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South African relative visa

Relative's Visa

The relative's visa is the Department of Home Affairs category for foreign nationals joining a South African citizen or permanent resident — including spouses, life partners, and dependent children. You may live, work, study, or start a business in South Africa while your visa is valid.

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What is a relative's visa?

A South African relative's visa allows the spouse, life partner, or dependent family members of a South African citizen or permanent residence permit holder to live in South Africa. It is commonly referred to as a spousal visa when the application is based on marriage or a permanent life partnership, but the official category is the relative's visa under the Immigration Act.

Spousal vs. relative's visa “Spousal visa” usually means a relative's visa applied for by a married couple or life partners. Dependent children of the principal applicant are typically included on the same relative visa application.

Who qualifies?

Married couples

Legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Life partners

Same-sex or heterosexual partners who have cohabited with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least two years, with evidence of exclusivity, cohabitation, and mutual support.

Dependent children

Children of the principal applicant may be included on a relative visa so the family can live together in South Africa.

Benefits of a relative's visa

Work authorisation

Start or continue your career with full-time work rights in South Africa.

Study rights

Enrol at South African educational institutions.

Business opportunities

Open and operate your own business.

Path to permanent residence

After five years of marriage or life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent residence permit holder, you may qualify for permanent residence.

Relative visa application requirements

  1. Proof of marriage or partnership

    Marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident.

  2. Cohabitation evidence (life partners)

    Documentation showing exclusivity, cohabitation, and mutual support for at least two years.

  3. Identification

    Valid passports, birth certificates, and identity documents for all applicants.

  4. Dependent children

    Supporting documents for any dependent children applying with you.

Frequently asked questions

What is a South African spousal visa?

It allows the spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident to live, work, and study in South Africa.

Who qualifies?

Married couples, or life partners with at least two years of cohabitation with a South African citizen or permanent resident.

What documents are required?

Marriage certificates, identification, proof of cohabitation for life partners, and dependent documentation if applicable.

Can I work on a spousal visa?

Yes. You may work full-time in South Africa.

How long is the visa valid?

Typically one to two years, with extension options and a path to permanent residency.

Can children be included?

Yes. Dependent children may be included on the application.

How do I prove our relationship is genuine?

Joint bank accounts, leases, photographs, and other evidence of a shared life together.

Can I apply from inside South Africa?

Yes. Applications may be submitted from inside or outside South Africa.

What is the difference between a spousal and relative's visa?

In practice, a spousal visa is a relative's visa based on marriage or a permanent life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident. The DHA category is the relative's visa.

What if my application is refused?

You may review the refusal reasons, gather additional supporting documentation, and reapply with a stronger evidence pack for your relationship and eligibility.

Can this visa lead to permanent residence?

Yes. After five years of marriage or partnership with a South African citizen, you may qualify for permanent residency.

Ready when you are

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Organise marriage or partnership proof, cohabitation evidence, dependent documents, and every requirement in one guided journey — with a live readiness score.

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