LIFE PARTNER OF A SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT

Unmarried life partners must prove that they have been in a committed relationship for two years or more. This proof should include a signed and notarised Notarial Agreement confirming the duration and nature of the partnership.

Work, Study, or Business Authorisation in South Africa.

If you wish to work, study, or run a business in South Africa while on a Visitor‘s Visa, you must apply for authorisation under Section 11(6) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). This authorisation is mandatory before engaging in any of these activities.

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For personalised advice tailored to your situation, contact our expert immigration consultants:

Email: contact@xpatweb.co.za

Phone: 011 467 0810

Alternatively, fill out the online enquiry form below, and one of our specialists will respond within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Life Partner Visa in South Africa?

The Life Partner Visa allows foreign nationals in a permanent, long-term relationship (but not married) with a South African citizen or permanent resident to live in South Africa legally. It is issued under the relatives Visa category.

2. Do we need to be married to apply?

No. The Visa is specifically for unmarried couples in a committed life partnership. You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and has lasted at least 2 years.

3. Can I work or study on a Life Partner Visa?

Not automatically. You will need to apply for authorisation to work, study or run a business along with your Life Partner’s Visa (Section 11(6)). This must include:

A valid job offer (for work).
Proof of registration (for study).
Business plan and documents (for self-employment).

4. What proof do we need to show we are in a life partnership?

You will need to submit:

A notarised life partnership affidavit.
Proof of cohabitation (e.g. joint lease, utility bills).
Photos together, shared travel records or letters from friends/family.
Proof of shared financial responsibilities (e.g. joint bank accounts).

5. What is the validity period of a Life Partner Visa?

It is typically issued for 2 to 3 years and is renewable as long as the relationship continues and all requirements are met.

6. Can this visa lead to permanent residence?

Yes. If you have been in a proven life partnership with a South African for at least 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence under the spouse/life partner category.

7. Can we apply from inside South Africa?

Yes, if the foreign partner holds a valid temporary Visa (not a Visitor/Tourist Visa). Otherwise, the application must be submitted in your home country or country of legal residence.

8. What documents are required for a Life Partner Visa application?

Key documents include:

Valid passports for both partners.
ID or Permanent Residence certificate of the South African partner.
Proof of cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities.
Notarised affidavit confirming the relationship.
Police clearance (for the foreign partner).
Medical and radiology reports.
Completed DHA-1738 form.

9. How long does it take to process the Life Partner Visa?

Processing times vary, but typically:

Temporary residence: 8–12 weeks.
Permanent residence (if eligible): 12–24 months.

Delays are common, so it is best to apply well in advance.

10. What are common reasons for rejection?

Lack of sufficient proof of the relationship.
Inconsistent or missing documents.
Applying from inside South Africa on an ineligible Visa (e.g., Tourist Visa).
Failure to demonstrate cohabitation or financial interdependence.
Fraudulent or unclear information in affidavits.

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Please select the visa category you require assistance with:(Required)

RNW - What visa do you currently hold?(Required)

How old is the child?(Required)

Does the child's parent/ guardian have valid status within South Africa?(Required)

What is your marital status?(Required)

What is the status of your spouse?(Required)

What is the number of foreign nationals you are looking to employ?(Required)

CS - Do you currently have a formal offer of employment from a registered South African company?(Required)

CS - What is your highest level of Education?(Required)

CS - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

CS - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

CS - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

CS - In which country did you complete your highest qualification(Required)

CS - What position have you been offered(Required)

CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

GWV - What is your highest level of education?(Required)

GWV - Have you received an Offer of Employment(Required)

GWV - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

GWV - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

GWV - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

GWV - Are you proficient in one of South Africa's 11 official languages?(Required)

ICT - Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

ICT - Have you been employed in your current position for longer than 6 months?(Required)

ICT - What is the expected duration of your secondment/ assignment?(Required)

RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

RV - What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

RV - Are you currently residing in South Africa?(Required)

RV - Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RWV - Are you currently employed by a foreign entity outside of South Africa?(Required)

RWV - Do you earn an annual salary exceeding R650,000? (UDS $37,000 / EUR 33,000)(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R1.8 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

STWA - What is the duration of your assignment in South Africa?(Required)

STWA - Does your current employer support your work in South Africa?(Required)

SV - Do you have an enrollment letter from a recognized learning institution?(Required)

SV - What level of education will you be completing in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is your intention in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is you intended duration of stay in South Africa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Intra Company Transfer Work Visa?(Required)

PR - What Visa do you currently hold for South Africa?(Required)

PR - Have you received a permanent offer of employment?(Required)

PR - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_CS - What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

PR_CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_GWV - What is the expiry date of your current General Work Visa?(Required)

PR_GWV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_GWV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_ICT - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_ICT - Have you been offered Permanent employment by a South African employer?(Required)

PR_RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RV - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you receive an irrevocable income of at least R37,000 per month (Rental income, dividends, interest, pension, ect )(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least ZAR 1,8 million(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

RV - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R2.4 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

PR - Do you have direct family members that are South African Citizens or Permanent Residence holders?(Required)

BV - Do you intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa?(Required)

What type of business do you intend to operate or invest in?(Required)

BV - Are you able to invest a minimum of R5 million into the South African economy?(Required)

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GWV - Total Points(Required)

Country(Required)

Important Notice: Applications are accepted only from the countries listed below.

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LIFE PARTNER OF A SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT

Unmarried life partners must prove that they have been in a committed relationship for two years or more. This proof should include a signed and notarised Notarial Agreement confirming the duration and nature of the partnership.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

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