Vat Representative Services for Non-Resident Companies

Do I need to appoint a Vat representative in South Africa?

The Rule

Non-Resident Companies of South Africa, that sell goods in South Africa or provide services in South Africa, may be required to register for Vat in South Africa.

If a company is required to register for Vat, the company must appoint:

A South African person resident in South Africa known as the representative vendor: and
Open up a South African bank account.

In many cases, the overseas company does not have a person resident in South Africa that can assume this role.  Alternatively, they might an employee resident but this person does not wish to assume the risk and responsibility of this role.  Failure to register for Vat and to appoint a Vat representative can result in SARS imposing penalties and interest on the historical supply of goods and services.

Our Role

We will accept appointments as representative vendors of such companies and in limited cases you may utilise our South African bank Trust account for Vat registration purposes where the company is unable or unwilling to open up an SA bank account.