VFS Relative Permit Requirements

South Africa’s dynamic immigration landscape makes it crucial for families to understand all requirements when seeking a relative’s permit. Whether you are uniting with loved ones or starting a new life together in South Africa, knowing exactly what’s needed can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. This comprehensive guide covers the latest VFS relative permit requirements, application steps, and practical tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

Essential Highlights

Relative’s permits allow immediate family of South African citizens and permanent residents to reside in the country for at least 24 months.
Applications must include valid passports, proof of relationship, medical documentation, financial means, and sometimes police clearance certificates.
Spouses and dependent children may qualify for permit fee waivers; other relatives must pay an application fee.
Applying through VFS Global involves both an online component and in-person biometric enrollment.
Advance planning and thorough document preparation are critical to avoid delays or rejections.

Understanding the Relative’s Permit
Who Qualifies for a Relative’s Permit?
VFS Application Process Step-by-Step
Key Documentation Checklist
Common Challenges and Expert Tips
Useful Resources and Internal Links
FAQs about VFS Relative Permit Requirements

Understanding the Relative’s Permit

A relative’s permit is a type of temporary residence visa designed specifically for the immediate family of South African citizens or permanent residents. The goal is to enable families to live together in South Africa legally, provided all eligibility and financial conditions are met.

Immediate family members typically include spouses, dependent children, parents, and sometimes siblings, depending on South Africa’s legal definitions and the documentation supplied.

Permits are generally valid for at least 24 months and can be extended[5].
The permit can be free of charge for spouses and dependent children; other eligible relatives must pay a nominal fee[5].
For more details visit the Relative Permit Requirements summary.

Who Qualifies for a Relative’s Permit?

Eligibility centers around your family relationship to a South African citizen or permanent resident and your ability to demonstrate financial means.

Applicants generally fall into one of the following categories:

Spouses and life partners: Must prove relationship via marriage certificate or legally recognized partnership[1][5].
Dependent children: Birth certificates and proof of dependency required[5].
Other immediate family: Parents, adult children, and siblings may apply, but must show a direct relationship and financial dependency[3][5].
Financial means: The main applicant or sponsor must prove sufficient income or resources as per South African immigration law[5].

VFS Application Process Step-by-Step

Applying for a relative’s permit through VFS Global involves clear online and in-person steps.

Gather Required Documentation
Start by collecting all necessary papers and filling out the required forms in black ink[5].
Online Application
Register and fill out the application on the VFS Global website. You’ll need to select the correct visa category and upload digital copies of your documents.
Refer to the official VFS Global application portal for up-to-date steps.
Appointment and Biometrics
Schedule an appointment at your nearest VFS Visa Facilitation Centre. All applicants (including children) must attend in person for biometric enrollment[1].
Submission and Payment
Submit both the online and hard copies of your application along with passport photos and supporting documents.
- Spouses and dependent children: No fee required.
- Other relatives: Application fee applies[5].
Tracking and Decision
Track your application status online. Be prepared for follow-ups if any documentation is missing or clarification is needed.

Key Documentation Checklist

Meticulous documentation is essential for a successful application. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the primary cause of delays.

Valid passport with at least 30 days’ validity after your intended departure from South Africa and two unused visa pages[1][5].
Completed DHA-1738 application form, signed by the applicant[5].
Two recent passport-size photos[5].
Certified/notarized copy of passport bio page.
Proof of residence in the applicant’s current country (e.g., Green Card, work permit)[5].
Proof of family relationship: marriage certificate, birth certificate, or legal documentation[1][5].
Financial means: statements or proof as required by the Immigration Act[5].
Medical and radiological reports: not older than 6 months[1][5].
Police clearance certificate: for applicants over 18 who have lived in any country for 12 months or longer in the past five years[1].
Provisional travel itinerary: do not purchase tickets before obtaining your permit[5].

You can find a full documentation breakdown on the Requirements main page.

Common Challenges and Expert Tips

Careful preparation can drastically improve your chances of swift approval. Here are key points to remember:

Start Early: Application processing can take several weeks, especially during peak periods.
Document Consistency: All documents, including translations, must match names and details precisely.
Medical & Police Reports: Ensure these are recent (within the last 6 months for medical, 12 months for police)[1].
Fee Exemptions: Double-check if you or your dependents qualify for application fee waivers[5].
Interview Preparation: Be ready to answer questions about your relationship or family ties to the South African sponsor.
Track Your Application: Use the VFS tracking system to monitor progress and respond to any queries quickly.

Useful Resources and Internal Links

Visit Requirements.co.za for a one-stop portal covering all permit and visa requirements.
See the dedicated Relative Permit Requirements page for specifics.
Use the Requirements search tool for other South African visa categories or requirements.
For official government information, consult VFS Global – South Africa Visa Information.
For embassy resources, consult South African Embassy – Types of Visas.
Review up-to-date travel health information at World Health Organization – Travel Advice.
For general immigration law, see South African Department of Home Affairs.
Read on for frequently asked questions about the relative permit process in South Africa.

FAQs about VFS Relative Permit Requirements

What is a relative’s permit and who is eligible to apply?
A relative’s permit allows immediate family members of South African citizens or permanent residents to live in South Africa. Eligible applicants include spouses, dependent children, and certain other close family members who can show the required relationship and financial support[3][5].

What documents are required for a relative’s permit application?
You need a valid passport, completed DHA-1738 form, passport photos, certified proof of relationship, proof of residence, evidence of financial means, medical and police clearance certificates, and a travel itinerary[1][5].

How long does it take to process a relative’s permit?
Processing times can vary, but applications should be submitted at least 60 days before your intended travel date or the expiry of your current permit. Processing may take a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the time of year and individual circumstances[1].

What fees apply for a relative’s permit?
There is no application fee for spouses and dependent children of South African citizens or permanent residents. Other relatives must pay an application fee, which is currently $36.00, but always confirm with the latest guideline[5].

Can a relative’s permit be extended?
Yes, permits issued for 24 months or less can be extended. Extensions must be applied for at least 60 days before the existing permit expires, at any VFS Global Visa Facilitation Centre in South Africa[1].

Do I need to buy flight tickets before applying?
No. Only a provisional travel itinerary is required at the time of application. You should not purchase tickets until your permit is approved[5].

Where can I find official information and updates?
– Requirements.co.za
– VFS Global – South Africa Visa Information
– South African Department of Home Affairs

If you have further questions, connect with the visa experts at Requirements.co.za or consult the detailed Relative Permit Requirements page for the latest updates.

Vfs Relative Permit Requirements