What are the best investment options for South African expats?
Best investments for South African expats often include a mix of local and offshore assets, such as South African unit trusts, real estate, retirement annuities, government bonds, and offshore portfolios.
Expat investing in South Africa allows you to retain exposure to the country’s diverse economy while balancing currency risk through offshore diversification.
Many expats maintain investments in rand-denominated products for local income and stability, while allocating part of their wealth abroad in stronger currencies for long-term growth and protection.
Combining both domestic and offshore assets gives South African expats a more balanced approach.
However, for those planning to live abroad long-term, offshore investments are generally more portable and flexible.
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
Investing as a South African expat isn’t only about where you place your money — it’s also about how you manage access, taxation, and long-term financial structure while abroad.
South Africans living overseas often face unique challenges: fluctuating exchange rates, restrictions on fund transfers, and the need to remain compliant with both South African Revenue Service (SARS) and their host country’s tax rules.
Managing these effectively can make a significant difference to net returns.
Instead of focusing solely on portfolio mix, expat investors should consider:
South Africans living overseas can invest through both domestic and international channels. Here’s how to approach it strategically:
Yes, investing in South Africa can still be worthwhile for expats who understand local risks and opportunities.
The country offers strong returns in sectors such as financial services, resources, renewable energy, and technology.
South African equities and government bonds have historically provided attractive yields compared to many developed markets.
But for long-term expats, it’s usually best to treat local assets as part of an income or heritage base rather than a growth engine.
Investing in South Africa for foreigners and returning South African expats is open and regulated for property, equities, and business ownership. Non-residents can invest in JSE-listed shares, South African property, and local funds through a recognized bank or brokerage account.
Foreign investors often explore:
While the South African Reserve Bank allows foreign investment, it requires proper documentation for repatriation of funds and adherence to exchange control regulations.
For South African residents, options expand further to include tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs), retirement annuities (RAs), and company pension funds.
These remain reliable long-term investment choices for those planning to remain or eventually return to South Africa.
Among the best investments for South Africans outside traditional equities and bonds that allow investors to tap into local growth opportunities.
These carry higher risks but may outperform in growth or inflationary environments.
The best investments offshore for South African expats typically include:
Offshore investing isn’t about hiding assets. It’s about creating global access, protection, and long-term growth flexibility.
When living overseas, many choose best South African expat investment options that deliberately move beyond rand-denominated risks.
Top offshore alternatives include:
Some high-net-worth South Africans establish offshore companies or trusts to manage global holdings efficiently.
Properly structured, these vehicles:
Professional advice is recommended before establishing offshore entities, and we can help with that.
Your tax obligations depend on whether you’re a resident under the South African Income Tax Act.
If you’ve emigrated financially or obtained non-resident status, confirm whether your local and host-country tax treaties (DTAAs) affect your income, dividends, or capital gains.
If you’ve formally ceased tax residency with SARS, you’ll generally pay tax only in your country of residence.
However, if you still earn South African-sourced income, those earnings remain taxable locally.
Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) between South Africa and other countries help determine where taxes apply and prevent double payment.
If you live abroad permanently and qualify as a non-resident, you only pay tax on income sourced within South Africa.
When moving abroad, you can usually retain your South African investments, but you’ll need to:
Regularly review your holdings with an offshore investment advisor to ensure compliance and optimize your global portfolio.
You can transfer up to 1 million rand annually under your Single Discretionary Allowance without SARS approval, and up to 10 million rand under the Foreign Investment Allowance with tax clearance.
Formally cease tax residency with SARS, settle any exit tax, and ensure you spend fewer than 183 days a year in South Africa to avoid triggering residency again.
Many return for lifestyle, family, or cost-of-living reasons. The weaker rand also makes living locally more affordable for those earning in foreign currencies.