Relative Visa South Africa

ABOUT

A Relative Visa is for relatives or spouses of South African nationals or residents who want to relocate to South Africa permanently. You might be given this visa if you are a direct family member of a South African native or a permanent resident. And for that, you must meet the financial requirements set out in the Immigration Act, 2002.

What is legally considered an immediate family member in South Africa?

In South Africa, parents, spouses, life partners, sisters and brothers are considered immediate family members.

What are the requirements of a Relative Visa?

A Relative Visa application requires documentary proof of kinship between the foreign applicant and the South African relative. The South African relative's financial assurance to the Department of Home Affairs that they can financially support the foreign relative for the duration.

ELIGIBILITY

You are eligible if,

  • You are a spouse or partner of a South African national.
  • Dependent children are also eligible.
  • You can financially support each other.

DOCUMENTS

You need to provide:

  • Copies of Identity documents, Permanent Residence Permit and /or naturalisation certificate of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • If the application was given inside South Africa, each applicant must have a valid relative visa for a temporary stay. 
  • Evidence of mutual financial support.
  • Unabridged birth certificate or extract from applicant's birth record (s). 
  • If the applicant has changed their name, surname, or gender, a deed poll is required. 
  • Except for South Africa, each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after reaching 18 requires an original police clearance certificate. This certificate is issued by the police or security authority.
  • Medical report for all applicants.

PROCESS

When a spouse's relationship ends, the Relatives Visa issued expires. The Department of Home Affairs might determine that a good faith spousal connection exists and/or continues to exist under Regulation 33 of the Immigration Act.

This visa holder cannot work. But after entering South Africa, the bearer of it can apply for a work permit.

Visa Processing Time
The visa normally takes 3 to 4 weeks to process. It can even take up to 8 weeks in some cases.

How to Apply
Only foreign relatives having a Temporary Residence Permit that allows them to change their status in the country are eligible to apply for a Relative Visa from inside the country. Alternatively, the foreign relative must apply for a family visa from their homeland.

DURATION & FEES

Duration
The visa is valid for a minimum of 2 years or 24 months. 

Fees
It is free for the spouse or dependent child of a South African national or permanent resident. However, there is a price for other relatives who seek to join their relatives in South Africa. It may cost up to 33 EUR.

EXTENSION

The visa is extendable, and you must apply before it is expired. Furthermore, it can also lead to permanent residence in South Africa.

HIGHLIGHTS

Work
You are not allowed to work.

Study
The visa does not allow you to continue your studies.

Dependants
Include dependents, if any.

Citizenship
A Relative Visa leads to permanent residency.

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