About 500,000 South Africans live in the UK. Transferring money from SA is something most expats do regularly — whether it is sending over living expenses, making a lump-sum investment, or moving savings built up over years. Knowing the rules, the allowances, and how the process works makes a real difference.
The three transfer mechanisms
1. Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA)
The SDA is the simplest route. Every South African resident adult can transfer up to the annual SDA limit per calendar year without needing any SARS pre-approval. It resets on 1 January each year and unused allowance does not carry over. A couple can move double the individual limit combined. This is the route most regular transfers take — monthly living expenses, gifts, school fees, and general top-ups.
2. Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA)
The FIA covers transfers above the SDA ceiling, allowing an additional R10 million per person per year. To use the FIA, you need SARS approval before the funds move. WBForex prepares and submits the full application on your behalf.
3. SARB FinSurv special approval
For anything above the combined SDA and FIA ceiling, a separate application goes to the South African Reserve Bank's Financial Surveillance Department, supported by a SARS Letter of Compliance. This is assessed case by case and typically applies to significant property proceeds, large inheritance transfers, or the externalisation of substantial wealth. WBForex manages this process end-to-end.