Order Services & Packages

How do I register or maintain my business compliance in South Africa?

We handle CIPC company registrations, annual returns, tax clearance, UIF, and CSD registration. You can explore and order these packages directly through our South Africa Business Compliance Shop.

What options are available if I have fallen behind on statutory compliance payments?

If you have outstanding compliance fees, you do not need to pay everything upfront. You can set up a structured, flexible payment plan via our Promise to Pay Service.

How can I set up or run a business between Zimbabwe and South Africa?

We assist with dual-country setup, cross-border operations, and foreign/external company compliance. View our cross-border offerings in the Zim-SA Business Portal & Compliance Hub.

Do you assist with work permits, visas, and legal documentation?

Yes, we facilitate work permit applications, business visas, foreign assurance verification, and document certification. Request facilitation directly on our Work Permits & Documentation Page.

Where can I find specific business services like school registrations, FSP licensing, or fuel reimbursements?

We offer specialized industry setup and licensing support. View our full service list under Maltech-Africa Specialist Services.

Company Registration

Foreign national, non-resident, or investing from abroad? See the International Investors & Cross-Border Compliance Guide below for ownership, property, and directorship answers.

Can a foreigner or non-resident director register a company in South Africa?

Yes. Non-SA citizens can register a company using a valid international passport, and foreign nationals can serve as directors or shareholders under the Companies Act — no South African director or permanent residency is required. You will need a physical South African business address (your home address is fine) and registration with CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) and SARS for tax compliance, though additional documentation may be required depending on your circumstances.

What do I need to register a company in South Africa?

A valid ID or passport, proof you're 18 or older, a physical business address (your home address is fine), and at least one director.

How long does registration take?

Once documents are submitted correctly, CIPC typically processes registration within 1–5 working days. Most delays come from incomplete or incorrectly formatted paperwork rather than the regulator itself — which is where using a registered service helps.

How do I register a Close Corporation (CC) in South Africa?

No new CCs can be registered in South Africa — CCs were phased out under the Companies Act, and existing CCs may continue operating, but new business registrations must be done as companies (typically a Pty Ltd). If you currently hold a CC, we can also assist with compliance or conversion queries. Get help choosing the right business structure on our SA-Biz Portal.

Do I need a physical office to register?

No — your registered address can be your home address.

Can I start trading before I register my company?

You can trade informally as a sole proprietor, but anything earned before registration belongs to you personally, not to the company. Banks, funders and tender boards count your company's history only from the registration date on its CIPC certificate, so every month you wait is a month that does not count. Read why pre-registration records don't count.

Can I register a company in Zimbabwe too, or instead?

Yes. Maltech-Africa registers companies in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, and can structure a Zimbabwean entity and a South African entity to work together — see the Cross-Border & Diaspora Services section below.

What's the difference between Basic, Express, and Essential registration packages?

Basic Company Registration is our standard-timeline option. Express Company Registration is the same registration with a faster turnaround. The Essential Company Registration Package bundles registration with a Beneficial Ownership Declaration and Document Certification, so you leave with everything a bank or client is likely to ask for.

What is a shelf company, and should I buy one in South Africa?

A shelf company is a company that was previously registered and left dormant (not trading) so it can be purchased “ready-made” — sometimes used to skip registration wait times or to access an older company registration date. Whether this is the right route depends on your specific goals, and it isn’t always the fastest or most cost-effective option compared to a standard new registration. Speak to us about the right structure for you on our SA-Biz Portal.

How long does company registration take in Zimbabwe for foreign investors?

Company incorporation in Zimbabwe through ZIDA and the Companies Office typically takes 7 to 14 business days. The exact timeline depends on preliminary name clearance, drafting the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and securing relevant regulatory approvals such as ZIMRA tax clearance.

Can a deregistered company be restored?

Yes. If your company was deregistered by the CIPC — most often for failing to file annual returns — it can be reinstated through a formal restoration process. We handle the full application, including the outstanding returns and any penalties, and bring the company back onto the register and into good standing. Because the exact steps and costs depend on how long the company has been deregistered and what is outstanding, we start with a Consultation & Assessment.

Do foreign investors need a ZIDA licence to invest in Zimbabwe?

Foreign investors incorporating in Zimbabwe typically work through ZIDA (the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency), which handles investment licensing and approvals and can secure investor protection and incentives. We facilitate the ZIDA process alongside company incorporation, ZIMRA tax registration, and any sector-specific approvals. Requirements vary by sector and investment size, so a consultation confirms your route.

