RELATIVES / 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.
