A relative’s visa is issued under section 18 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 to a foreign national who is a member of the immediate family of a South African citizen or permanent resident. DHA issues it for up to two years at a time, and the holder may not conduct work.
DHA treats spouses under this route too. Which relatives beyond “immediate family” qualify is not spelled out on the official pages, so confirm your relationship with DHA before you apply.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
Regulation 17 of the Immigration Regulations requires:
- Proof of kinship between you and the citizen or permanent resident, through an unabridged birth certificate and, where necessary, paternity test results.
- A police clearance certificate.
- The financial assurance described below.
The visa is valid for a maximum of two years at a time. The regulations text we read pre-dates the 2024 amendments, so DHA may have changed some details.
Spouses and life partners
Spouses and partners are interviewed separately. For a life partnership, the regulations ask for a notarial agreement signed by both parties that the relationship has existed for at least two years, an affidavit on Part A of Form 12, and proof of financial support and shared responsibilities. For two foreigners whose relationship was formed abroad, official recognition by the relevant authorities is also needed.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
The South African High Commission in Canberra’s relatives visa checklist asks for a passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay, with three blank pages, and two photographs. Other missions and VFS centres may differ, so confirm with the one that will receive your application.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
The Canberra checklist for relative and spousal visas lists:
- Form DHA-1738, completed in black ink. Spousal applications also use Form DHA-1712A and the Form 12 affidavit.
- A certified marriage certificate, or for life partners an affidavit and notarial contract.
- A certified copy of the South African sponsor’s ID, passport or birth certificate.
- A police clearance certificate covering 12 or more months after age 18, within the five years before you apply.
- A medical certificate (BI-811).
- Proof of financial assurance (see below).
The medical requirement has changed. 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 the radiological report may or may not be waived too, so check the current VFS checklist before you apply. Earlier regulations also required a radiological report, but DHA’s 2024/25 annual report indicates it was removed in 2024. Confirm the medical and police clearance rules for your category with DHA, VFS or your mission.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
Regulation 17(2) requires financial assurance of an amount per person per month, set by the Minister by Gazette notice. It is proved by current salary advice or a certified bank statement not older than three months. It is not required where the citizen or permanent resident is a dependent child.
DHA’s types of visas page states a minimum of R8500 per month per person for living expenses (checked on 10 October 2026), not applicable to a spouse or minor dependent child. The Canberra mission states the same amount, with three months of certified bank statements and salary advice. Ask DHA whether the figure has changed since it was gazetted before you rely on it.
Fees: from 17 August 2026 the DHA fee for a relative’s visa is R425 for relatives other than a spouse or minor child, and there is no relative’s visa fee for the spouse or dependent children of a citizen or permanent resident, according to the gazetted fee regulations. The Canberra mission charges AUD 37.00 and nothing for a spouse or dependent minor children. VFS charges a separate service fee, so confirm that amount with VFS or your mission.
Working. The holder of a relative’s visa may not conduct work. Once in South Africa, permit holders may apply for a work visa.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Confirm that your relationship to the citizen or permanent resident qualifies.
- Get the unabridged birth certificate (and paternity test results if needed), and a police clearance certificate.
- Collect the sponsor’s documents and proof of financial assurance.
- Download the current application form from DHA, VFS or your mission. We do not host forms.
- Apply through VFS Global or the South African mission where you live, then attend the interview where required.
A spouse’s permit lapses on dissolution of the spousal relationship. Permit holders may apply for permanent residence in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the relative visa requirements for South Africa?
Proof of kinship (an unabridged birth certificate), police clearance, a medical report and the sponsor’s financial assurance. DHA states R8500 per person per month, not required for a spouse or minor dependent child.
Which relatives qualify for a relative’s visa?
Section 18 covers immediate family of a citizen or permanent resident. Beyond that, ask DHA which relatives count for your relationship.
What documents are required to extend a relative visa?
We found no relative-visa extension checklist. DHA’s work visa checklists say extension applications go in person no less than 60 days before expiry, so apply early and ask VFS which documents apply to you.
Where is the relative visa application form for South Africa?
The Canberra checklist names Form DHA-1738. Get the current form from DHA, VFS or your mission.
Can I work on a relative’s visa?
No. The holder may not conduct work, but may apply for a work visa once in South Africa.
Can my family accompany me on an accompanying relative visa?
Confirm with DHA whether an “accompanying relative visa” exists. The regulations provide for spouses and dependants of work visa holders, so ask DHA about your situation.
What happens if the relationship ends?
A spouse’s permit lapses when the spousal relationship is dissolved.
Confirm the current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or the South African mission in your country. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.