Trying to move money out of South Africa as an expat? It’s not always as simple as a bank transfer. Without the right paperwork, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) can slow things down—and that can be stressful when you’re managing finances from overseas. The good news is that if you follow the Approval for International Transfer (AIT) process and have your supporting documents ready, you can get your funds where they need to be with minimal headache. Whether it’s moving savings, retirement funds, or investments abroad, knowing what SARS expects from you will make the process far smoother.
International money transfers from South Africa: why tax compliance matters
SARS aims to streamline tax compliance for all citizens. When taxpayers maintain transparency and diligence, interactions with SARS are typically smooth. However, neglecting compliance or overlooking vital steps in the AIT process can lead to complications. A revoked Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN can severely disrupt international money transfers from South Africa.
To avoid delays and stress, it’s essential for South Africans living and working abroad to understand what is required from an exchange control and tax regulatory perspective. With this in mind, let’s explore what SARS expects before you repatriate money from South Africa.
Step 1: Know your exchange control allowances
South Africans have two main channels for taking money offshore:
- Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA): Up to R1 million per calendar year, which you can transfer without SARS approval. Perfect for smaller transfers, like covering living expenses abroad or helping family
- Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA): Also called the foreign capital allowance, this lets you move up to R10 million per year, but you’ll need a SARS-approved AIT application.
Together, that’s R11 million per year. Anything beyond this requires approval from the South African Reserve Bank.
Important for expats: If you’ve broken tax residency in South Africa, you’ll need an AIT for every single transfer, no matter the amount. The SDA is only available to tax residents.
Read more: Six things SARS wants you to know about the limits on transferring money out of South Africa.
Step 2: Get familiar with the SARS AIT process
The AIT process replaces the old tax clearance certificate system and now applies to both residents and non-residents who seek to transfer funds from South Africa. Applications are submitted through eFiling using the TCR01 form.
SARS will check whether you’re tax compliant—no outstanding returns, no unpaid taxes. If all is in order, you’ll receive a TCS PIN, which your bank or forex provider uses to confirm SARS approval. Without it, your money is effectively stuck.
Step 3: Get your SARS AIT paperwork ready
SARS wants proof that your money is legitimate, declared, and compliant. Supporting documents depend on the source of your funds. Here’s what most expats need:
General documents:
- SARS Statement of Assets and Liabilities (local and foreign) for the past three tax years
- Proof of the source of funds
- Power of Attorney if someone else submits on your behalf
Source-specific documents:
- Savings/Cash: Bank statements (≤14 days old), proof of how funds were built.
- Inheritance: Final liquidation/distribution account, proof of funds received
- Donations: Donation declaration (IT144), bank statements, proof of donations tax paid.
- Trust distributions: Trust deed, Letters of Authority, trustee resolution, financials.
- Sale of property: Conveyancer’s letter, bank statement, CGT calculation.
- Sale of shares/securities: Portfolio statement, proof of sale, CGT calculation.
- Crypto assets: Trading account statement, recent bank statement showing proceeds.
- Loans: Signed loan agreement, recent bank statements.
Step 4: Verify your non-resident status
For expats who no longer meet the requirements for tax residency in South Africa, SARS requires a Non-Resident Confirmation Letter as part of the AIT application. This confirms that you are no longer a South African tax resident. Without it, your AIT application won’t proceed.
In practice:
- If you’ve completed tax emigration, include this letter in your paperwork.
- If you haven’t, finalise your tax residency status before applying as a non-resident.
Read more: Do I need to tax emigrate to transfer money out of South Africa?
Step 5: Avoid these common SARS AIT mistakes
Even with all the right documents, mistakes can cause issues. Bank statements older than 14 days? Rejected. Missing a CGT calculation? Rejected.
SARS can also cancel your TCS PIN after issuing it if they discover irregularities in your tax affairs. A revoked PIN means:
- Transaction delays – you’ll need to reapply
- Administrative burdens – resubmitting documentation takes time
- Financial and reputational risks – delays can affect planning and relationships
How to stay compliant:
- Keep financial, bank, and tax records current
- Know what SARS requires before applying
- Check all documents carefully before submission
- Get help from a tax expert if needed
Good tax habits ensure smooth, stress-free transfers.
Read more: Common pitfalls and delays – how to avoid headaches when applying for SARS tax clearance.
FinGlobal: your partner in cross-border transactions
The smartest way to ensure smooth international money transfers from South Africa? Bring FinGlobal in from the start. Our tax advisors and cross-border experts ensure your application meets SARS standards, reducing the risk of rejection or TCS PIN cancellation.
We also assist with:
Ready to simplify your international money transfer from South Africa? Contact FinGlobal today for a free, no-obligation consultation.