Spouse or Life Partner of A South African Citizen or Permanent Resident

South African Spousal Visa (Section 11(6))

Are you married to a South African citizen or in a committed long-term spousal relationship?

The South African spousal visa, or commonly referred to as the Visitor’s Visa in terms of section 11(6), allows you to live in South Africa with your partner, while also enabling you with the option to either work or start a business. At Xpatweb, we simplify the process by guiding you through the eligibility requirements, preparation of supporting documentation, and managing the full application process for your South African spousal visa from start to finish.

Eligibility

Couples who are legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Same-sex or heterosexual partners who are in a committed long-term spousal relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least 2 (two) years.

Evidence of a valid long-term relationship, cohabitation and mutual support is required.

Life Partners

Unmarried life partners must prove that they have been in a committed long-term spousal relationship with a South African citizen of permanent resident for at least 2 (two) years. The application should include substantial evidence of the relationship, confirming the duration and nature of the partnership.

Benefits

Applying for a South African spousal visa gives you more than just the right to live in South Africa:

Work Authorisation

Start your career or continue working in South Africa for a South African-based employer.

Business Opportunities

Open and operate your own business in South Africa.

Work And Business Authorisation

Should you wish to conduct work or business-related activities while in South Africa, you will be required to either be married to or be in a committed long-term spousal relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident and apply for a Visitor’s Visa in terms of section 11(6) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

Furthermore, work or business authorisation is a mandatory requirement in order to legally undertake any work or business-related activities in South Africa.

Permanent Residence Pathway

After 5 (five) years of marriage or life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for a South African Permanent Residence Permit.

Under the first step of kinship (your spouse/life partner) you will be able to apply for Permanent Residence, if you have been in a relationship with a South African citizen for at least 5 (five) years.

Application Requirements

To apply for a South African spousal visa, you need the following quintessential documents:

01.

Proof in the form of either a marriage certificate or a life partnership agreement with a South African citizen or permanent resident.

02.

Evidence of cohabitation and relationship exclusivity for a period exceeding 2 (two) years in the case of life partners.

03.

Identification documents (passports, birth certificates in respect of children).

At Xpatweb, we guide you through compiling and submitting the correct documentation in order to ensure full compliance with the relevant Immigration Acts and Regulations.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a South African Spousal Visa?

A South African Spousal Visa, or more commonly known as the Visitor’s Visa in terms of section 11(6), allows a foreign national who is married to, or in a committed long-term relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident to reside in South Africa whilst conducting either work or business related activities.

2. Who qualifies for a Spousal Visa?

You may qualify for a Spousal Visa if you are:

• Legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident; or

• In a committed long-term spousal relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least two years.

3. What documents are required?

• Valid passport,

• Marriage certificate or proof of life partnership,

• Identification document of the South African citizen or permanent resident,

• Proof of shared financial responsibilities (e.g. joint bank accounts), and

• Supporting documents for any dependent children applying with you.

4. Can I work on a Spousal Visa?

Yes, provided that you obtain the proper work authorisation by being in possession of a valid offer of employment from a South African-based employer.

5. How long is a Spousal Visa valid?

A Spousal Visa is generally issued for up to 3 (three) years and may be renewed, provided that the relationship still exists and all requirements continue to be met.

6. Can children be included?

Dependant children are generally required to apply separately under the appropriate visa category such as a study visa or Relative’s Visa.

7. How do I prove my marriage or partnership is genuine?

• Marriage certificate or notarised life partnership agreement,

• Joint lease agreements or shared utility bills,

• Photographs together, and

• Shared bank accounts or proof of financial interdependence.

8. Can I apply from within South Africa?

Yes, if the foreign partner holds a valid temporary visa or port of entry stamp. Otherwise, the application must be submitted in the foreign partners home country or country of legal residence.

9. What if my application is refused?

Should your application is rejected, you are entitled to submit an appeal application to the Department of Home Affairs within 10 (ten) days of receipt.

10. Can the Spousal Visa lead to Permanent Residence?

Yes. Foreign nationals who have been married to, or in a committed long-term relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least 5 (five) years qualify to apply for Permanent Residence.

CONTACT US

Company

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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.

Please select the Visa Type you need to verify:(Required)

Have you secured an official business invitation or cooperation letter from a Chinese-based company?(Required)

If Yes, Please provide the name of the inviting Chinese company.(Required)

Please provide a brief description of the purpose of your visit.(Required)

What is your current occupation and the nature of your business activities?(Required)

What is the intended duration of your stay in China?(Required)

How frequently do you intend to travel to China for business purposes?(Required)

Will you have any dependents accompanying you during your stay?(Required)

Full Name(Required)

Contact Number(Required)

Email Address(Required)

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