business elsewhere in SADC
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Reviewed June 2026 from official sources. General information only — confirm with SARS or a registered professional.