Aside from opening a branch or operating as a sole trader, the core business structures in South Africa are:   • Proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) – the South African equivalent of a limited liability company • Public company – floated on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, and host to at least three resident directors   Both business types can be 100% foreign-owned, but the Pty model is typically more popular. However, it can be tough to start such a business without a South Africa business visa. You will find more information on this document later in these FAQs.