How to Invest in US and Global Stocks from South Africa (2026 Guide)
South African investors face forex restrictions similar to India's LRS. SARB (South African Reserve Bank) limits personal foreign investment to R1 million per year via a Single Discretionary Allowance and an additional R10 million via a Foreign Investment Allowance with SARS tax clearance.
SARB foreign investment limits
- Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA): R1,000,000 per calendar year. No tax clearance required. Can be used for foreign investment.
- Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA): R10,000,000 per calendar year. Requires SARS tax clearance (pin) before remitting. Full SARS compliance required.
- Total maximum: R11,000,000 per year per individual (R1M SDA + R10M FIA).
- SARB approval: all foreign currency purchases above the SDA require SARB approval (obtained through your commercial bank).
- ZAR volatility: the rand has weakened significantly against USD over decades. Holding international assets is a ZAR depreciation hedge.
Best platforms for South African investors
- EasyEquities USD account: South African-built platform. Allows ZAR to USD conversion and US stock purchase. Accessible and beginner-friendly.
- Interactive Brokers: full global access. Requires SARB-compliant bank transfer in ZAR/USD.
- Satrix (local): South Africa's passive fund provider. Offshore feeder funds allow rand-denominated investment in global indices without direct FX transfer.
- Allan Gray Offshore: via foreign investment allowance. Managed funds in USD. No direct broker access.
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