Transfer money from Germany to South Africa
Open your South African bank account before you arrive. Bring your money in correctly, so you can take it out again. All in German, with Katja.
Request a call backWhatever brings you to South Africa, we’ll get your money there
Retiring to the Cape.
Move your savings and pension and cover your living costs here.
Splitting your year between two homes.
Keep money moving between Germany and South Africa, without the paperwork headaches.
Relocating with your family.
Have your account, and your money, ready before you land.
Buying property.
Transfer your purchase funds and have bank guarantees in place when you need them.
Investing in rental property.
Get your rental income back to Germany, with tax clearance handled for you.
Starting or buying a business.
Move your capital and stay on the right side of exchange control.
How you bring money in decides how you take it out.
South Africa controls every rand that comes in and goes out.
How you bring your money in decides whether, and how, you can take it out again.
You can take it out again.
Funds that aren’t declared correctly on arrival can cost you when you leave, and in some cases can’t be taken out at all.
Most banks and transfer providers in Germany don’t know these rules. We work with them every day.
Request a call back
How we help
Your South African account is opened before you arrive.
An interest-bearing account with your own personal consultant, who can pay deposits, bills and debit orders on your behalf. No need to park your money in an attorney’s trust account.
Your money declared correctly.
We make sure every transfer is properly recorded, so you keep the right to take it back out.
Transfers in and out.
No administration fees on transfers above ZAR 50,000, and clear, transparent pricing.
Rental income home.
Complimentary SARS tax clearance assistance where needed, so your income reaches Germany without delay.
Expert guidance at every step.
Exchange control, tax clearance and Reserve Bank requirements, explained clearly.
How it works
- 1.
Talk to Katja.
Tell her what you’re planning. The advice is free and there’s no obligation.
- 2.
Open your account.
We set up your South African account while you’re still in Germany.
- 3.
Transfer and declare.
We move your money and make sure it’s correctly declared on arrival.
- 4.
Stay supported.
From your first deposit to your rental income, Katja is there whenever you need her.
Why clients trust us
- Helping people move money to and from South Africa since 2003
- Registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA 13011)
- A South African Reserve Bank approved intermediary
- All transactions processed through South African banks that are Reserve Bank authorised dealers
- Part of Merchant West, a specialist financial services group operating in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mauritius
Questions we’re often asked
What is Merchant West Treasury Solutions?
We’ve helped individuals and businesses move money into and out of South Africa since 2003. We’re registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA 13011) and are a South African Reserve Bank approved intermediary. We’re part of Merchant West, one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned specialist financial services groups, operating across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mauritius.
Can a German citizen open a South African bank account before moving?
Yes. We open interest-bearing South African accounts for clients while they’re still in Germany, so the account is ready when you arrive.
If I transfer money to South Africa, can I take it out again later?
Yes, if the funds are declared correctly when they arrive. South Africa’s exchange control rules apply to money coming in as well as going out, so the way you transfer matters. We make sure it’s done correctly from the start.
What do I need to declare when I move to South Africa?
Immigrants and temporary residents must declare their foreign assets to an authorised dealer. We guide you through the process and handle the paperwork with you.
Can foreigners buy property in South Africa?
Yes. Foreign buyers can purchase property in South Africa. We help you transfer your purchase funds, arrange bank guarantees and keep your money accessible while the sale goes through.
How do I get rental income from South Africa back to Germany?
We transfer your rental income for you and provide complimentary assistance with SARS tax clearance where needed.
What does it cost?
There are no administration fees on transfers above ZAR 50,000. Katja can explain exactly what your transfer will cost before you commit.
Is Merchant West Treasury Solutions regulated?
Yes. We’re registered with the FSCA (13011) and are a South African Reserve Bank approved intermediary.
Can I get advice in German?
Yes. Katja is a German consultant based in South Africa and will guide you through every step in German.
Talk to us about your move
Meet Katja Lorenz, Specialist in international money transfers and interest-bearing accounts
“I’m German, and a few years ago I moved to Somerset West in the Western Cape with my whole family. The move changed my career too. The challenges I faced along the way inspired me to leave law for financial advice, and they help me understand exactly what German expats need.
I help immigrants and returning South Africans move money into and out of the country smoothly. I also advise on interest-bearing money market accounts, which you can run from anywhere, with debit orders and payments handled for you, whether you live here full time or for part of the year.
Let’s talk about how I can make your move to South Africa a success.”
WhatsApp me or complete the form below and I will get in touch
WhatsApp: 072 471 8857