If you are married to a South African citizen or permanent resident, you generally apply for a relative’s visa under regulation 17 of the Immigration Regulations. It can be issued for a maximum of two years at a time, and requires police clearance, proof of the relationship and financial assurance.
Unmarried life partners apply on the same basis but must prove the relationship under regulation 3. Requirements differ slightly between South African missions, so check your mission’s list or the Department of Home Affairs.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
- A spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident applies for a relative’s visa.
- A spouse who intends to work or run a business may instead apply for a section 11(6) spousal visitor’s visa (see the FAQ).
- Both partners may be interviewed separately on the same date and time.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
Bring your passport and a certified copy of your sponsor’s ID or passport, with proof of their citizenship or permanent residence. Foreign documents must be originals or copies authenticated by the issuing country’s authority and, where needed, translated by a sworn translator into an official South African language.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
- Form DHA-1738 and a certified copy of the sponsor’s ID or passport.
- Certified marriage certificate for spouses.
- For life partners: a notarial agreement that the permanent relationship has existed for at least two years and still exists, an affidavit on Form 12 Part A, proof of dissolution of any previous marriages, proof of financial support and shared responsibilities, and official recognition where it was concluded abroad between two foreigners.
- Police clearance and proof of kinship.
- Medical and radiological reports. 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 unclear whether the radiological report is also waived, so check the current VFS checklist before you apply. Radiological reports are not required for children under 12 or pregnant women.
See the Canberra mission’s relative’s visa page for one example of a full checklist.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
Financial assurance is set per person per month by the Minister and proven by a current salary advice or certified bank statement not older than three months. It is not required where the South African citizen or permanent resident is a dependant child. Canberra states a minimum of ZAR 8,500 per person per month, but mission pages differ on whether spouses must show it, so confirm with your mission.
The same Canberra page says no fee is payable for a spouse or dependent minor children. Under the DHA fee regulations in force from 17 August 2026 (Government Notice R.7834), there is no relative’s visa fee for the spouse or dependent children of a citizen or permanent resident. VFS charges a separate service fee, so confirm that amount and the processing times with your mission or VFS.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Gather your marriage certificate, or life-partner documents, and your sponsor’s documents.
- Obtain police clearance and medical and radiological reports.
- Have foreign documents authenticated and translated.
- Apply at the South African mission or VFS Global centre in your country, following that mission’s checklist.
- Life partners: two years after the visa is issued, submit an affidavit on Form 12 Part B confirming the relationship still exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the South African spousal visa requirements?
A marriage certificate (or notarial agreement and Form 12 for life partners), the sponsor’s ID or proof of permanent residence, police clearance, medical and radiological reports, financial assurance and Form DHA-1738.
Can I work on a spousal visa?
A spouse or life partner of a South African citizen who intends to work or run a business can apply for a section 11(6) visitor’s visa. Canberra lists no fee, 21 working days for processing, a validity of up to three years, a marriage certificate, a joint declaration of a two-year exclusive relationship, and a job offer or business registration. See its section 11(6) page. Whether a relative’s visa carries work rights should be confirmed with Home Affairs.
What if we married abroad?
Your marriage certificate must be an original or an authenticated copy, with a sworn translation if it is not in an official South African language. Ask your mission whether an apostille or an unabridged certificate is required.
Are customary marriages recognised?
Ask Home Affairs or your mission what proof of a customary or religious marriage they accept.
What happens if the marriage ends?
A relative’s visa lapses if the relationship ends, and its validity is limited to no more than 24 months at a time.
Confirm the current list with the Department of Home Affairs or the South African mission handling your application before you apply. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.