South Africa has no separate “spousal visa” on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) list of visa types. The spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident applies for a relative’s visa, and is exempt from the fee and from the financial proof that other applicants must show. The relative’s visa is issued for a maximum of two years at a time and does not allow you to work.
Below are the documents the mission checklist asks for, how a life partner proves the relationship, and what to confirm with DHA or VFS Global before you apply.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
DHA’s types of visas page places spouses under the relative’s visa. The financial requirement does not apply to the spouse or dependent children of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Life partners in a permanent relationship (same-sex or heterosexual) qualify, but must prove it. Regulation 3(2) of the Immigration Regulations asks for a notarial agreement, signed by both parties, attesting that the relationship has existed for at least two years before the date of application and still exists, plus an affidavit (Form 12 Part A).
A spouse’s permit lapses if the spousal relationship ends.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
The South African High Commission in Canberra lists a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended stay with three completely blank pages. This is one mission’s checklist, so ask the mission or VFS centre that will handle your application whether it asks for the same.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
The Canberra mission’s relative’s visa checklist includes:
- A certified marriage certificate, or for life partners an affidavit and a notarial contract.
- A certified copy of your South African spouse’s ID or passport, or birth certificate.
- A divorce decree or the death certificate of a previous spouse, where applicable.
- Police clearance.
- A BI-811 medical certificate.
- Form DHA-1738.
For life partners, the regulations also ask for proof that any previous marriage was dissolved, documents showing the financial support the partners give each other and their shared responsibilities, and official recognition where the relationship was concluded between two foreigners abroad.
DHA’s current police clearance wording on its October 2024 work visa checklists is a certificate from each country where you lived for longer than 12 months in the last five years, not older than six months. Confirm the period for spouse applications with the mission or VFS Global. Older guides also list a radiological report, which DHA has dropped from the 2024 work visa checklists; confirm whether your checklist still asks for one.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
You do not pay the visa fee and you are also exempt from the R8,500 financial assurance. The health requirement is the medical certificate listed above. 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. Check the current VFS checklist before you apply, including whether the radiological report is also waived. Your South African spouse’s documents show the status that your application depends on.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Collect the documents in the checklist above and certify copies where required.
- Complete Form DHA-1738 and the other forms the mission or VFS Global lists.
- Submit through the VFS Global centre or South African mission that serves you.
- Attend the interview. Both partners are interviewed separately to establish that the relationship is genuine.
Check with DHA or VFS Global whether you can apply from inside South Africa, and whether your South African spouse must attend in person, before you travel or submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spousal visa in South Africa?
DHA lists no separate spousal visa. A foreign spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident applies for a relative’s visa, and the application is assessed on the marriage or life-partner evidence above.
What are the requirements for a spousal visa in South Africa?
You need proof of the marriage or life-partnership, proof of your spouse’s South African status, police clearance, a medical certificate, evidence of shared finances and responsibilities for life partners, and Form DHA-1738 at a mission. You attend an interview.
Can I work on a spousal visa?
No. DHA says no work may be done on a relative’s visa. Ask DHA whether a spouse can get a work-permitting visa instead.
What relationship evidence is needed?
For married applicants, a certified marriage certificate. For life partners, a notarial agreement and Form 12 affidavit showing a relationship of at least two years, plus proof of financial support and shared responsibilities.
Will there be an interview?
Yes. Both partners are interviewed separately to establish that the relationship is authentic. We did not find an official source for home visits.
Do I need police clearance from other countries?
Yes, police clearance is on the mission checklist. Which countries and how recent the certificate must be should be confirmed with the mission or VFS Global.
How long does a spousal visa last?
A relative’s visa is issued for a maximum of two years at a time. We did not research the route to permanent residence, so ask DHA.
Confirm the details with the Department of Home Affairs, VFS Global or your nearest South African mission. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.