Greece – South Africa Tax Treaty
The Greece-South Africa tax treaty caps withholding on dividends at 15% for portfolio investors and 5% for qualifying direct investment, and interest at 8%. Royalty rates vary by category, from 5% on copyright to 10% on film and television. Private pensions are taxable only in the country of residence, with no withholding at source. This is one of 29 active treaties in Greece's network and one of 37 in South Africa's. The general dividend rate of 15% compares to a median of 15% across Greece's network and 15% across South Africa's.
Verified data
AADE International Tax Agreements (aade.gr) (Treaty list verified April 2026. Rates from individual treaty texts (Articles 10-12).)
Withholding Rate Summary
Source: Greece Treaty Reference| Income Type | Treaty Rate | Statutory Rate (Greece) |
|---|---|---|
| Dividends (general) Portfolio investors | 15% | 5% |
| Dividends (qualified) Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock | 5% | 5% |
| Interest Bank interest, bonds, loans | 8%saves 7% | 15% |
| Royalties (avg) Patents, copyright, know-how, film/TV | 6.3% | — |
| Pensions Private pension distributions | 0% | — |
| Social Security Government social security benefits | 0% | — |
“Treaty Rate” is the maximum withholding permitted under this treaty. The actual effective rate may be lower if domestic law provides a more favorable rate independently. “Statutory Rate (Greece)” shows the rate that applies when no treaty benefit is claimed. Qualified dividend rate requires: Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock.
Dividends
The general dividend rate of 15% applies to portfolio investors. A reduced rate of 5% is available when beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock. Without the treaty, the statutory withholding rate on dividends is 5%.
Source: Greece Treaty Reference
Interest
Interest payments (bank interest, bonds, loans) are subject to 8% withholding under this treaty, compared to the 15% statutory rate. This represents a 7% reduction from the statutory rate.
Source: Greece Treaty Reference
Royalties
Royalty withholding rates vary by the type of intellectual property. This treaty distinguishes 4 categories, with rates ranging from 5% to 10%.
Source: Greece Treaty Reference
Pensions & Social Security
Private pension distributions are taxable only in the country of residence, with no withholding at source. Government social security benefits are exempt from source-country withholding.
Source: Greece Treaty Reference
Comparative Context
🇬🇷Greece's Network
Among Greece's 29 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 27th (median: 15%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Romania | 15% |
| Sweden | 15% |
| Turkey | 15% |
| South Africa (this treaty) | 15% |
| Cyprus | 25% |
| United States | 30% |
🇿🇦South Africa's Network
Among South Africa's 37 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 20th (median: 15%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Finland | 15% |
| France | 15% |
| United Kingdom | 15% |
| Greece (this treaty) | 15% |
| Hungary | 15% |
| Indonesia | 15% |
| Ireland | 15% |