Top class investment expertise

There is a wealth of world-class expertise that will guide an investor through the process of registering a business in South Africa. Legal, management, banking and accounting firms are supported by chambers of commerce, embassies and government offices.

LEGAL FIRMS

A range of major legal firms offer useful information and can advise the foreign investor in all aspects of their business in South Africa:

• Werksmans Attorneys' comprehensive guide to establishing a business in SA.

• Goldman Judin Maisels

• Industrial Relations Network

• Webber Wentzel Bowens

LARGE ACCOUNTING FIRMS

The following is a list of the major accounting firms in South Africa:

• Arthur Anderson (+ 27 11 328 3000)

• BDO Spencer Steward (+27 11 643 7271)

• Deloitte & Touche (+27 11 806 5000)

• Ernst & Young (+27 11 498 1000)

• Fisher Hoffman Sithole (+27 11 643 7361)

• Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein (+27 11 322 4500)

• KPMG (+27 11 647 7111)

• Price Waterhouse Coopers (+27 11 498 4000)

Click here for the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants site

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

There are numerous regional and city-specific chambers of commerce that will support international investors throughout South Africa.

• South African Chamber of Commerce

• Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Cape Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Midrand Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry

BANKS

South Africa has a sophisticated and well regulated banking sector. Many banks are subsidiaries of international conglomerates while local bank often have an international presence. These are all able to offer the foreign investor expert advice on all aspects of doing business in South Africa. Many have global offices and divisions dedicated to assisting companies and individuals to trade in South Africa.

Click here for an up-to-date, comprehensive listing of SA Reserve Bank registered banks in South Africa.

The Bank Monitor - an independent guide to banking services in South Africa.

BUSINESS INFORMATION SERVICES

Department of Trade Industry - provides a list of information services and links on doing business in South Africa.

Business Referral & Information Network (BRAIN) - strives to improve the competitiveness and growth of small business (SMMEs) in South Africa through the supply of relevant, value-added business information.

Franchise Advice & Information Network (FRAIN) - strives to supply high quality information and support services to individuals and small business to ensure growth and improvement of new and existing franchise businesses in South Africa.

Indevco Industrial Development Consultants - one of the largest investment incentive consultants in South Africa, with branches in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Africa Business Direct - focuses on meeting the information, trade, finance, logistics and office workspace infrastructure needs of Africa-based and overseas companies, helping them expand their trade and investment links throughout Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world.

Mbendi - a business trade information site and assists business people to identify and research business opportunities in the country and industry sectors of their choice.

Braby's - a searchable online business directory for Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.

Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein - information on establishing a business in South Africa.