Accompanying Spouse Visa South Africa | Xpatweb

ACCOMPANYING SPOUSE VISA

When opportunity knocks on your door, the last thing one would want to do is leave a loved one behind. With an accompanying spouse visa, you will be able to reside in South Africa while your spouse / life partner is working.

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WHAT IS AN ACCOMPANYING SPOUSE VISA?

The Accompanying spouse visa allows the non-working partner to accompany their significant other on a valid visa in South Africa. As a spouse of a South African temporary residence visa holder you are required by law to apply for a Visitor Visa in terms of Section 11(1)(b)(iv) of the Immigration Act of 2002, as amended.

This visa does not allow you to work, study or conduct a business in South Africa.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO QUALIFY FOR AN ACCOMPANYING SPOUSE VISA?

You need to provide proof of marriage or life partnership agreement with a South African temporary resident visa holder.

WHY US?

Xpatweb has an experienced and dedicated team of immigration specialists, master tax practitioners, commercial attorneys, chartered accountants and mobility practitioners. Our competitive advantage is adding a layer of tax optimisation to the process thus always ensuring tax and residency implications are taken into account.

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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

An Accompanying Spouse Visa allows the spouse or life partner of a foreign national (who holds a valid South African temporary residence visa) to live in South Africa for the same period as the main visa holder.

You qualify if you are:

  • Legally married to the main visa holder, or
  • In a permanent life partnership (proof required)
  • Accompanying a spouse who has a valid visa (e.g., Work, Study, or Business Visa)

No, not by default. To work, study, or run a business, you must apply for an authorisation to conduct an activity (in terms of Section 11(6)) linked to the spouse visa — or apply for a separate visa that allows those activities.

Typical requirements include:

  • Certified copy of marriage certificate or proof of partnership
  • Valid passport
  • Copy of the main visa holder’s permit
  • Proof of cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities (for life partners)
  • Medical & radiology reports
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Completed DHA-1738 form and VFS submission

It is usually issued for the same duration as the main visa holder’s permit (e.g., 1 to 5 years). It can be renewed or extended along with the main applicant’s visa.

Generally, no — you must apply from your home country or country of legal residence. South Africa does not allow a change of status from a visitor visa to a spouse visa from within the country (unless exceptional circumstances apply).

You must submit:

  • A notarised affidavit confirming the partnership
  • Proof of shared residence (e.g., lease agreements, utility bills)
  • Evidence of shared financial responsibilities
  • Joint bank accounts, affidavits from family/friends, or photos together

Processing times vary, but typically:

  • Overseas applications: 6–10 weeks
  • In South Africa (extensions or authorised activity additions): 8–12 weeks

Delays may occur depending on documentation, volume, or home affairs capacity.

Yes, it can. If you’ve lived in South Africa as a spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident for 5 years, you may apply for permanent residence. Time spent on a spouse visa (linked to a foreign national) does not automatically count unless transitioning to a PR pathway.

Yes. Continued cohabitation and a genuine relationship are required. Home Affairs may investigate or request evidence of your relationship especially during extensions or PR applications.

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