The New Financial Emigration Law

Newsletter   •   Quarter 4   •   2020

The New Financial Emigration Law

After 1 March 2021, your retirement money will be locked in South africa for three years. this means you will not be allowed to touch it or apply it to your personal circumstances.
Image

The new Financial Emigration Law was established in Parliament by the National Treasury and SARS on 13 October 2020. This new law will effectively phase out the concept of emigration for exchange-control purposes.

If you are emigrating, what should you do?

Under the current system, members of preservation funds and retirement annuity funds may withdraw from these funds if they formally emigrate from South Africa.

South Africans who have moved abroad or plan to permanently leave South Africa now have until 28 February 2021 to effect Financial Emigration.

If not, you will be faced with tougher exit rules under the 'three-year lock-up' dispensation. This will obviously impact on your financial situation. This law will mean that South Africans emigrating from the country will only be able to make a withdrawal when they have ceased to be a tax resident and have remained so for at least three consecutive years.

Get expert advice before ceasing SA tax residency

As each and every personal and financial scenario is unique, it is crucial that you get advice from a certified financial adviser. If you want to cease being a tax resident of South Africa, they will look at your own set of circumstances and give you the best advice.

Image

Your well-being matters

The coronavirus pandemic has created a challenging time for many of us. We understand that the performance of your investments may cause you worry or stress, especially with regard to your financial planning.

If you are in need of any help, guidance or support during these unusual times, please contact the employee assistance helpline.

This service is free and totally confidential.

The helpline is run by Company Wellness Solutions and offers professional counsellors. It is open and FREE to all Woolies employees.

Please contact them as follows:

  • Send a Please call me to 064 101 8598
  • Toll Free Call 0800 014 818
  • USSD Dial *134*1449#
  • Website www.cwseap.co.za