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What is a virtual office? 

A virtual office is a service that provides businesses with a professional address, phone answering, and other administrative services without the need to rent their own office and hire their own staff. Virtual offices are a popular choice for entrepreneurs and remote workers, as well as businesses opening an office in a foreign country. In the latter scenario, the virtual office service provider is based in a foreign country.

Advantages of a virtual office
Virtual offices provide businesses of all sizes with various advantages. Most importantly, these include:

  • Cost savings: Virtual offices are usually more affordable than traditional office space as there is a lower rental cost with no utilities, furniture, or equipment costs.
  • Flexibility: Virtual offices give one the flexibility to work from anywhere, with some of the support that a traditional office provides: a place where your calls will always be answered and a physical address for post and official correspondence.

What benefits does a virtual office with an Import Export License offer that traditional virtual offices do not? 

  • Legal compliance: We help to ensure that your business is legally compliant with SARS (South African Revenue Service), CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission), and South African Customs regulations. When regulatory changes occur, we inform you of these and can help you remain compliant.
  • SARS, CIPC, and Customs support: Your virtual office address and contact number will be registered with these government authorities so that you do not miss any correspondence. All our staff are trained in Customs, SARS, CIPC, and South African import and export regulations. We do not only forward official communication to you but are able to assist with any matters that arise from it.
  • Administrative services: Our staff and support team are able to assist with all accounting matters, removing that from your shoulders.
  • International trade support: We have been supporting businesses in international trade and compliance for over 12 years. As part of our service offering, you are welcome to ask our staff your trade-related questions. We can advise you and assist where needed.

What additional benefits are there for foreign companies taking up a foreign virtual office rental in South Africa? 

  • Time zone differences:  Your South African virtual office will be open during South African office hours when your home office may be closed.
  • Language barriers: All our consultants are fluent in English and Afrikaans, two of the official languages of South Africa. They can communicate with the authorities on your behalf in these languages.
  • Cultural differences: Due to South Africa’s history the country has certain policies of black economic empowerment (BEE). We can help you navigate this and other cultural differences that may exist.
  • We can be a trusted partner and advisor to you in South Africa, guiding you on your business journey in the country and smoothing the way.

How do I sign up for a virtual office?

Sign up for a virtual office here. We will send you our virtual office rental agreement to review. When you are ready you can send the completed agreement to us with your desired starting date.

How do I cancel the virtual office rental? 

Cancellation can be done by giving 1 month’s written notice after the initial rental period has been concluded.

Tracy Venter

Tracy transitioned from industry to founding Import Export License in 2011, aiding importers and exporters with customs compliance. In 2014, she launched Trade Logistics, focusing on supporting startups and SMMEs in international trade. Since then, Tracy's team has assisted 35,000+ businesses, reaching 32,000 traders monthly through newsletters. She's contributed to publications like Entrepreneurs Magazine and SME Toolkit, spoken at trade events, and participated in customs forums. Import Export License helped with the pilot trial to launch customs' new online registration platform (RLA). Through Trade Logistics she has launched 3 online import-export training courses. She holds an Honours degree from Stellenbosch University and a Cum Laude Masters from Middlesex University. In her spare time, Tracy enjoys running, mountain biking, playing piano, and cherishing moments with her husband and four children.