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.

MORE INFORMATION

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.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an Accompanying Spouse Visa in South Africa?

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.

2. Who qualifies for an Accompanying Spouse Visa?

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)

3. Can I work or study on an Accompanying Spouse 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.

4. What documents are required for an Accompanying Spouse Visa?

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

5. How long is the Accompanying Spouse Visa valid for?

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.

6. Can I apply for an Accompanying Spouse Visa from inside South Africa?

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).

7. What is required to prove a life partnership if we’re not married?

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

8. How long does the visa take to process?

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.

9. Does the Accompanying Spouse Visa lead to permanent residence?

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.

10. Do we need to live together in South Africa for the visa to stay valid?

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.

CONTACT US

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Please select the visa category you require assistance with:(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 - In order to qualify for a General Work Visa, you must have an offer of employment from a South African employer. 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)

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

Please specify other(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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