FICA Documents Checklist
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) requires estate agents, transferring attorneys, and banks
to verify the identity and residential address of all parties in a property transaction.
Prepare the documents below before submitting your offer or attending at the attorney.
Important: All copies must be certified (commissioner of oaths or police station)
and not older than 3 months for proof of address. Original documents may be required at the attorney's office.
South African Individual (Buyer or Seller)
Certified copy of South African ID (green barcoded ID book or Smart Card — both sides)
Proof of residential address (not older than 3 months)
Income tax number (for transfer duty declaration)
Bank statements — 3 months (for bond application)
Latest 3 consecutive payslips (salaried employees)
2 years' financial statements & SARS assessments (self-employed)
Acceptable proof of residential address:
Municipality / utility account (rates, water, electricity)
Bank statement (not the same doc as bank statements for bond)
Telephone / internet account
Lease agreement (if renting)
Motor vehicle licence renewal
SARS correspondence addressed to you
Married Couples
Both spouses must submit the documents listed above. Additionally:
Original or certified copy of Marriage Certificate
Antenuptial Contract (ANC) — if married out of community of property
Accrual clause confirmation (in or out of accrual) — if ANC applies
Married in community of property: both spouses must consent in writing to the transaction.
If one spouse is buying/selling, the other must sign the OTP or a spousal consent form.
Foreign Nationals
Certified copy of valid passport (photo and details pages)
Copy of valid South African visa / work permit / residency permit
Proof of residential address (SA address if available, else foreign address)
SARS tax number (required for transfer duty — obtain from your nearest SARS branch)
Foreign buyers must pay transfer duty at the same rates as SA citizens. Exchange control regulations apply to bond financing — consult your bank.
Trusts
The trust must be registered with the Master of the High Court. All trustees must be verified.
Certified copy of the Trust Deed
Letters of Authority issued by the Master
Trust registration number
FICA docs for all trustees (ID + proof of address)
Trust resolution authorising the transaction and naming the signing trustee(s)
Trust bank account details (for deposit)
Companies & Close Corporations (CC)
Company registration documents (CoR 14.3 for companies; CK1 and CK2 for CCs)
Company income tax number
Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) or Founding Statement
Board resolution (company) or member resolution (CC) authorising the transaction
FICA docs for all directors / members (ID + proof of address)
FICA docs for all beneficial owners with 25%+ shareholding
Proof of company address (not older than 3 months)
Latest audited financial statements
Additional Documents for Bond Application (Bank)
In addition to the FICA documents above, banks require:
Signed and accepted OTP (deed of sale)
Property schedule / schedule of property information
Sectional title unit plan / erf information (if applicable)
Latest 12 months' bond statements (if refinancing)
Quick Reference — Document Tracking
| Document | For Buyer | For Seller | Status |
|---|
| Certified ID / Passport | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Proof of Residential Address | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Income Tax Number | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 3 Months Payslips | ✓ | — | |
| 3 Months Bank Statements | ✓ | — | |
| Marriage Certificate (if married) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| ANC / Divorce Order (if applicable) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Signed OTP | ✓ | ✓ | |