How do I register a company in Zimbabwe?

Registering a company in Zimbabwe involves choosing a business structure, reserving a company name, and submitting registration documents to the Registrar of Companies, followed by tax registration with ZIMRA. The process and required documents vary depending on whether you’re a Zimbabwean resident, a returning diaspora member, or a South Africa-based business expanding into Zimbabwe. Maltech-Africa handles company registration and full tax compliance as part of our Zimbabwe business packages. Start your Zimbabwe company registration through our Zim-Biz Portal.

Diaspora Business Relocation

What does "business relocation" mean for the diaspora, and how does it differ from starting over?

Relocation doesn't mean starting from scratch. Rather than abandoning international capital, networks, or operational experience, diaspora business relocation focuses on leveraging existing models, forming strategic joint ventures, and securely integrating foreign enterprises or capital into local structures across South Africa and Zimbabwe.

How should diaspora entrepreneurs structure a secure business move back home?

As outlined in our strategic guide Plan the Move, Don't Survive It, a successful transition requires moving away from holiday-season assumptions and relying on grounded research. Core steps include:

• Conducting structured, realistic market assessments before asset transfers.
• Formalizing corporate legalities, tax registrations, and operating permits early.
• Partnering with trusted local management and advisory teams who understand day-to-day regulatory and operational realities.

How do non-resident business owners handle legal compliance in South Africa and Zimbabwe?

Compliance requires establishing the correct corporate vehicle — whether registering a foreign-owned branch, setting up local private companies, or structuring cross-border partnerships. As a registered Trusts and Companies Service Provider (TCSP ID: 65232), Maltech-Africa guides investors through corporate registration, tax clearance certificates, and mandatory statutory reporting obligations.

What are the key risk factors diaspora business owners should mitigate?

Common risks include over-romanticizing the home operating environment, neglecting local regulatory or exchange control shifts, and failing to maintain an adequate working capital buffer during the initial transition and stabilization phases.

How does the Diaspora Research & Facilitation Service assist investors?

Maltech-Africa provides dedicated portal infrastructure and advisory services to support end-to-end execution, covering corporate registrations, audit-ready compliance, cross-border trade logistics between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and family legacy/wealth transfer planning.

Explore our Diaspora Research & Facilitation Service, or estimate your own setup costs with the Business Setup Calculator.

Ongoing Compliance

What compliance do I need once my company is registered?

Typically: SARS tax registration and returns, CIPC annual returns, a Beneficial Ownership Declaration, and — depending on your activity — UIF/PAYE/SDL registration, COIDA (Letter of Good Standing), and a B-BBEE certificate.

What happens if I fall behind on CIPC annual returns?

Your company can be deregistered by CIPC if annual returns aren't filed. We help bring lapsed companies back into good standing and keep them there.

What is a B-BBEE certificate, and do I need one?

It's a certificate confirming your company's B-BBEE status, generally required if you want to tender for government or corporate contracts. Requirements depend on your company's size and turnover.

What's COIDA and a Letter of Good Standing?

COIDA registration covers your employees for workplace injury compensation. A Letter of Good Standing confirms your COIDA account is up to date — many clients and principal contractors require it before they'll work with you.

Do I need to register for UIF, PAYE and SDL separately?

If you have employees, yes — these are separate registrations with SARS/Department of Labour, though we handle them together as one process.

I've ignored compliance for a while and I'm worried about penalties — where do I start?

Start with our Stay Compliant service or a Consultation & Assessment. We bring you back to clean status, and if the amount owed is what's stopping you from starting, our Promise to Pay option means you can begin the clean-up without paying it all upfront.

What are the foundational compliance requirements for running a business in South Africa?

A compliant South African enterprise must maintain: Corporate — CIPC registration, annual returns, and a Beneficial Ownership Register; Tax — SARS income tax, VAT (if turnover exceeds R1m, or voluntarily from R50k), and PAYE/UIF/SDL registration; Labour & Safety — COIDA registration and Letter of Good Standing, plus Department of Employment and Labour (BCEA and Employment Equity) compliance; Data & Governance — POPIA compliance, PAIA manual submission, and Information Officer registration with the Information Regulator; and Sector Licensing — municipal trade permits, health certificates, or specialised industry body memberships.

