Is A Visa Needed For South Africa?

Foreign nationals are required to apply for a South African visa (if they are a citizen in another country) and would like to visit, attend a business meeting, conference, work, join family or further their studies in the Republic of South Africa. 

If you need to renew your visit visa then applying for a visa extension South Africa is just the article you need to read.

Need to know which visa you need to apply for? These are the different South Africa visa types.

What is a South African Visa

A South African visa is an official sticker label or stamp within a passport which has been issued to a foreign national by a South African embassy, consulate or mission.

This means that the immigration or consular officer has considered that you are allowed to enter South Africa for the purpose and duration of your stay.

To obtain a visa for South Africa, you have to obtain the specific requirements from the South African embassy, mission or consulate in your country of residence.

Each country has different requirements for a South African visa and requirements can change at any given time.

All visas have a cost attached to them (visa fees) and are charged in the currency of your country. You should at all times find out what are the costs.

The type of visa you need to apply for depends on your purpose and duration of stay.

Visas have different duration periods and can be divided into 2 categories:

• Short-term visas – 6 months or less
• Long-term visas – 6 months or more

What are the entry requirements for South Africa?

You are required to have the following to enter South Africa:

1. A valid passport (not expired) or acceptable travel document.
2. You should have at least 1 blank page for endorsements.
3. A visa (Except if you are exempt from applying for a visit visa)
4. Adequate funds to sustain yourself for the amount of time spent in South Africa (R 8500.00 per month)
5. A return/onward flight ticket (If required for your purpose of stay)
6. A yellow fever certificate if you intend or have travelled through an endemic area.

Where to apply for a South African Visa?

All foreigners who are not exempt or would like to apply for a long-term visa for South Africa must apply through the South African embassy, consulate or mission in their country of residency.

If your country does not have an embassy, mission or consulate then you have to find out which neighbouring country is responsible.

Is a South African visa easy to get?

This depends on the type of visa you are applying for and if you have familiarised yourself with the requirements for that particular visa.

Countries marked as high risk will have more requirements to fulfil compared to countries that are deemed low risk.

If you are making use of a South African immigration agent then you’ll stand a higher chance of obtaining the visa.

If your application is rejected, you have 2 chances to appeal the refusal as per the immigration regulations of South Africa.

What are the covid entry requirements for South Africa?

Is a PCR test still required to enter South Africa?

South Africa does not require you to have a PCR test done and they have since scraped the wearing of masks. This means you no longer require a negative Covid test to fly to South Africa, although the flight crew might require you to have one.

Covid – 19 requirements could change at short notice, so always ensure that you are updated.

As a traveller sojourning to SA, ensure that you have access to the following:

• You have access to finances should the SA go into lockdown
• Find out if your medical aid covers you should you fall ill in SA
• Make necessary arrangements should you need to extend your stay

How long does it take for a South Africa visa to be ready?

This largely depends on how busy the embassy, mission or consulate is at the time of your submission. the more applications received the longer the processing times.

Embassies, missions and consulate processing times:

• Visit visas: Average 1 to 3 weeks
• Temporary residence visas: Average about 90 days

Can I get a visa for South Africa now?

Yes as of now, the Department of Home Affairs, Embassies, consulates and missions are processing visas again.

Different types of visas for South Africa

South African Visitors Visas

A South African visitors visa is issued to a foreign national (who is a citizen of another country) for the following purposes:

• Tourism purposes
• Visiting friends or family
• Business meetings
• A spouse who would like to accompany their spouse who is on a study or work visa in South Africa
• Children who would like to join a parent who is on a study or work visa in South Africa
• Studying in South Africa
• Charitable or volunteering activities
• Research purposes
• attend a conference
• A person who works in the entertainment industry to work product of a movie set or show
• A patient who needs life-saving medical treatment
• Sporting events

What requirements are needed to visit South Africa

1. A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages should still be valid after 30 days of your departure date.
2. Duly completed BI-84 form.
3. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you intend on travelling through an endemic area.
4. A document confirming the duration and purpose of your visit to South Africa.
5. X 2 colour passport photographs.
6. Parents travelling with minors must produce the following documents:

6.1 Unabridged certificate

6.2 Proof of guardianship

6.3 Proof of custody

6.4 Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor

6.5 Proof of sufficient financial means to sustain yourself in South Africa for the duration of your stay by providing one of the following bank statements, salary slips, an undertaking letter from a South African host, South African bursary, Medical cover or cash on hand (this include credit cards etc)

These are the South African tourist requirements above, however, each embassy has different requirements.

How long can you stay in South Africa without a visa?

Foreigners who are exempt from applying for a visit visa will either be granted 30 or 90 days. The number of days granted depends on the agreement between South Africa and your country.

The number of days granted is done when you enter at any of the ports of entry.

The immigration officer will stamp your passport.

Option to extend a visit visa in South Africa

Foreign national has the option to extend their tourist visa for a further 30 or 90 days depending on the amount they initially received at the port of entry, embassy, mission or consulate.

The extension must be applied for at VFS in South Africa where there are different centres across the SA.

These are the different VFS branches across SA:

• Bloemfontein
• Cape Town
• Durban
• George
• Johannesburg
• Kimberley
• Nelspruit
• Polokwane
• Port Elizabeth
• Pretoria
• Rustenberg

Please note that you need to first schedule an appointment with VFS before you are allowed to submit your application.

You then need to collect all the required documents and then schedule an appointment at VFS to submit your application.

The costs of the extension are as follows:

1. VFS Biometric fee – R 1550.00
2. Department of Home Affairs fees – R 425.00

Countries exempt from South African visit visas

Many foreign nationals are simply confused as to whether a visa is required for South Africa.

The simple answer is there are certain countries exempt from having to apply for a visit visa for South Africa and some countries are not exempt. This can simply be thought of as receiving a South Africa visa on arrival.

Exempt countries do not have to apply for a visa. In layman’s terms, they can simply hop on a flight to South Africa and automatically receive 90 days at the port of entry.

Countries which are not exempt must apply for a visit visa to South Africa. This means that you have to go to the SA embassy in your country and apply. Only once you are issued a visit visa, then may you travel to South Africa.

It is important to remember to have your travel documents with you when entering South Africa.

Countries which are exempt from applying for a tourist visa must remember that any country may be removed from the exemption list without any prior notice.

Medical visa for 3 months or less

Foreign nationals who require medical treatment in South Africa for less than 3 months.

The following documents must be submitted to the consulate, embassy or mission in your country:

• An official letter from your medical institution or medical practitioner referencing your illness, the treatment type and reason for your treatment, duration of your treatment and details of the appointments in SA.
• Include details of the person responsible for the cost of the treatment such as hospital expenses and any other medical expenses. If your medical aid is covering the costs of treatment then proof of medical aid should be included.
• If your treatment duration is longer than 3 months, then you must apply for a medical temporary residence.
• Patients who are transported by emergency air flights or emergency vehicles do not require a visa upon entry. Immigration officials will attend to their entry but not apply their clearance procedures. The person in charge of the flight or vehicle must report the entry as soon as possible to the Department of Home Affairs.
• An immigration officer will visit the patient in person and then issue a medical visa, if the person has no passport then a visa will be issued to legalize the person for the duration of the medical treatment.

Visas for foreign nationals in the entertainment industry

Foreign nationals who are not exempt must submit the following documents if they do not intend to work for more than 6 months:

• Submit all documentation as per the application form
• Request for work authorization
• Pay the fees
• The visa is either issued for 30 or 90 days.

How much bank balance is required for a South Africa visa?

The amount needed per month to show sufficient financial assurance is R 8,500.00 per month as determined by the Minister of Home Affairs.

This applies to the following South African visa types:

• Visitors visa
• Business visa
• General work visa
• Critical skills work visa
• Intra-company transfer work visa
• Corporate workers visa
• Study visas
• Exchange visas
• Retired person visa
• Relatives visa
• Medical treatment visa

Temporary Residence Visas Options

All temporary residence visas must include the following documentation when submitting their visas:

Medical Report:

1. The medical report should not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
2. The report must include the doctor’s contact details, physical address, stamp and practice number.
3. A report may not be done abroad and submitted in SA the report may not be done in SA and submitted abroad.

Radiology Report:

1. The radiology report must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
2. The report must include the radiologist’s contact details, physical address, stamp and practice number.
3. A report may not be done abroad and submitted in SA the report may not be done in SA and submitted abroad.
4. Children under the age of 12 and pregnant are exempt from applying for the report.

Police Report:

1. The police report should not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
2. A police report should be obtained from every country you have lived in since the age of 18.

Yellow Fever Certificate:

1. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you have or intend on travelling through a yellow fever endemic area.

Business Visa

Foreign citizens who would like to start their own business or invest in an existing business in South Africa must apply for a business in their country of residence. The visa may not be applied for in-country unless you are currently on a temporary residence visa and applying for a change of status.

The foreigner must invest R5 million in the new start-up or existing business.

The visa is valid for 2 years and is extendable.

The following documents must be submitted:

• Fully completed DHA 1738 form.
• Valid passport which expires 30 days after your visa expires.
• If you are adding your spouse to the application then a marriage certificate is required which has been issued by the authorities in your country of residence.
• A spousal affidavit is required if you are married to a South African citizen or permanent resident. The affidavit should prove cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities between you and your partner and setting out of particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of late spouse if applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities if applicable.
• Proof of adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.
• A certificate issued by a chartered accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants or a professional accountant registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants to the effect that R 5 million has been invested into a newly established business or an existing business.
• Undertaking from the applicant that at least 60% of the total staff complement employed within the company are SA citizens or permanent residents which will be employed within different positions. This proof must be submitted within 12 months after your visa has been issued.
• A written undertaking from the applicant to register with the South African Revenue Services, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases, Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission.
• If required, the applicant and the business must register with a professional body, council or board.
• A positive recommendation letter from the Department of Trade & Industry concerning the feasibility of the business and the contribution to the national interest of the Republic of South Africa.

Additional documents that must be included if purchasing or investing in an existing business:

• Financial statements for the previous financial year.
• Proof of investment

The R 5 million investment criteria may be waived for the following industries:

1. Agro-Processing
2. Business Process Outsourcing and IT Enables Services
3. Capital/Transport Equipment, Metals and Electrical Machinery and Apparatus
4. Electro-Technical
5. Textile, Clothing and Leather
6. Consumer Goods
7. Boatbuilding
8. Pulp, Paper and Furniture
9. Automotive and Components
10. Green Economy Industries
11. Tourism Infrastructure
12. Chemicals, Plastic Fabrication and Pharmaceuticals
13. Creative and Design Industry
14. Oil and Gas
15. Mineral Beneficiation
16. Infrastructure Development

Work Visas

A South African work visa is issued to a foreigner who qualifies for one of the following:

• Their occupation appears on the Critical Skills Visa shortage list for South Africa
• A South African citizen or permanent resident could not have the experience or skills to fill a particular position within a company.
• Being transferred from a foreign branch to a local branch in the country.
• A corporate company requests a large number of foreign workers to take up employment within a company that cannot be taken up by a SA citizen or permanent resident.

An application for a South African work visa must be lodged abroad at an embassy, consulate or mission abroad.

Applying for a tourist visa in SA is not allowed. You may only apply in the country if you are currently on a temporary residence.

Do I need a visa to work in South Africa?

Yes. Any foreigner who would like to take up working activities in South Africa must have a work permit whether your working duration is short-term or long-term.

The following documents must be included in all work visa applications:

Undertaking letters:

• Undertaking a letter from your employer accepting responsibility related to the costs of deportation of you and your family should the need arise.
• Undertaking a letter from your employer that they will always ensure that your passport will always remain valid for the duration of your employment.
• An undertaking letter from your employer that he or she will inform the Director General if you are not adhering to the immigration regulations or the conditions of your visa.
• Undertaking letter from your employer to inform the Director General whether you are no longer employed with the company or employed within a different capacity within the company.

South African Qualifications Authority Certificate:

• Every work visa application must have a South African Qualifications Authority certificate with it for every foreign qualification obtained abroad from a university or college.
• All foreign qualifications must be translated into English by a sworn translator if it is written in another language.

General Work Visa

A general work visa is issued to a foreigner on a basis that a specific position cannot be filled by a South African citizen or permanent resident.

The prospective employee has to prove that they have exhausted all attempts in finding a suitable citizen or permanent resident.

It is issued for a maximum of 5 years or shorter depending on your employment contract and can be renewed.

Applying for the general work visa, the following documents must be submitted:

• Fully completed DHA-1738 form.
• A Valid passport which expires 1 month after your visa expires.
• Marriage certificate if you are adding your spouse to the application.
• A spousal affidavit if you are married to a SA citizen or permanent resident should prove cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• If applicable a divorce decree.
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of your late spouse if applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full responsibility if applicable.
• Proof of adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.
• A final visa notification letter confirming:
• That your employer has exhausted all avenues in first trying to find a suitable South African citizen or permanent resident for the position advertised.
• You have the proven qualifications and experience for the job.
• The salary and benefits you are receiving are not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens and employees in a similar position.
• A contract of employment signed by both you and your employer which is in line with the standards of the Department of Labour.
• Full particulars of your employer, and proof of business registration which is the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies.

Critical Skills Work Visa

A critical skills visa is issued to a foreigner whose occupation is listed as a shortage in South Africa.

The critical skills are issued for 5 years or dependent on your employment contract and can be renewed.

A foreign national applying for this CSV must have a job offer and register their occupation with a professional body, council or body.

• Fully completed and signed DHA – 1738 form
• Valid passport which expires 1 month after your visa expires.
• Marriage certificate if you are adding your spouse as an accompanying dependent which has been issued by the proper authorities in your country.
• A spousal affidavit if you are married to a South African citizen or permanent resident which proves cohabitation, related financial responsibilities and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Proof of union recognized in terms of the recognition of customary marriages if applicable
• Divorce decree if applicable
• Proof of court order awaiting custody if applicable
• Death certificate in respect of the late spouse
• Written consent from both parents or sole custody parent if applicable.
• Proof of legal adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable
• Proof of registration and confirmation of membership with a professional body, council or board recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority.

Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa

A foreign multi-national business with a local branch, subsidiary or affiliate in South Africa can transfer a foreign employee who has been employed for at least 6 months or more.

The South African business branch must have the plan to show that the foreign employee’s skills will be transferred to a local South African citizen.

It is not extendable and the applicant must leave closer to the expiry.

• A fully completed and signed DHA-1738 form
• Valid passport which expires 1 month after the intra-company visa expires.
• Marriage certificate if are adding your spouse to the visa which has been issued by the authorities in your country.
• A spousal affidavit if you are in a relationship with a SA citizen or permanent resident, proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities between the couples and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Proof of a union recognized in terms of the recognition of customary marriages.
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• Proof of court order awarding custody if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of your late spouse if applicable.
• Written consent from both parents or sole custody parent, if applicable.
• Proof of legal adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.
• Your contract of employment with the company abroad for not less than 6 months
• A letter from your company abroad confirming your transfer to the branch, affiliate or subsidiary.
• A letter from the SA branch, affiliate or subsidiary confirming your transfer, the position you will occupy and the capacity in which you will be employed.
• The South African employer undertakes the following:
• You will only be employed in the position which the Intra-Company Visa has been issued for.
• A transfer skills plan is created to show how your skills will be transferred to a SA citizen or permanent resident.

Corporate Visas

A corporate establishment may apply for corporate visas to employ a pre-determined amount of skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled workers.

The corporate establishment must prove that they have tried employing local SA citizens or permanent residents before recruiting foreigners abroad.

The corporate business must first apply for a corporate visa for the business itself. Once approved, the business will receive the certificate and then can they only start recruiting foreign employees.

Application for the employer

• Fully completed online forms on VFS’s website.
• A written letter explaining the need to employ foreign workers and the number of foreign workers needed for the project.
• A certificate from the Department of Labour confirming that the employer has exhausted all avenues in first finding SA citizens or permanent residents, job descriptions including remuneration for each foreigner and that the salary including benefits is not inferior to SA citizens or permanent residents employed in similar positions.
• Proof of registration for South African Revenue Services, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission.
• The employer must provide proof that 60% of the total staff count are SA citizens or permanent residents employed with different positions within the company.
• Undertaking a letter from the employer accepting costs for deportation related to the applicant and their family members.
• Undertaking a letter from the employer to inform the Director-General if the applicants no longer comply with the provisions of the act or the conditions or are no longer employed by the company.
• An undertaking letter that the employer shall accept responsibility to ensure that the passport of the foreign employee passport is updated at all times, the applicant is only employed in the position for which they applied, and the foreigner leaves the country upon expiry of their contract.
• Undertaking a letter from an employer stating their nature of business does not fall under the undesirable business as listed by the Minister of Home Affairs.

Corporate Worker Certificate:

• Duly completed DHA 1738 form
• Your passport is valid and expires 1 month after the expiry of your visa.
• A medical report not older than 6 months at the time of submission.
• A radiology report not older than 6 months at the time of submission. Children under the age of 12 and pregnant women are exempt from this requirement.
• If adding your spouse, then a marriage certificate is issued from the authorities of your country.
• A spousal affidavit, if you are married to a SA citizen or permanent resident, provide proof of cohabitation and to what extent your financial responsibilities are shared including setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• If applicable proof of union for custom marriages.
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• If applicable evidence of court order awaiting custody.
• A death certificate in respect of your late spouse.
• Evidence of written consent from both parents or sole custody parent or proof of sole custody.
• Proof of legal adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.
• Police clearance from every country you have lived in since the age of 18. The report should be older than 6 months at the time of submission.
• Yellow fever certificate if you intend or have travelled through a yellow fever endemic area.
• Certified copy of the corporate visa issued to the employer.
• Original corporate worker authorization certificate
• An employment contract signed by both you and your employer which is in line with the Department of Labour standards.
• An undertaking letter from your employer accepting the responsibility to ensure that the applicants depart from SA after their contract expires and accepting responsibility for deportation costs for the applicant and his family.
• Proof of qualifications certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority.
• Certificate from the professional body, council or board if your occupation requires registration.

Educational Visas

A foreign student who would like to study in SA must apply for a student visa abroad at an embassy, mission or consulate.

The educational institution you are applying to must be registered with the Department of Basic education.

Study Visa

• Fully completed DHA 1738 form.
• Valid passport which expires 1 month after your visa expires.
• Marriage certificate issued by the authorities of your country if you are adding your spouse.
• Spousal affidavit if you are married to a SA citizen or permanent resident which proves cohabitation, the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by you as a couple and the setting out of the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of late spouse.
• Written consent from both parents and full responsibility if applicable.
• Proof of adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation if applicable.
• An acceptance letter confirming provisional acceptance or acceptance at the learning acceptance and the duration of your course.
• Undertaking letters from the principal or registrar confirming the following:
• Proof of registration within 60 days of registration
• In the event of failure to register by the closing date, provide the Director General with notification of failure to register within 7 days of the closing date of registration
• Notify the Director-General within 7 days if the applicant is no longer registered with the institution.
• Notify the Director-General within 30 days when the applicant has completed their studies or requires to extend the study period.

In a foreign student under the age of 18 years:

• Unabridged certificate from your country of citizenship
• A valid Passport
• A confirmation letter from a South African guardian accepting to be the student’s guardian and the letter should include their physical address and contact number.
• Written consent from both parents for the intended stay, or from the parent or legal guardian who has been issued with a court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship of the learner.
• Proof of medical aid must be renewed yearly and the medical aid scheme must be registered in terms of the medical schemes act.
• A written undertaking from parents or legal guardians agreeing that the minor will have medical aid covered for the duration of his or her studies.
• Proof of financial assurance which is available to the learner while studying in SA

Exchange Visa

An exchange visa is issued to a foreign citizen who is under the age of 25 years old and wants to partake in cultural, economic or social exchange programmes which are administered by an organ of the state or a public higher educational institution.

• Fully completed DHA 1728 form.
• A passport which is valid and expires 1 month later after your visa expires.
• Marriage certificate if you are adding your spouse as an accompanying dependent.
• Spousal affidavit if you are married to a SA citizen or permanent resident. Documentation proving cohabitation with your spouse or partner shared financial responsibilities between the parties and setting out the particulars of the children in the spousal relationship.
• Proof of union in the recognition of customary marriages.
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• Proof of court order awaiting custody if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of late spouse.
• Written consent from parents and or sole custody parent if applicable including proof of sole custody.
• Proof of legal adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.

Extra requirements for a learner partaking in an education exchange:

• the applicant must either have a valid return air ticket or a written undertaking from the organ of state or learning institution accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation.
• Must have proof of medical aid for the duration of the exchange and the medical aid company must be registered in terms of the medical schemes act.
• A formal letter from the Department of Basic Education or higher education and training or a learning institution in SA confirming that they are responsible for the programme, the activities planned, terms and conditions, the duration of the exchange and accepting full responsibilities of the student whilst in SA.
• A letter from the foreign state institution or education and training institution confirming the particulars of the student, the enrolment with the educational institution and the date when the educational programme starts.

In addition to the above requirements, in the case of a programme of a cultural, economic or social exchange organised or administered by an organ of the state or a learning institution, in conjunction with a foreign education and training institution or a foreign state institution, submit a letter from:

• • Proof of a return air flight ticket or written undertaking by the organ of state or learning institution accepting responsibility for the return or deportation costs of the applicant, as the case may be
  • Proof of medical cover for the duration of the exchange period with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
  • The organ of state or foreign education and training institution confirming the existence of the exchange programme; or
  • The foreign education and training institution confirms the enrolment of the applicant or the foreign state institution conducting the programme, as the case may be.
  •  

In addition to the above requirements, in the case of a foreigner who is under 25 years of age and has received an offer to conduct work for no longer than one year

• • proof of a return air flight ticket or written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the return or deportation costs of the applicant, as the case may be
  • Proof of medical cover for the duration of the exchange period with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
  • A written undertaking by the employer to—

1. 1. 1. Pay such foreigner remuneration which complies with applicable legal requirements;
      2. Provide for the welfare and the needs of such foreigners while in the Republic under the aforesaid visa; and
      3. Report to the Director-General the failure of the foreigner to comply with the terms of his or her visa or to depart when so required;

Retiree Visas

The Department of Home Affairs has made provision for foreign citizens who would like to retire in SA that they need to apply for a retired person visa.

This visa does not allow you to work in SA and the advantage of it is that there is no age restriction for applicants who are applying.

To qualify, applicants must prove that they are receiving an income from investments, retirement annuity or pension fund to the amount of R 37,000.00 per month.

Foreign citizen can add their spouses as accompanying dependents to the retirement visa.

Retired Person’s Visa

• Fully completed DHA 1738 form.
• A valid passport expires 30 days after your visa expires.
• A marriage certificate if you are adding your spouse to the application which has been issued by the authorities of your country.
• A spousal affidavit if you are married to a SA citizen or permanent resident proves cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Proof of union in terms of the recognition of Customary Marriages.
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• Proof of court order awaiting custody if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of late spouse if applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and or sole custody parent, if applicable with proof of sole custody.
• Proof of legal adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.
• A financial certificate confirming your R 37,000.00

Family Visas

The Department of Home Affairs will issue a visa to an immediate family member of a SA citizen or permanent resident for 2 years.

The following family members can qualify:

1. Spouse
2. Minor children
3. Major children
4. Parents
5. Siblings
6. Foreign citizens who are in a relationship with a SA citizen or permanent resident.

