Relative’s Visa South Africa | Spousal & Family Residency

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.

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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.
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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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