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South Africa vs Saudi Arabia
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa
vs
πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¦ Saudi Arabia
Tax Year:

πŸ’° Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison β†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change
0% / 20%
No personal income tax; competitive positioning maintained
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
16%
VAT raised to 16% from 1 April 2026 (Budget 2025)
β–² +0.5pp vs 2025
15%
15% VAT stable; GCC harmonization efforts
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
20%
20% CIT; special economic zone (NEOM etc.) benefits
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
20%
20% via CIT framework
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
~22.5%
GOSI contribution rates stable; expat levy increasing
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa β€” Provincial & Municipal Taxes

South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax β€” this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%–2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.

πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¦ Saudi Arabia β€” Zakat, Salam & Municipality Fees

Saudi Arabia has no local or regional income taxes on individuals β€” the Kingdom operates as a unitary state for tax purposes. Municipalities (amanaat) collect fees for commercial licences, land use, and services. Zakat (Islamic wealth levy at 2.5% of Zakat base) applies to Saudi nationals and GCC citizens with business income, instead of income tax. Foreign companies pay CIT at 20%. The government levies municipality fees of 2.5% on commercial and residential rents. Vision 2030 is transforming the fiscal landscape.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

South Africa vs Saudi Arabia: Key Tax Differences (2026)

πŸ’° Income Tax: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs 0% / 20%). πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¦ Saudi Arabia is more favourable for high earners.

πŸ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 15%).

🏒 Corporate Tax: πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¦ Saudi Arabia offers a lower corporate rate (20% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.

πŸ“ˆ Capital Gains: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 20%), benefiting investors.

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