A life partner visa lets the partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident apply on the basis of a permanent relationship, without being married. Regulation 3 of the Immigration Regulations covers it: you must prove to the Director-General of Home Affairs that you are a spouse through a permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship. The route is the spousal visitor’s visa under section 11(6) of the Immigration Act, as listed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
The main test is time and proof. The relationship must have existed for at least two years before the date of application, and you back that up with a notarial agreement, an affidavit and evidence of shared financial responsibilities.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Your partner must be a South African citizen or permanent residence holder.
- The relationship may be same-sex or opposite-sex, but it must be permanent and have existed for at least two years before you apply.
- Neither of you may be married to, or in a permanent relationship with, anyone else.
- Both partners may be interviewed separately, at the same date and time, to test whether the relationship is genuine.
- A visa obtained through error, misrepresentation or fraud is withdrawn, and criminal charges may be laid against everyone involved.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
You need a valid passport. The exact passport validity rule for your application is set out on the DHA visa types page and in the VFS Global checklist, so confirm it before you apply.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
Regulation 3(2) asks for all of the following, not one or the other:
- A notarial agreement signed by both of you attesting that the relationship has existed for at least two years and still exists to the exclusion of anyone else, and that neither of you is married to, or in a permanent relationship with, someone else.
- An affidavit on Part A of Form 12 (DHA-1712A) confirming the relationship continues.
- Official documents proving the end of any previous marriage, by divorce or by the death of the spouse.
- Documents proving the financial support you give each other and the extent to which you share financial and other responsibilities.
- If you are two foreigners whose relationship was concluded abroad: official recognition of the relationship by the authorities of that country, where applicable.
Visitor’s visa applications for longer than three months also include a medical report, a radiological report, police clearance for each country where you have lived for a year or longer since age 18, and a yellow fever certificate where applicable. Confirm the full checklist when you apply. A blanket waiver signed on 8 July 2026 (gazetted on 17 July 2026) removed the requirement to submit a medical report for temporary residence visa and permanent residence permit applications. DHA’s own web pages still list it, and it is not confirmed whether the radiological report is also waived, so check the current VFS checklist before you apply.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
No income threshold is published in the sources cited on this page, so do not assume one. What the regulations do ask for is evidence of financial interdependence and shared responsibilities.
The visa carries a continuing duty. Two years after it is issued, you must tell the Director-General by affidavit on Part B of Form 12 whether the relationship still exists. You must also report immediately if it ends, and the visa may be withdrawn.
Confirm the rand fee with VFS Global or the South African mission where you apply.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Have the notarial agreement drawn up and signed by both partners.
- Complete the Form 12 Part A affidavit and collect your financial and other evidence.
- Add proof of dissolution of any earlier marriage, and the medical, police and other visitor’s visa documents.
- Lodge the application through VFS Global or the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad.
- Prepare for a separate interview for each partner.
DHA’s published turnaround target for a section 11(6) visitor’s visa is 120 days for applications submitted in South Africa (DHA turnaround times). Treat it as a target only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to be married for a life partner visa in South Africa?
No. Regulation 3 recognises a permanent relationship, but you must prove it with a notarial agreement, a Form 12 affidavit and evidence of financial support.
How long must the relationship have existed?
At least two years before the date of application.
Will we be interviewed?
Possibly. Both partners may be interviewed separately on the same date and time.
Are same-sex partnerships recognised?
Yes. The regulations refer to a permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship.
What happens after the visa is issued?
After two years you must submit the Part B affidavit confirming that the relationship still exists, and report at once if it ends.
Can I work on this visa?
Ask DHA or VFS Global whether you may work before you take up employment.
Confirm the current forms, fees and checklist with the Department of Home Affairs before you apply. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.