Do foreign-owned companies need a Public Officer?

Yes — it's a legal requirement. See the Public Officer & Tax Representation Services section below, or explore our Public Officer packages.

What is a public officer, and do I need one in South Africa?

A public officer is a person legally appointed to represent a company for tax purposes with SARS — South African law requires every registered company to have one. Many business owners, especially new registrants and foreign nationals, are unaware this is a compliance requirement until SARS flags it. Maltech-Africa offers Public Officer services as part of our SA compliance support. Learn more about Public Officer services on our SA-Biz Portal.

What is a Public Officer, and is it legally required in South Africa?

Yes. Under the South African Tax Administration Act, every company carrying on business or having an office in South Africa must appoint a registered Public Officer within 21 days of establishment. The Public Officer acts as the primary legal and administrative representative liaising directly with SARS (South African Revenue Service).

What specific responsibilities are handled under your Public Officer packages?

Depending on the tier chosen (Dormant, Basic, Standard, Premium, or Tender-Ready), our service covers:

• Tax Registrations & Filings: End-to-end management of Income Tax (ITR14), Provisional Tax (IRP6), VAT, PAYE, UIF, and SDL.

• SARS Representation: Direct engagement, management of notices, and handling tax audits or disputes.

• Tax Compliance Status (TCS): Maintaining and refreshing your valid TCS PIN for banking, licensing, and tender bids.

• Database & Corporate Updates: Central Supplier Database (CSD) renewals and CIPC annual return governance.

What happens if a company fails to appoint or maintain a Public Officer?

Failing to maintain an active, compliant Public Officer can result in administrative non-compliance penalties from SARS, frozen corporate bank accounts, blocked Tax Clearance Certificates, and an inability to bid for public or private tenders.

Which package should I choose if my company is currently inactive or dormant?

Our Dormant / Minimal Operations package is designed specifically for companies with little to no active trade. It covers nil-return filings, mandatory CIPC annual returns, basic SARS notice monitoring, and CSD upkeep so your corporate shell stays in pristine legal standing without unnecessary overhead. See the full Public Officer packages for a side-by-side comparison.

Work Permits & Visas

Can I get help with a South African work permit or employment visa as a foreign national?

Yes — our Work Permit & Employment Visa Facilitation service covers both employer-side and employee-side applications.

What's the process, and what documents will I need?

This depends entirely on your specific case — nationality, employer, role, and current status all affect what's required. We start every case with a Consultation & Assessment, where we map out exactly what applies to you before any documentation work begins.

How much does the Consultation & Assessment cost, and is it refundable?

It's a fixed starting fee, and it's credited toward your next step (documentation drafting or application assistance) if you proceed with us. Like all our consultation fees, it's non-refundable, since it covers the assessment work itself.

What happens if my application is rejected?

We can redo a submission, but consultation and documentation fees already paid aren't refunded for a rejected outcome. Where the rejection was our error, we correct it at no cost to you.

Does a permit issue affect a company I've already registered?

Company registration and your right to work or draw income from the business are two different things. If your permit status is uncertain or changing, get it assessed early — don't wait for a deadline to force the issue.

Do you assist with Business Visas and Critical Skills Work Permits?

Yes — we assist foreign nationals establishing or investing in a business (Business Visas, including commercial feasibility assessments), and employers and skilled professionals with General & Critical Skills Work Permits, covering SAQA evaluations, professional body registrations, and Department of Employment and Labour compliance.

Can you help with waiver applications or exemptions?

Yes — where legitimate commercial or socio-economic grounds exist, we draft formal applications to the Minister of Home Affairs to waive specific statutory requirements, such as Department of Employment and Labour certificates or minimum investment thresholds.

What about the Independent Financial (Financially Independent) Permit?

We assist high-net-worth individuals who meet the statutory net-worth requirement to establish residency without local employment constraints. Each case turns on the applicant’s financial profile, so it starts with a Consultation & Assessment.

Also see the Permit Waivers, FIP & Alternative Investment Pathways in our International Investors guide.

What is the ZEP (Zimbabwean Exemption Permit) 2027 deadline, and what should I do?

The Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) has faced repeated extensions and deadline changes, and holders need to stay current on the latest official deadline and their options — including applying for mainstream visa categories such as work, business, or critical skills visas before their ZEP status lapses. Given how often this deadline shifts, we recommend getting a professional assessment of your options rather than relying on social media updates. Get a ZEP status assessment through our SA-Biz Portal.

