Open an account as a foreign national
Living and working in South Africa? Bring your passport and visa or permit to a branch to open an account that grows with you.
Do I qualify to open an account?
You may qualify to open an account if you have:
- A valid passport
- A valid visa or permit
The features available on your account will depend on whether you can provide proof of income.
How do I open an account?
Visit a branch with your documents and we'll help you open your account.
- Bring your required documents
- We'll verify your identity and information
- Once approved, you can start banking
What features can I access?
| Feature | I have proof of income | *I don't have proof of income |
|---|---|---|
| ATM deposits | Yes | Yes |
| Capitec Connect | Yes | Yes |
| Capitec Pay | Yes | No |
| Debit orders | Yes | Yes |
| EFTs | Yes | Yes |
| Electricity purchases | Yes | Yes |
| International card payments | Yes | No |
| Local card payments | Yes | Yes |
| Local cash withdrawals | Yes | Yes |
| Online card payments and subscriptions | Yes | No |
| PayShap | Yes | Yes |
| Scan to Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Send Cash | Yes | Yes |
*Provide proof of income later to qualify for additional features.
Which features will be restricted until I provide proof of income?
- Capitec Pay
- International Payments
- Pay Bills
- Vouchers
- Forex
- Online card payments and subscriptions
Which permit, visa and proof of income documents are accepted?
| Visa or permit type | Description | Accepted proof of income documents |
| Work visa (including mining permits) | For people employed by a South African employer. This visa may be linked to a specific employer, job or industry. | • Employment letter • Employment contract • Recent payslip • Bank statement |
| Business visa | For people who own, run or invest in a business in South Africa. | • Bank statement • Personal tax return • Signed service contracts • Accountant letter |
| Retired person’s visa | For people living in South Africa and receiving a pension, annuity or other retirement income | • Retirement fund statement • Bank statement • Fund confirmation letter |
| Study visa | For students enrolled at a registered educational institution in South Africa. | • Bursary or scholarship letter • Sponsor affidavit |
| Visitor’s visa Section 11(6) | For people doing short-term work in South Africa for a specific project or assignment. | • Employment letter • Employment contract • Recent payslip • Bank statement • Sponsor affidavit |
| Permanent residence permit | For foreign nationals who qualify to live in South Africa on a permanent basis. | • No proof of income required |
Why bank with us?
- Pay a low monthly fee of R7.50
- Secure account opening: We use fingerprint verification to confirm it's you and help protect your account
- Capitec Connect: Stay connected by buying SIM cards, airtime and data
- Built-in security: Real-time fraud controls and biometric verification help protect your account
Ready to open your account?
Visit a branch with your documents and we'll help you get started.