What documents do South Africa expats need for a UK mortgage?
UK lenders commonly request a passport, South African ID or proof of address, a utility bill, municipal rates account or bank statement, recent payslips and an employment contract, SARS IRP5 certificates and ITA34 assessments, three to six months of bank statements and a documented source of deposit. Self-employed applicants usually add CIPC company records and accountant-prepared financial statements.
- Provide full statements rather than cropped screenshots.
- Explain bonuses and allowances clearly.
- Transfers above R1 million per calendar year out of South Africa need SARS Approval for International Transfer (AIT) — keep the AIT PIN and approval record.
- Certification rules differ by lender, so confirm them first.
Key takeaways
- Identity and residency: passport, South African ID or proof of address and a utility bill, municipal rates account or bank statement.
- Income: payslips, employment contract and SARS IRP5 certificates and ITA34 assessments; self-employed applicants usually need two years of records.
- Banking: three to six months of complete statements showing salary credits.
- Deposit: a clear evidence trail for savings, investments, a sale or a gift, including ZAR-to-GBP transfer records.
- Check certification requirements with the lender before paying for notarisation or an apostille.
The checklist
Identity, residence and address
- Valid passport and any second nationality documents relevant to the application.
- Proof of residence status: South African ID or proof of address.
- Proof of address in South Africa: a utility bill, municipal rates account or bank statement.
Income — employed
- Recent payslips, commonly the latest three months.
- Employment contract or employer letter confirming role, salary, start date and any fixed allowances.
- Tax evidence: SARS IRP5 certificates and ITA34 assessments.
- Evidence and explanation of bonuses, commission, share awards or other variable pay.
Income — self-employed or company director
- Usually two years of records: CIPC company records and accountant-prepared financial statements.
- Recent business bank statements and, where requested, an accountant's letter.
Banking, liabilities and credit
- Three to six months of full personal bank statements showing salary credits.
- Details of loans, credit cards and property owned in South Africa, the UK or elsewhere.
- Where the lender requests it: a TransUnion or Experian South Africa credit report.
Deposit and source of funds
- Savings: statements showing the money accumulating over time.
- Investment or property sale: contract notes or sale documents and the proceeds credit.
- Gift: signed gift letter, donor identification and supporting bank statements.
- ZAR-to-GBP transfer: retain transfer and currency-conversion records.
- Transfers above R1 million per calendar year out of South Africa need SARS Approval for International Transfer (AIT) — keep the AIT PIN and approval record.
Buy-to-let or UK limited company
- A letting agent's expected-rent assessment and details of existing rental properties.
- Company incorporation and ownership documents if buying through a UK limited company.
Certifying documents in South Africa
UK lenders may ask for copies to be certified, for example by a South African commissioner of oaths or notary, with an apostille if requested. Requirements vary, so confirm the acceptable certifier, wording and validity period before arranging certification.
Timing and next steps
Payslips, statements and address evidence can expire during an application, so gather them close to the application date. A complete overseas case commonly takes around six to ten weeks (indicative only). See our UK mortgages for South Africa expats page, the expat mortgages hub, the non-resident stamp duty guide and our currency hub for moving ZAR to GBP.
Frequently asked
Questions from readers
What documents do South Africa expats need for a UK mortgage?
Usually a passport, South African ID or proof of address, proof of address, payslips and an employment contract, SARS IRP5 certificates and ITA34 assessments, three to six months of bank statements and evidence of the deposit's source. Exact requirements vary by lender.
Who can certify my documents in South Africa?
The lender may accept a South African commissioner of oaths or notary, with an apostille if requested. Confirm who is acceptable, and whether an apostille is needed, before arranging certification.
Do my documents need translating?
Documents in English are usually accepted as provided; anything in another language may need certified translation.
How far back should bank statements go?
Three months is a common minimum; six months may be requested where income varies or a longer source-of-funds trail is needed.