Family of South African Citizen or Permanent Resident

Spouses and life partners of South African citizens or permanent residents, who do not qualify for study, work or business visas in their own right, can obtain a relatives visa in South Africa, which will allow them to study, work or conduct a business purely on the grounds of their spousal relationship and without having to meet any further criteria. The term "life partner" includes heterosexual and homosexual partnerships between a foreigner and a South African citizen or resident, where cohabitation and respective emotional, financial and physical support can be proven.

Members of a South African citizen or permanent resident’s immediate family can obtain a South African relative’s visa, which allows its holder to stay in South Africa and does not include the right to work, to study or to conduct a business.

Let us know if you feel you may qualify for this category, we'll gladly advise you regarding the details and take care of all procedural requirements.

Permits for Family Accompanying Temporary Residence Visa Holders

Family members of persons who hold extended visitor’s visas (3-36 months), study visas, work visas or business visas may obtain extended visitor’s visas allowing them to accompany the main visa holder. Included are spouses/life partners and dependent children, whereby the term "life partner" here is restricted to partners where either the (homosexual or heterosexual) partnership was concluded in South Africa, or where it is officially recognised in the partners’ home country. Accompanying children, who are to attend school during their stay, need to obtain study visas. Partners who wish to work in South Africa need to obtain work visas in their own right.

---------------------------------------------------

Permanent Residence Visa – Relatives

Spouses/life partners of South African citizens or permanent residents qualify for permanent residence on the grounds of such spousal relationship only if and when their spousal relationship has subsisted for at least 5 years. Life partners and spouses need to submit proof of their relationship or marriage still being intact after 2 years of permanent residence status having been issued to the foreign partner.

Family members of South African citizens of permanent residents within the first step of kinship also have a right to permanent residence. It needs to be noted that minor children of permanent residents are required to confirm their status within 2 years after having reached the age of 21.

The family (spouses as per definition and dependent children) of applicants for permanent residence may be included in the application either directly or indirectly.

Obtain your relatives visa in South Africa through IMCOSA, or contact us to find out more about this or any other category of interest.

IMCOSA Services - Overview

Free non-binding assessment