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Can South Africans work tax free in South/ Central America ? Or is this only applicable to the Gulf.

Posted 29 October 2014

Tim, I am an engineer and I want to take my family to South/ Central America and go work there for a few years for an international company. The aim is to make as much money as possible. Would I have to pay tax in any of the countries in South/ Central America ? I did something similar working in the gulf and didn't have to pay tax at all as I was out of South Africa for 15 months. That was 10yrs ago. Would the same hold for all countries in South/ Central America or does it depend on the specific country in South America that one would go ? Note, I do not yet have a specific country that I will be allocated to as I am still busy submitting resumes.

TaxTim TaxTim says:
30 October 2014 at 8:19

It would depend on the specific country and their tax laws.

Juju says:
30 October 2014 at 16:49

Where can I find a list showing which countries will not require me to pay tax after a certain time ? I am sure its a common question. Can you provide me with this informationan or direct me to someone / website where it is neatly summarized, tim ? Best. Juju

TaxTim TaxTim says:
30 October 2014 at 18:13

Unfortunately not, you can Google for tax havens or lowest tax jurisdictions in South America or similar.

Juju says:
31 October 2014 at 18:21

Would it also depend on the South African governments tax agreement with that specific country ?

TaxTim TaxTim says:
1 November 2014 at 11:41

If you meet the definition for foreign income exemption? then you can be exempt anywhere from SA tax.

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