Thinking of sending money to Europe for the first time? Don't get caught off guard by South Africa's exchange control rules.
Whether you're supporting family, paying for university fees, or investing abroad, it's important to understand the limits and legal requirements around transferring money from South Africa to Europe. Many South Africans are surprised to find out that exchange control regulations apply—even to personal remittances.
The good news? It's completely legal and manageable with the right knowledge and a trusted provider like Mama Money.
Mama Money is a fully licensed, FICA-compliant service that enables you to send money to Europe easily, affordably, and in accordance with the rules. You can transfer up to R25,000 per transaction and R25,000 per month on a standard account. And if you need to send more? You can upgrade your limit to R50,000 per transaction and R100,000 per month in just a few steps using the Mama Money app.
👉 Send Money to Europe with Mama Money and stay safe, secure, and compliant.
Exchange control rules are government policies designed to regulate the flow of money into and out of South Africa. Managed by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), these rules help maintain the country's financial and economic stability by placing certain limits and requirements on cross-border transactions.
The main purpose of exchange controls is to:
These controls apply to both individuals and businesses, and they're especially relevant when sending money to countries outside the Common Monetary Area, such as those in Europe. By understanding the rules, you can plan your transfers effectively and stay fully compliant.
The Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA) is a regulation that allows every adult South African resident (over the age of 18) to legally transfer up to R1 million per calendar year abroad—without needing tax clearance from SARS.
This allowance is designed to give individuals the freedom to send money overseas for most legal purposes, including:
If you're sending money through Mama Money, the SDA also applies to your transfers. Under our standard limits, you can send:
These limits ensure your transfers remain fully compliant with South African exchange control regulations—without the need for additional paperwork.
Want to send more? You can upgrade your limit in the Mama Money app with just a few simple steps.
Learn more about our sending limits here
If you need to send more than R25,000 at a time or more than R25,000 in a month, Mama Money makes it easy to upgrade your limits—all within the rules of South Africa's exchange control framework.
Qualifying customers can increase their limits to:
This is ideal if you're sending money for larger expenses, such as tuition, rent, or medical bills abroad.
Once submitted, your documents will be reviewed, and if approved, your higher limit will be activated, allowing you to send more when needed with complete peace of mind.
For more details, visit our sending limits page.
If you're planning to send more than R1 million abroad in a single calendar year, your transfer will fall under South Africa's Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA).
The FIA allows South African taxpayers in good standing to invest or transfer up to R10 million per year outside of the country—but there's one key requirement: you must obtain a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN from SARS before the funds can be transferred. This PIN confirms that you are compliant with your tax obligations and is used by Authorised Dealers to verify your status.
At this time, Mama Money does not facilitate FIA-level transfers; however, it's essential to understand these rules if you're planning significant international transactions or long-term offshore investments.
If you need to send more than the limits allowed under the Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA), we recommend consulting an Authorised Dealer (such as your bank) or a qualified financial advisor to guide you through the FIA process safely and legally.
When sending money from South Africa to Europe, it's essential to choose a provider that not only offers good value but also helps you stay fully compliant with the law. That's where Mama Money stands out.
Mama Money is a fully licensed financial service provider and is FICA-compliant, ensuring that all transactions adhere to the legal requirements outlined in South Africa's financial regulations. Each transfer is reported in line with South African Reserve Bank (SARB) exchange control rules, so you can send with confidence, knowing you're on the right side of the law.
You'll benefit from real-time exchange rates, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and secure delivery to verified European bank accounts. Whether you're supporting family, paying for studies, or sending a gift, Mama Money is ideal for legal personal remittances within regulated limits.
When sending money from South Africa to Europe, a little planning can go a long way in helping you stay compliant, save on fees, and avoid delays.
Here are some helpful tips:
With the right planning and a trusted provider like Mama Money, sending money to Europe can be simple, safe, and fully compliant.
Sending money from South Africa to Europe doesn't have to be complicated. With a clear understanding of exchange control rules and a trusted provider like Mama Money, you can transfer funds with ease, knowing you're fully compliant and protected.
Mama Money gives you peace of mind through:
Whether you're supporting loved ones, paying for education, or handling personal expenses abroad, Mama Money is built to make international transfers simple, affordable, and secure.
Ready to send money to Europe—legally and safely?
Visit our Europe page to check your sending limit and start your first transfer, or download the Mama Money app today to send money with confidence and convenience.
To learn more about how to send money from South Africa, follow Mama Money and discover all about our international money transfer services via:
If you have any questions not covered above, please get in touch with Mama via WhatsApp: