Family Visa South Africa
The relative visa or relative permit is a family type of visa which aims to unite family members in South Africa. The immigration act of South Africa has made provisions for foreign nationals to apply for this visa based on different circumstances.
South African citizens or permanent residents can sponsor foreign nationals to accompany them in South Africa but substantial proof must be included in your relative visa application to convince the Department of Home Affairs that your relationship with your sponsor is legitimate.
Do not qualify for the visa? These are the South Africa visa types you can qualify for.
The relatives visa can be divided into different sub-categories:
- Sponsor relatives such as your mother, father, brother, sisters, minor child or major child.
- If you are married to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- If you are in a relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident for more than 2 years.
We have created different topics about the relative permit so that you have all the information you need:
- What is a relative permit in South Africa
- Who qualifies for a relatives visa South Africa?
- How long does it take to get a relative visa in South Africa?
- Can you work on a relative visa in South Africa?
- Relatives visa work endorsement South Africa
How can I apply for a family visa in South Africa?
A family member, spouse or partner can apply for a relative visa in South Africa at the nearest VFS centre.
They need to be on a valid visit visa and must submit their application before their visa expires. They are allowed to change status from a visit visa in the country irrespective of the immigration regulations specifically state that holders of a visit visa may not apply for a change of status in the country.
In 2019, a directive was issued stating that foreign spouses and children of South African citizens and permanent residents can apply for a change of status in the country.
Before this, children and foreign spouses have to travel back to their country of residence and submit their applications there then enter SA with the visa applied for.
How to submit your application at VFS:
- Check the required documents:
To submit your relative visa application you need to ensure that you have all the relative visa requirements VFS South Africa checked off, we have the South Africa family visa requirements listed for you.
The officials at VFS will check your documents within your relative visa application to ensure that all documents are present.
If all documents are not present, then your visa application will not be accepted. If your application is accepted then the Department of Home Affairs will reject your application.
All forms are completed online, so no handwritten forms are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
If you are submitting abroad then the relative visa application form South Africa pdf must be completed and included within your temporary residence visa application.
- Book an appointment to submit your application:
Navigate to VFS’s website for South Africa and select the appropriate relative visa section for your situation.
- Complete the process steps required.
- Make the necessary payments.
- Download the necessary documents that must be included in your application.
If you are wondering how much is relative visa in South Africa? our blog posts give you all the costs you need to know about.
Minor Children Exemptions:
Minor children are exempt from the following:
- Applying for a police clearance certificate
- Applying for a radiological report
- A yellow fever vaccination will be required if they intend on travelling through a yellow fever endemic area.
- A vaccination certificate will not be required.
Can we apply for a family visa online?
In South Africa, you can only book your appointment online but you have to submit it in person at a VFS centre.
Abroad you have to submit in person and you cannot apply online.
The Department of Home Affairs has no online platform to submit a temporary residence permit online.
What proof do we need for a relatives visa?
Spousal Visa:
- Marriage certificate
- Financial Assurance from a spouse ( R 8,500.00)
Life Partner Visa:
- Proof of cohabitation for 2 years
- A notarial contract called a life partner agreement
- Financial Assurance from partner (R 8,500.00)
Relatives Permit
- Birth certificate
- Financial assurance from sponsor (R 8500.00)
Can I apply for permanent residence?
Not everyone can apply for permanent residence via a relative visa. Permanent residence must be applied for as soon as you can as it can take 3 – 6 years to process. Whilst awaiting the outcome of your permanent residence, you must renew or keep your relative visa valid at all times until your receive your outcome for permanent residence.
Who can apply for permanent residence:
- A spouse who has been married for 5 years or more.
- A minor or major child.
- A life partner who has been in a relationship for 5 years or more.
Who cannot apply for permanent residence:
- A relative holder who has qualified through a sibling.
Contact Migrate With Q to assist you in applying for a relative visa for South Africa. We will perform a free assessment with you to find out if you qualify for the visa.
Charl Vollmer has 8 years of experience helping people immigrate to South Africa. I am passionate about helping people and making their dreams a reality. Charl constantly stays up to date with South African Immigration rules and regulations. To contact Charl, visit our contact page.