Event report
Back To | Patrimoine & Fiscal Update 2025 Held in Johannesburg and Cape Town
The French South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FSACCI), in partnership with Equance, hosted the “Patrimoine & Fiscal Update 2025” to address key issues in wealth management and taxation for French residents living in South Africa.
The events were held on 23 April in Cape Town and 25 April in Johannesburg.
Florent Houssais, Director of Export Development at Equance and Chairman of the Latin America and Caribbean Commission, led the presentation alongside Director Virgile Yon.
The sessions addressed updates to the 2025 Finance Bill, tax changes for 2024, and strategies for optimizing personal and family wealth in an international setting.
Participants gained insight into the legal definition of fiscal domicile in both French and South African systems. This distinction plays a central role in preventing double taxation.
The presenters also outlined new rules for French non-residents, including changes to income tax brackets and social charges.
Capital gains taxation on real estate was discussed in detail. The session covered exemption conditions for primary residences and differences between resident and non-resident obligations.
The event also examined matrimonial property regimes, which may change automatically depending on a couple’s residency and nationality. Participants were advised on how contracts and declarations can provide legal certainty.
An overview of inheritance and donation taxes in both countries was presented, including applicable thresholds and exemptions.
Investment options for expatriates were also covered. These included SCPI (real estate investment trusts), usufruct and bare ownership structures, life insurance policies, private equity, and structured financial products.
