RELATIVE'S / SPOUSAL VISA

As a foreign national and a relative of a South African citizen or a permanent resident, you could qualify for a Relative’s Visa to reside in South Africa.

MORE INFORMATION

WHAT IS A RELATIVE’S VISA?

A Relative’s visa is intended for applicants who are immediate family members of a South African citizen or permanent resident.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO QUALIFY FOR A RELATIVE’S VISA?

The South African relative to give sufficient financial assurance to the Department of Home Affairs that he or she can financially sustain the foreign relative for the duration of the visa.

FOR HOW LONG A RELATIVES VISA VALID?

A Relative’s visa is issued for a period of 2 years and may be renewed in country. Previously, the visa application was initially required to be submitted abroad within the foreign national’s home country /country of temporary residence. This added severe strain on families to such an extent that the Constitutional Court handed down a Directive that now allows foreign nationals of South African Citizens or Permanent Residence holders to apply for their Relative’s Visa from within South Africa whilst holding a Visitor’s visa 11(1).

CAN I WORK, STUDY OR RUN A BUSINESS IN SOUTH AFRICA WHILE ON A RELATIVE’S VISA?

When on a Relative’s visa you may only work, run a business or study with an endorsement/authorisation on your visa. These endorsements are:

Study endorsement– You will need an acceptance letter from the appropriate learning institution.
Work endorsement – You will need a valid contract of employment.
To set up and run a business endorsement– You will need proof that a suitable business structure is in place and that the business is registered for tax.

CAN I QUALIFY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY?

Under the first step of kinship (your spouse/life partner) you will be able to apply for permanent residency, if you have been in a relationship with a South African citizen for 5 years or more.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Relatives Visa in South Africa?

A Relatives Visa allows foreign nationals to live in South Africa with a close family member who is a South African citizen or permanent resident. It is a temporary residence visa and does not allow the holder to work or study unless authorised.

2. Who can apply for a Relatives Visa?

You can apply if you are a first-degree family member (i.e., within the 1st level of kinship) of a:

South African citizen, or
Permanent resident

Eligible relations include:

Spouse or life partner
Biological or legally adopted children
Parents of South African citizens (only if the child is over 18)

3. Can I work or study on a Relatives Visa?

No, not by default. A Relatives Visa does not include work or study rights. However, you may apply for an authorisation to work or study while holding the visa, subject to approval by the Department of Home Affairs.

4. What is the financial requirement for a Relatives Visa?

The South African citizen or permanent resident must prove financial support of at least ZAR 8,500 per month per applicant, through:

Bank statements
Payslips or employment letters
Proof of regular income

5. How long is a Relatives Visa valid for?

A Relatives Visa is typically issued for up to 2 years and may be renewed. The validity depends on the status of the South African relative and the nature of the relationship.

6. What documents are required for a Relatives Visa application?

Commonly required documents include:

Valid passport of the applicant
ID or PR certificate of the South African relative
Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, affidavits)
Proof of financial support (ZAR 8,500+ per month)
Police clearance (for applicants 18+)
Medical and radiology reports
Completed DHA-1738 form

7. Can I apply for a Relatives Visa from inside South Africa?

Only if you already hold a long-term temporary visa (not a tourist visa). Otherwise, applications must be submitted from your home country or legal country of residence.

8. Can this visa lead to permanent residence?

Yes, in some cases:

Spouses/life partners may apply for permanent residence after 5 years of proven cohabitation
Children of South African citizens or permanent residents may also qualify
Parents of adult South African citizens typically qualify for temporary residence only

9. What are common reasons for rejection?

Lack of proof of family relationship
Insufficient financial support from the South African sponsor
Missing or invalid documentation
Applying from within South Africa while holding an ineligible visa (e.g. tourist visa)
Incomplete police or medical clearances

10. How long does it take to process a Relatives Visa?

Temporary Relatives Visa: 8–12 weeks (can vary by location and application volume)
Permanent residence (if eligible): 12–24 months

CONTACT US

Comments

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Full Name(Required)

Contact Number(Required)

Email Address(Required)

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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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)