Quick Answer: Birth Certificate for Relative Visa
Birth certificates are how a relative visa establishes the line of descent between the applicant and the South African relative. Depending on the relationship, certificates may be needed for more than one person.
Unabridged or full certificates showing parent details are normally required, since an abridged certificate does not establish descent. Obtaining these takes time, particularly from another country. 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 relative visa applicants assembling proof of the family relationship.
For the route, see Relative Visa Requirements South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
Which certificates you need depends on how the relationship runs between you and your relative.
Applicant type
- Direct parent or child relationships. Normally the applicant certificate showing the relevant parent.
- Sibling relationships. Certificates for both parties, showing the shared parent.
- Relationships through a further step. A certificate for each person in the line, so that each link is documented.
- Foreign certificates. Normally require legalisation, and translation where not in an accepted language.
- Adoption or guardianship. Where the relationship is not by birth, the relevant legal order is normally required instead or in addition.
Documents You May Need
Every link in the chain needs documenting, and a missing middle certificate breaks the whole line.
Required proof
- Unabridged or full birth certificate for the applicant.
- Unabridged certificates for intermediate family members where the relationship runs through them.
- Legalisation of certificates issued abroad. See Apostille vs Authentication for Visa.
- Certified translation where not in an accepted language.
- Adoption or guardianship orders where applicable.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Map the line of descent on paper first, then list which certificate documents each link.
Order any missing unabridged certificates early, since Home Affairs and foreign registries both take time.
Arrange legalisation and translation for foreign certificates once issued.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Each certificate carries a fee, multiplied by the number of people in the line, with legalisation and translation on top. Obtaining an unabridged certificate from Home Affairs is not immediate, and a foreign registry can take considerably longer.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Submitting abridged certificates, which do not establish descent.
- Missing a certificate for an intermediate person in the line.
- Foreign certificates submitted without legalisation.
- Assuming an adoption is documented by a birth certificate alone.
- Ordering certificates late, when they are the longest lead time in the file.
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. For South African certificates, confirm with the Department of Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an unabridged birth certificate?
Normally yes, since an abridged certificate does not show parent details and cannot establish descent.
Whose certificates are needed?
Enough certificates to document every link between you and your South African relative, which may include intermediate family members.
What about a foreign birth certificate?
It normally requires legalisation, and translation where not in an accepted language. Allow time for both.
What if the relationship is by adoption?
The relevant legal order is normally required, instead of or in addition to a birth certificate. Confirm what is accepted.
Where can I confirm the requirement?
Confirm with the Department of Home Affairs.