Join your partner in South Africa. If you are married to — or in a committed life partnership with — a South African citizen or permanent resident, this visa lets you live together while working, studying, or starting a business.
The South African spousal visa (relative visa) is for foreign nationals married to, or in a permanent life partnership with, a South African citizen or permanent resident. It allows you to live in South Africa with your partner and, depending on conditions, to work, study, or run a business.
Legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
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.
Children of the principal applicant may be included on a relative visa so the family can live together in South Africa.
Start or continue your career with full-time work rights in South Africa.
Enrol at South African educational institutions.
Open and operate your own business.
After five years of marriage or life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent residence permit holder, you may qualify for permanent residence.
Marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Documentation showing exclusivity, cohabitation, and mutual support for at least two years.
Valid passports, birth certificates, and identity documents for all applicants.
Supporting documents for any dependent children applying with you.
It allows the spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident to live, work, and study in South Africa.
Married couples, or life partners with at least two years of cohabitation with a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Marriage certificates, identification, proof of cohabitation for life partners, and dependent documentation if applicable.
Yes. You may work full-time in South Africa.
Typically one to two years, with extension options and a path to permanent residency.
Yes. Dependent children may be included on the application.
Joint bank accounts, leases, photographs, and other evidence of a shared life together.
Yes. Applications may be submitted from inside or outside South Africa.
Yes. After five years of marriage or partnership with a South African citizen, you may qualify for permanent residency.
Organise relationship proof, cohabitation evidence, and every document in one guided journey — with a live readiness score.