---
title: Frequently Asked Questions | Rand Rescue
description: Read our frequently asked questions about tax emigration from South Africa, transferring your rands overseas & getting your South African inheritance.
image: https://www.randrescue.com/hubfs/Rand-Rescue-Services.png
---
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- [About](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us)
- [About Rand Rescue](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us)
- [Our Team](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us#the-team)
- [Partnerships](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us/partnerships)
- [What Customers Say](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us/testimonials)
- [Services](https://www.randrescue.com/services)
- [Tax Emigration](https://www.randrescue.com/services/tax-emigration)
- [Policy Surrenders](https://www.randrescue.com/services/policy-surrenders)
- [Get Your Inheritance Out of South Africa](https://www.randrescue.com/services/inheritance)
- [Transferring Rands Overseas](https://www.randrescue.com/services/transfer-rands-overseas)
- [Transferring Money to South Africa](https://www.randrescue.com/services/transfer-money-to-south-africa)
- [FAQ](https://www.randrescue.com/frequently-asked-questions)
- [Events](https://www.randrescue.com/events)
- [Blog](https://www.randrescue.com/blog)
- [Contact](https://www.randrescue.com/contact-us)
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PHONE: [+64 (0) 21 265 5066](tel:+64212655066) E-MAIL: [Henrico.kotze@randgroup.biz](mailto:Henrico.kotze@randgroup.biz)
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- [About](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us)
- [About Rand Rescue](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us)
- [Our Team](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us#the-team)
- [Partnerships](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us/partnerships)
- [What Customers Say](https://www.randrescue.com/about-us/testimonials)
- [Services](https://www.randrescue.com/services)
- [Tax Emigration](https://www.randrescue.com/services/tax-emigration)
- [Policy Surrenders](https://www.randrescue.com/services/policy-surrenders)
- [Get Your Inheritance Out of South Africa](https://www.randrescue.com/services/inheritance)
- [Transferring Rands Overseas](https://www.randrescue.com/services/transfer-rands-overseas)
- [Transferring Money to South Africa](https://www.randrescue.com/services/transfer-money-to-south-africa)
- [FAQ](https://www.randrescue.com/frequently-asked-questions)
- [Events](https://www.randrescue.com/events)
- [Blog](https://www.randrescue.com/blog)
- [Contact](https://www.randrescue.com/contact-us)
PHONE: [+64 (0) 21 265 5066](tel:+64212655066) E-MAIL: [Henrico.kotze@randgroup.biz](mailto:Henrico.kotze@randgroup.biz)
[Get Your Free Quote](https://www.randrescue.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
# Frequently Asked
# Questions
#### Got questions about transferring your rands or tax emigration from South Africa? We have the answers!
## Explore our FAQ page, where we strive to offer you in-depth solutions to frequently asked questions regarding [tax emigration](https://www.randrescue.com/services/tax-emigration?hsLang=en), [policy surrenders](https://www.randrescue.com/services/policy-surrenders?hsLang=en), [fund transfers](https://www.randrescue.com/services/transfer-rands-overseas?hsLang=en), and [transfer of inheritance funds](https://www.randrescue.com/services/inheritance?hsLang=en). We understand that navigating the complexities of cross-border finances can lead to numerous queries, and our team is here to provide you with clear and expert guidance.
## If you can't find the answer to your question here, [contact us directly.](https://www.randrescue.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
How much money am I allowed to transfer overseas?
If you are moving funds while still a tax resident of South Africa, you can transfer R1m per person per calendar year, with no need for an AIT (Approved International Transfer) from SARS. You can move an additional R10m per person per calendar year, with an AIT from SARS. You will need to show the source of the funds in order to get an AIT granted from SARS. When completing tax emigration, your AIT will cover any amount you need to transfer - there is no upper limit.
Can I open a South African bank account and do I have to open one?