Tenders & Procurement Readiness

What does it mean to be “tender-ready”?

Being tender-ready means holding complete, up-to-date compliance documentation before a bid is advertised. Bids are frequently disqualified on administrative grounds before they ever reach financial or technical evaluation — so paperwork is the first hurdle, not the last.

What’s on the tender-ready checklist?

Typically: a valid CIPC registration and Beneficial Ownership filing; a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN with zero outstanding returns; full Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration and verification; a COIDA Letter of Good Standing; a valid B-BBEE affidavit or certificate; and any sector-specific accreditations (for example CIDB grading for construction or PSIRA for security). Corporate profiles, safety files, and quality management frameworks often form part of the pack too.

Can you prepare my company profile and safety file?

Yes — we draft corporate profiles, safety files, and quality management frameworks alongside the compliance documentation, so your submission pack is complete. Requirements vary by sector, so a consultation confirms exactly what your bid needs.

What is CSD registration, and why do I need it?

The Central Supplier Database (CSD) is the South African government’s master database of suppliers. You must be registered and verified on the CSD to bid for most government tenders and to be paid as a supplier. We handle CSD registration and verification as part of our tender-readiness service.

Funding, Credit & Business Plans

What qualifies a business to access credit and funding in South Africa?

Any fully registered and operational business can qualify — new or foreign-owned — provided it builds a verifiable compliance track record. What matters to lenders is that the business is real and well-governed, not how long it has existed.

What are the key prerequisites lenders and funders look for?

A valid CIPC registration with up-to-date annual returns; an active SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN; an operating corporate bank account in the company’s name; verifiable financial records, management accounts, or realistic cash-flow projections; demonstrated trading history and bank-account longevity; clean director credit histories; and compliance with any relevant statutory bodies (such as CIDA, NHBRC, COIDA, or Bargaining Councils). Our Promise to Pay service and compliance onboarding help build this credit-ready foundation.

Do I need a business plan to raise funding?

For investors, development finance institutions (like the IDC, DBSA, or NEF), and South African commercial banks, generally yes. A fundable plan should include an executive summary and value proposition, industry and competitor analysis, a 3–5 year financial model (cash flow, income statement, balance sheet, and break-even analysis), a regulatory and compliance plan, your governance and management structure, and the capital request with clear return-on-investment projections.

Can Maltech-Africa draft a bankable business plan?

Yes — we draft investor-grade, bank-ready business plans tailored to local financial institutions and foreign direct investment criteria. Exact scope and fee depend on your business, so we start with a consultation.

Cross-Border & Diaspora Services

Business Integration

I already have a business in Zimbabwe (or South Africa) — do I need a completely new entity in the other country, or can they work together?

Usually they can — and should — work together. Business knows no borders, and companies with directors or interests in both countries are best positioned to prepare the groundwork and seize opportunities on both sides, rather than treating each country as a separate, unrelated venture.

What types of integration can Maltech-Africa set up between my Zim and SA businesses?

Depending on what fits your situation, we facilitate: Subsidiaries (typically your Zimbabwean company becomes the subsidiary of your South African company), Joint Ventures, Consortiums, and Partnerships. Each structure changes how liability, ownership, and profit flow between the two entities, so we work through which one actually fits your business before setting anything up — this is only an overview; the detail is covered in a consultation.

What are the advantages of having Zimbabwean and South African directors in one company?

When properly planned, a business with directors/ownership spanning both countries can: access tenders in both countries; access business finance in both countries; build a bigger market base; grow a bigger clientele; diversify its products and services; and take advantage of company-to-company import and export benefits between the two entities.

Why should I keep my South African business operating when I relocate to Zimbabwe?

South Africa's economy and business environment are comparatively stable — Zimbabwe's is not, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Even once you're established in Zimbabwe, you'll likely still need South Africa for materials, banking, and investment. Turning your back on your SA business the moment you relocate removes a stabilising asset at exactly the point you need one most.

Is there an advantage to registering my business in South Africa before I start one in Zimbabwe?

Yes — an SA registration gives you a stable base for banking, investment, and materials sourcing before you take on the more volatile Zimbabwean business environment. This is one of the key questions we work through with clients planning a move: whether the business is already registered in South Africa, and whether it's been properly integrated with the Zimbabwe side before the move happens.

