Quick Answer: Documents Required for Spousal Visa
A spousal visa file has three parts: your own immigration documents, documents establishing the marriage, and evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting. The third part is the largest and the one that decides most applications.
Your South African spouse also supplies documents, so this is a joint exercise rather than something you assemble alone. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not a government department, immigration practitioner or legal adviser, and nothing here is immigration or legal advice.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for spousal visa applicants and their South African spouses assembling a file.
For the route, see Spousal Visa Requirements South Africa. For relationship evidence specifically, see Proof of Relationship for Spousal Visa.
Eligibility Requirements
The file divides by who produces what and by how long each item takes.
Applicant type
- Applicant documents. Passport, form, photographs, police clearance and medical reports.
- Marriage documents. The certificate, legalised and translated where issued abroad. See Marriage Certificate for Spousal Visa.
- Spouse documents. South African identity document or permanent residence permit, and supporting affidavits.
- Relationship evidence. Documents in both names spanning a period.
- Financial evidence. Showing means of support during the stay.
Documents You May Need
Sequence by lead time: the marriage certificate legalisation and police clearance are the slow items.
Required proof
- Passport and completed application form.
- Marriage certificate, legalised and translated where required.
- South African spouse identity document or permanent residence permit.
- Relationship evidence across several categories.
- Proof of financial means or support.
- Police clearance from countries of residence.
- Medical and radiological reports.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Confirm the marriage is recognised in South Africa and arrange legalisation of a foreign certificate early.
Assemble relationship evidence covering a period, coordinating with your spouse on what each of you holds.
Obtain police clearance and medical reports last, so they remain current at submission.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Legalisation, translation, police clearance and medical reports each carry their own cost and timeline. Relationship evidence costs little but takes time to accumulate, which is often what determines when to apply.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Assembling your own documents while the spouse documents are outstanding.
- A foreign marriage certificate not legalised.
- Relationship evidence dated only around the application.
- Police clearance obtained before the legalisation is complete, so it expires.
- Financial evidence omitted because the spouse is supporting you, without an undertaking.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm the current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or its appointed visa application centre. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents does a spousal visa need?
Your immigration documents, the marriage certificate, your spouse identity documents, relationship evidence and financial evidence, plus police clearance and medical reports.
What does my South African spouse supply?
Their identity document or permanent residence permit, supporting affidavits, and their share of the relationship and financial evidence.
Does a foreign marriage certificate need legalisation?
Commonly yes, and translation where not in an accepted language. Confirm the requirement and allow time.
When should I get police clearance?
Last, once the slower items are close to complete, since certificates expire.
Where can I confirm the list?
Confirm with the Department of Home Affairs.