If you have not previously completed financial emigration or tax emigration, and your SARS tax status has not yet changed to non-resident, you are able to open a bank account in South Africa. You will need your barcoded ID book or smart ID card, your South African tax number, and a current proof of address in order to open a bank account. The account can be used to transfer your funds or receive an inheritance.
South African Exchange Control regulations require the flow of currency to be directed via a South African bank account through an Authorised Dealer. There are very few exceptions to this requirement.
As every person's circumstances differ, please contact us to find out if opening a bank account in South Africa is appropriate and relevant for your needs.
Can I withdraw my retirement annuity? Retirement annuities can usually only be withdrawn in full once you have been a tax resident of another country for at least 3 consecutive years. If you are aged 55 or over, and the value of the retirement annuity is less than R360,000, you may be able to withdraw it in full. Get in touch with us today for a free policy review and quote.
Can I withdraw my preservation fund? If you have not previously taken a withdrawal, you are usually able to withdraw your preservation fund in full, without completing the tax emigration process, and at any age. You do not have to be retirement age to surrender a preservation fund.
Can I withdraw my preservation fund if I have already taken my one withdrawal before retirement?
A preservation fund gets treated the same as a retirement annuity once a pre-retirement withdrawal has been made. The 3 consecutive year rule will apply, and the fund member can apply to withdraw after completing tax emigration.
Can I surrender my living annuity?
Living annuities are not able to be surrendered in full unless the value reaches under R150,000. If the value of your living annuity is less than R150,000 get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you surrender it and receive the full value immediately.
If I complete tax emigration do I lose my South African Citizenship?
No. Citizenship is completely separate from tax emigration and your tax resident status. If you were born in South Africa you have the right to return and live there, unless the law changes in future. Citizenship is dealt with by the Consulate and is not lost when completing tax emigration. Tax Emigration is processed and approved by SARS.
What documents do I need to complete tax emigration?
Documentation required for tax emigration can vary slightly from case to case. You will usually need a current proof of address, your South African tax number, your South African ID document and a valid passport. Your passport can be from any country, it does not have to be South African. If you do not have a valid passport currently, we recommend getting one first as you will not be able to complete tax emigration without it.
How much does it cost to complete tax emigration?
Our fee structure is based on the number of policies you have. As everyone has different circumstances, our quotes are provided on an individual basis. Contact us today and we can investigate how many policies you have and provide an obligation-free quote.
I have a new foreign passport, does that mean I have emigrated formally and I can access my retirement annuities?
You have not formally emigrated for Exchange Control purposes unless the following have happened: - Your emigration was recorded with the South African Reserve bank (prior to 1 March 2021) OR you declared non-tax residency with SARS and received the required tax clearances from SARS since March 2021. Having a new foreign passport is NOT related to SARS and Tax Emigration.
## Got more questions? We've got answers.
If you haven't found the answers you need here, get in touch with our friendly team today.
[Contact Us](https://www.randrescue.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
[](https://www.randrescue.com?hsLang=en)
Rand Rescue can help you complete[**tax emigration from South Africa**](https://43648697.hs-sites.com/services/tax-emigration?hsLang=en) and facilitate the transfer of your rands overseas. Get your free quote today!
*Rand Rescue and Rand Reunite are not financial services providers. We do not provide advice or sell financial products. Should you require financial advice, please consult with a licensed financial professional.*
*For more information refer to [Website Terms & Conditions Disclaimer](https://www.randrescue.com/website-terms-and-conditions?hsLang=en)*
- [Services](https://www.randrescue.com/services)
- [Tax Emigration](https://www.randrescue.com/services/tax-emigration)
- [Policy Surrenders](https://www.randrescue.com/services/policy-surrenders)
- [Get Your Inheritance Out of South Africa](https://www.randrescue.com/services/inheritance)
- [Transferring Rands Overseas](https://www.randrescue.com/services/transfer-rands-overseas)
- [Transferring Money to South Africa](https://www.randrescue.com/services/transfer-money-to-south-africa)
- [Get in Touch](https://www.randrescue.com/contact-us)
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