Foreign / External Company Registration

What's the difference between registering a new company and registering a "foreign" or "external" company?

Registering a new company creates a fresh South African legal entity. Registering an external company means your existing company — already registered in your home country (Zimbabwe, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, DRC, or anywhere else) — is registered to legally operate in South Africa, rather than starting from scratch.

Do I need to be in South Africa, or need a permit, to register my external company here?

No to both. This process doesn't require a permit, and you don't need to be physically present in South Africa — we handle the full process and send you the documents. Registration typically requires your official incorporation documents from the home jurisdiction, certified director identification, proof of a registered address in South Africa, and local SARS tax registration.

What can I do once my external/foreign company is registered in South Africa?

Open a business bank account in your company's name; access investment opportunities; access business loans or funding opportunities; benefit from a more stable economy even if you're not physically in SA; access easier import/export arrangements; and get company-to-company import/export advantages between your two entities.

What structures can I choose from for my foreign company's SA presence?

Register a new company in SA; register your existing (e.g. Zimbabwean) company in SA; register a subsidiary company in SA; set up a branch office in SA; or set up a holding company.

Business Relocation, FDI & Diaspora Investment

I'm relocating back to Zimbabwe. Should I close my South African business?

We generally recommend against it. Ask us about our "Business Minding While You Relocate" options, from basic compliance maintenance to full oversight of an existing operation and staff.

I want to invest in Zimbabwe but I'm not there to verify anything myself — how does that work?

This is exactly what our Diaspora Assist service is for. We act as your on-the-ground verifier and facilitator — sourcing and checking opportunities before you commit, rather than relying on friends, relatives, or social media claims.

How long should I run a business before relocating back permanently?

As a general guide, we recommend at least two years of the business actually running — especially if relocation would use most of your savings. This lets you test the market before making an irreversible move.

Before I relocate or invest, what should I have honestly answered for myself?

Some of the questions worth sitting with — and that we'll work through with you — include: how accurate is your due diligence, do you actually understand the Zimbabwean economy and business landscape, have you settled on what business you want to do, and where did your advice come from (and was that advice source actually unbiased)? Getting these answered before you commit money is far cheaper than getting them answered after.

Business Aftercare Services

What is "Facilitation & Aftercare," and how is it different from just registering my business?

Registration gets you legally operating. Facilitation & Aftercare stays with you afterward — regulatory facilitation, partner/stakeholder introductions, relocation logistics, post-investment problem-solving, and ongoing retention support. We don't hand over a report and step back; we stay involved as the business grows.

Doing Business & Investing in South Africa

What should foreign investors know before investing in South Africa?

South Africa is the industrial gateway to Southern Africa, with sophisticated financial systems and deep capital markets. The critical factors are: choosing the right entry structure, complying with exchange control rules, identifying your sector licensing requirements, and securing a registered office. We act as your local execution partner on all four.

What are the exchange control considerations?

Foreign capital inflows should be registered with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) through an Authorised Dealer. Doing this correctly protects your ability to repatriate dividends and equity later — skipping it is a common and costly mistake.

What are the exchange control considerations?

Foreign capital inflows should be registered with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) through an Authorized Dealer. Doing this correctly protects your ability to repatriate dividends and equity later — skipping it is a common and costly mistake.

Are there sector-specific licences I need?

Yes — mandatory licensing depends on the sector, for example NERSA for energy, ICASA for telecommunications, and Department of Employment and Labour compliance for labour matters. Identifying these early avoids costly delays.

International Investors & Cross-Border Compliance Guide

Foreign Nationals Doing Business in South Africa

Can a foreign national or foreign company own 100% of a business in South Africa?

Yes. South Africa's Companies Act places no nationality or residency restrictions on shareholders. A foreign individual or international corporate entity can hold 100% ownership of a private company (Pty Ltd). A local work visa or business visa is only required if the foreign national intends to physically reside in South Africa to manage operations locally.

What is the process for registering a foreign-owned company?

Non-resident entrepreneurs can register a local subsidiary or external company via the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This requires passing foreign director assurance, submitting incorporation documents, providing a verified South African registered office address, and obtaining necessary tax clearance certificates.

Estimate your setup costs with our Business Setup Calculator.

Foreign Nationals Buying Property in South Africa

Do I need to be a permanent resident or hold a visa to buy property in South Africa?