If you would like to know about the in-depth relative visa South Africa requirements.

Relatives Visa

You may not work on the relative’s visa you are only allowed to accompany your family and your sponsor needs to prove financial assurance of R 8,500.00 per month.

Relatives visa – Siblings, Minor child, Major child, Parents

• Fully completed DHA-1738 form
• A valid passport expires 30 days after your visa expires.
• Marriage certificate in the case of a foreign spousal relationship.
• Spousal affidavit if you are married to a SA citizen or permanent resident which proves cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• Court order granting full or specific responsibilities and rights if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of late spouse if applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities if applicable.
• Proof of adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.
• Proof of kinship:
• Unabridged birth certificate.
• Paternity test results if applicable.
• Financial assurance from your sponsor which amounts to R 8,500.00 in the form of certified bank statements or salary slips.

Relatives Visa – Spouse

• Fully completed DHA 1738 form.
• A valid passport expires 30 days after your visa expires.
• A marriage certificate issued abroad by your country’s authority.
• A spousal affidavit if you are married to a SA citizen or permanent resident proving cohabitation and shared related financial responsibilities including setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Divorce decree if applicable
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights if applicable.
• Death certificate in respect of late spouse if applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities if applicable.
• Proof of adoption if applicable.
• Legal separation order if applicable.
• Financial assurance of R 8,500.00 from your SA spouse.
• Support letter and copy of your SA partner or permanent resident

A foreign citizen who would like to add a working endorsement:

• An offer of employment
• A detailed CV

A foreign citizen who would like to add a business endorsement:

• Proof of registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
• Proof of registration with the South African Revenues Services

A foreign citizen who would like to add a study Endorsement:

• A provisional acceptance from an educational institution

Relatives – Life Partner Visa (Permanent Homosexual/Heterosexual Relationship)

• Fully completed DHA 1738 form.
• A valid passport expires 30 days after your visa expires.
• A life partner cohabitation contract
• Divorce decree if applicable.
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights if applicable
• Death certificate in respect of late spouse if applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities if applicable.
• Proof of adoption if applicable.
• Financial assurance from the sponsor which amounts to R 8500.00
• The notarial agreement signed by both parties attests that the permanent relationship has existed for at least two years before the date of application for a visa and that the relationship still exists to the exclusion of any other person in terms of regulation 3(2)(a)(i)
• The notarial agreement signed by both parties attests that neither of the parties is a spouse in an existing marriage or a permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship in terms of regulation 3(2)(a)(ii)
• Affidavit on Part A of Form 12 confirming the continued existence of the relationship in terms of regulation 3(2)(b)
• Official documents that prove the dissolution of such marriage either by divorce or the death of the other spouse in terms of regulation 3(2)(c)
• Documentation to prove the financial support to each other and the extent to which the related responsibilities are shared by the applicant and his or her spouse in terms of regulation 3(2)(d)
• Financial assurance of R8,500.00 per person per month to be proven using current salary advice or a certified bank statement not older than three months at the time of application in terms of regulation 17(2)

A foreign citizen who would like to add a working endorsement:

• An offer of employment
• A detailed CV

A foreign citizen who would like to add a business endorsement:

• Proof of registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
• Proof of registration with the South African Revenues Services

A foreign citizen who would like to add a study Endorsement:

• A provisional acceptance from an educational institution

Medical Treatment Visas

A medical visa is issued to a foreign citizen who requires medical attention.

The visa is issued for no longer than 6 months at a time and applicants are not allowed to work with this visa.

Medical Visa:

• A fully completed DHA 1738 Form.
• A valid passport which expires 30 days after the expiry of your visa.
• Proof of financial assurance for your and any accompanying dependents in the form of bank statements.
• An official letter from your medical practitioner or medical institution explaining your reasons and duration of the treatment.
• A detailed letter including the particulars of the person or institution covering your medical expenses.
• Proof of medical aid.
• Proof of financial means to cover the cost of your medical treatment if not covered by medical aid.
• Particulars of accompanying dependent.
• Provisional flight tickets.