Spousal Visa

A Spousal Visa in South Africa allows the foreign spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident to live in the country. This visa is designed to facilitate the reunification of families by enabling spouses to reside together in South Africa. There are two main types of spousal visas, depending on whether the foreign spouse intends to work, study, or conduct business in South Africa.
Important Considerations
  • Genuineness of Marriage: Authorities closely scrutinize spousal visa applications to prevent fraud. The marriage must be genuine, and not solely for immigration purposes.
  • Permanent Residence After Divorce: If the marriage ends in divorce after the spouse has obtained permanent residence, the authorities may review the residence status, but it is not automatically revoked.
istockphoto-1006453064-1024x1024_cleanup
Eligibility:
Validity:
Documentation:
  • The applicant must be legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • The marriage must be legally recognised in South Africa, which includes both civil and religious marriages. Proof of the marriage, such as a marriage certificate, must be provided.
Typically issued for two to three years and can be renewed as long as the marriage is still valid.
This visa allows the spouse to reside in South Africa but does not automatically grant the right to work, study, or start a business. However, the spouse can apply for an endorsement to the visa that permits employment, study, or business activities.
The visa can be renewed before it expires, and the renewal process involves proving that the marriage is still ongoing and genuine.
Typically issued for two to three years and can be renewed as long as the marriage is still valid.
This visa allows the spouse to reside in South Africa but does not automatically grant the right to work, study, or start a business. However, the spouse can apply for an endorsement to the visa that permits employment, study, or business activities.
The permanent heterosexual or homosexual relationship must:
The permanent heterosexual or homosexual relationship must:
  • Have existed for a period of at least 2 (two) years;
  • Be to the exclusion of any other person;
  • Involve financial support; and
  • Have related responsibilities.
The holder of the spousal visa may apply for work, business or study endorsement where there is an offer of employment, proof of business registration or proof of enrolment with an educational institution available.
This visa may be issued for a period of three (3) years but is renewable from within South Africa.

relative Visa

istockphoto-2154627471-2048x2048_cleanup

A Relative Visa in South Africa allows foreign nationals to join their close family members who are South African citizens or permanent residents. This visa is primarily aimed at facilitating family reunification by enabling relatives to live together in South Africa. The visa is typically granted to immediate family members, such as children, parents, or siblings.

Important Considerations
  • Financial Support: The requirement for financial support is crucial in the application process. The South African sponsor must demonstrate that they have the means to support the relative, ensuring that the relative does not require financial assistance from the government.
  • Genuine Relationship: Authorities closely examine the genuineness of the relationship between the applicant and the South African citizen or permanent resident. Fraudulent claims or relationships entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a visa can result in denial of the application and possible legal consequences.
  • Renewal and Compliance: The visa must be renewed before it expires if the relative wishes to continue residing in South Africa. The sponsor must continue to meet the financial support requirements, and any changes in circumstances (such as the sponsor’s financial situation) should be reported to the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Work and Study: A Relative Visa does not automatically grant the right to work or study in South Africa. If the relative wishes to engage in these activities, they may need to apply for additional endorsements or switch to a different visa category.
Eligibility:
Documentation:
Validity:
The applicant must be an immediate family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident. Immediate family members include:
  • Spouse: If not applying under a spousal visa category.
  • Children: Minor dependent children of South African citizens or permanent residents.
  • Parents: Parents of South African citizens or permanent residents.
  • Siblings: Brothers or sisters of South African citizens or permanent residents.
The South African citizen or permanent resident must be able to prove their relationship with the applicant and must provide financial support to the relative.
Typical documentation required includes
  • A valid passport.
  • Medical and radiological reports.
  • Proof of the relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, or affidavits).
  • Proof of the South African sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residence.
  • Financial statements or proof of income from the sponsor to demonstrate their ability to support the relative.
  • A police clearance certificate from the applicant's country of origin or any country where they have lived for more than 12 months since the age of 18.
Temporary Residence Relative Visa: Typically issued for up to two years and can be renewed as long as the family relationship and financial support remain valid.
This visa allows the spouse to reside in South Africa but does not automatically grant the right to work, study, or start a business. However, the spouse can apply for an endorsement to the visa that permits employment, study, or business activities.
Permanent Residence Relative Visa: In some cases, relatives may apply for permanent residence, particularly if they are the parents or children of a South African citizen or permanent resident. This option is generally available when the sponsor can provide long-term financial support, or in cases where the relative has been living in South Africa for an extended period.