No. Non-residents are legally permitted to own residential and commercial property in South Africa without holding a visa or residency permit. Title deeds are registered through the Deeds Office with the exact same legal protections afforded to citizens.

Can foreign buyers obtain a mortgage bond from a South African bank?

Yes, but with specific financial constraints. Non-resident buyers who do not work locally are typically restricted to borrowing a maximum of 50% of the purchase price, meaning the remaining 50% (plus transfer duties and conveyancing fees) must be funded via offshore or local capital. FICA verification and proof of source of funds are strictly required.

Passport Holders as Company Directors in South Africa

Can a non-resident passport holder act as a director of a South African company?

Yes. Foreign passport holders are fully eligible to serve as company directors. However, under CIPC rules, foreign directors must complete a Foreigner Assurance verification process using their valid passport to satisfy corporate governance requirements.

What statutory information must be maintained for foreign directors and shareholders?

To comply with South African regulatory and anti-money laundering amendments, companies must accurately file and maintain registers of Beneficial Ownership alongside director details. Certified copies of valid passports and proof of foreign residential addresses must be archived for all statutory compliance audits.

Learn how we keep foreign-owned companies compliant as a registered Trusts and Companies Service Provider (TCSP ID: 65232).

Permit Waivers, FIP & Alternative Investment Pathways

What is the Financially Independent Permit (FIP) for South Africa?

The FIP is a direct pathway to Permanent Residence designed for high-net-worth individuals. It permits successful applicants and their immediate dependents to live, retire, study, or work in South Africa indefinitely without being tied to an employer or temporary work visa. Applicants must verify a minimum net worth of ZAR 12 million and satisfy the statutory Department of Home Affairs administrative fee upon approval.

What is the standard capital requirement for a South African Business Visa?

Standard regulations mandate a minimum capital investment originating from abroad of ZAR 5 million, forming part of the book value of the business. This capital can comprise cash or imported machinery/equipment backed by a SAICA-registered Chartered Accountant's report.

Can the ZAR 5 million business capital requirement be reduced or waived?

Yes. Under Section 31(2)(c) of the Immigration Act, entrepreneurs can apply for a capital waiver to lower or waive this threshold. This involves a two-stage process: first securing a positive recommendation from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), followed by final approval from the Department of Home Affairs. Key target sectors include agro-processing, BPO/IT-enabled services, capital/transport equipment, and green energy.

How do CSR, SED, CSI, and "Proof of Economic Interest" support a business permit waiver?

When petitioning for a capital threshold reduction below R5 million, proving standard commercial viability alone may not suffice. Demonstrating a structured commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Socio-Economic Development (SED), and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) provides vital qualitative backing. It proves the enterprise delivers broad-based socio-economic upliftment — such as localized job creation, skills transfer, rural development, or village aggregation value chains.

Choosing between the FIP, a DTIC capital waiver route, or standard registration? Start with our Diaspora Research & Facilitation Service or book a feasibility assessment.

Mining Claims in Zimbabwe

What’s the process for securing a mining claim in Zimbabwe?

Mining in Zimbabwe is governed by the Mines and Minerals Act. Broadly: obtain a prospecting licence from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development; engage an approved prospector to peg and survey the ground; then submit location certificates, maps, and fees to the Mining Commissioner within the statutory timeframe.

How do I keep a claim once I have it?

Claims follow a “use it or lose it” principle. You maintain them through annual inspection certificates (evidence of active development or payment of the prescribed inspection fees), an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approved by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) before extraction, and ongoing royalties and production returns filed with the Ministry and ZIMRA.

Can Maltech-Africa help on the ground in Zimbabwe?

Yes — we offer on-the-ground facilitation, claim verification, and EMA compliance structuring. Because mining rules and fees are specific to each case, a consultation is the right first step.

Independent Oversight & Inspectorate

What is the Independent Oversight & Inspectorate service?

Independent, third-party monitoring for family businesses, multi-partner ventures, diaspora investors, and silent partners — covering governance and compliance audits, partner fairness and fund-misuse monitoring, remote ownership assurance, and structured reporting.

Who is this for?

Business owners who live away from a business they own (in either South Africa or Zimbabwe), owners retiring or wanting to step back who still want regular reports, and partners or family members who want a neutral third party involved.

What do I actually receive?

Structured monthly or quarterly reports, tailored to the tier you choose — from a lighter "Peace of Mind" check-in through to full "Total Oversight."

Do you also offer one-off audits or mediation, without an ongoing contract?

Yes — a one-off audit and a partner mediation session are both available independently of a monthly plan.

Specialised Licensing & Registrations

Do you handle trademark registration?

Yes, alongside company registration and compliance — so your brand protection and your entity setup can be handled in one process.

What about financial services (FSP) licensing?

Yes — we assist with FSP licensing for businesses operating in the financial services space in South Africa.

Can you help register an independent school?

Yes — establishing an independent (private) school requires multi-departmental approval: (1) Entity setup — register as a Non-Profit Company (NPC), NPO, or Private Company (Pty) Ltd; (2) Provincial Department of Basic Education (DBE) registration as an Independent School, proving curriculum alignment (e.g. CAPS, IEB, Cambridge) and financial viability; (3) Local authority compliance — appropriate land-use zoning, health & safety certificates, and fire clearance; (4) Quality assurance — Umalusi accreditation (or QCTO for occupational qualifications); and (5) Statutory registrations — SARS tax exemption (PBO status if an NPC), COIDA, and SACE registration for teaching staff. We handle this as a specialised service alongside our standard compliance work.

Do you help with import/export and customs compliance?

Yes — our Import/Export Customs package covers the compliance side of cross-border trade.

Can you help with funding applications?

Yes, through our Funding Solutions service — we help position your business for funding applications rather than securing funding ourselves.

Who can certify documents in South Africa?

Commissioners of Oaths — including police officers, attorneys, and certain bank officials — are authorised to certify copies of documents in South Africa. Requirements can vary depending on what the certified document will be used for (immigration, company registration, banking, etc.), so it’s worth confirming the exact requirements for your specific submission. Need documents certified as part of a registration or visa process? Contact our SA-Biz Portal.

Pricing & Getting Started

Why does everything start with a "Consultation & Assessment"?

Because the right next step — and the right fee — depends on your specific situation. Rather than quote blind, we assess first. That fee is then credited toward whatever comes next if you proceed with us.

Are consultation fees refundable?

No — consultation fees are non-refundable, since they cover the assessment itself. Once a submission has been made on your behalf (with proof, such as emails or confirmations), we see the case through to an outcome even if that outcome is negative.

What if I can't afford to pay for compliance clean-up all at once?

Our Promise to Pay Service lets you pay for business setup and compliance services in instalments — a deposit followed by weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments — so falling behind doesn't have to mean staying behind.

If I decide not to proceed after paying a fee, do I get it back?

No — fees already paid are forfeited if you decide not to proceed. This is standard across our consultation-based services.

What if a delay isn't your fault or mine — like a slow government department?

We follow up on delays outside our control at no extra charge. If resolving the delay requires us to travel or attend in person, that cost is billed separately.

How much does it cost to register a company in Zimbabwe?

Costs depend on your business structure, sector, and whether additional licences (such as mining, export, or clearing & forwarding) are needed alongside standard registration. We begin every engagement with a Consultation & Assessment to confirm your exact requirements and provide accurate, itemised pricing before any work begins. Book a Consultation & Assessment via our Zim-Biz Portal.

About Maltech-Africa

What is Maltech-Africa?

A registered Trust & Company Service Provider (TCSP, ID 65232) offering compliance-led business facilitation across Zimbabwe and South Africa — company registration, ongoing compliance, cross-border integration, diaspora facilitation, and independent oversight.

What's the difference between maltechafrica.co.za and maltechafricahub.co.za?

maltechafrica.co.za is the main corporate/group site. maltechafricahub.co.za (the SA-Biz Portal) is for clients starting registration in South Africa who plan to integrate into Zimbabwe. maltechafricabizportal.co.za (the Zim-Biz Portal) is for clients starting in Zimbabwe who plan to continue into South Africa. Choose based on where you want to start.

How is Maltech-Africa different from just using CIPC or government services directly?

Government portals and agencies get you registered or approved — they don't stay with you afterward. We verify, structure, and remain involved from entry through to day-to-day operation: the banking, the local presence, the person who shows up when a regulator asks a question.

How do I get started?

Book a Consultation, WhatsApp us at +27 68 073 6785, or email info@maltechafrica.co.za.

Still have a question?

Book a consultation and we'll work through your specific situation — or message us on WhatsApp for a quick answer.