Relatives Visa South Africa: Complete Legal & Application Guide

What Is a Relative’s Visa in South Africa?

A Relative’s Visa in South Africa is a temporary residence permit issued under Section 18 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). It allows immediate family members of South African citizens or permanent residents to stay in the country for family reunification purposes.

Key Attributes:

• Issued under: Immigration Act, Section 18

• Purpose: Family reunification (non-work)

• Duration: Typically valid up to 24 months; renewable

• Legal Limitation: Visa does not permit work, study, or business

• Conversion: Not convertible from visitor visa unless under specific exceptions (e.g., spouse, child)

Who Qualifies for a Relative Visa?

To qualify, the applicant must prove a biological or legal relationship to a South African citizen or permanent resident and demonstrate financial support capability.

Eligible Relatives:

• Spouse or life partner (including same-sex unions under legal recognition)

• Minor child (under 18 years)

• Major child (18 years or older)

• Parent

• Sibling (brother/sister)

• “Second step of kinship” verification for siblings and parents:

  • Requires unabridged birth certificates of both parties

  • May include paternity test documentation

• Siblings are not eligible for permanent residence through this visa type.

• Financial assurance must come only from the South African sponsor, not foreign parties.

• Documentation Required:

  • Proof of kinship (e.g., birth certificates)

  • Proof of the South African sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residence

  • Financial proof: Certified bank statement or salary slip showing R8,500/month per applicant

Spouse vs Life Partner vs Permanent Relationship

Understanding the distinction between a spouse, a life partner, and a permanent relationship is crucial for determining visa eligibility and preparing the correct documentation.

Spouse (Legally Married)

• Must present a valid marriage certificate

• Visa eligibility is straightforward; however, there is no permission to work, study, or start a business.

• Visa lapses upon divorce or legal separation

Life Partner

• Must demonstrate at least 2 years of cohabitation

• Requires:

  • Signed affidavit (Form 12) by both parties

  • Evidence of shared financial responsibilities (e.g., joint lease, bank accounts)

  • Personal interviews may be conducted by Home Affairs.

• Must disclose any previous marital status (divorce decree, death certificate)

Permanent Homosexual or Heterosexual Relationship

• Recognised under South African law with equal standing

• Key documents:

  • Notarial agreement affirming a relationship of at least 2 years

  • Statement that the relationship is exclusive

  • Proof of previous marriage dissolution, if applicable

• Visa can be revoked if the relationship ends or if fraud/misrepresentation is found.

Special Notes:

• Applicants must notify the Director-General if the relationship ceases.

• All supporting documents must be apostilled and translated into English where necessary.

BI-1738 Application Form Walkthrough

The DHA-1738 (BI-1738) is the official South African form for applying for temporary residence permits, including relatives visas. Accurate completion is critical to avoid rejection.

Form Requirements:

• Must be completed in BLACK INK and BLOCK LETTERS.

All sections must be filled; write “N/A” only if the question is not applicable.

• Part 4 (“Contact person”) must refer to someone in the country of origin.

• Applicant must sign and date the declaration on page 85.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Leaving parts 5 or 6 blank or writing “refer to attached” instead of full answers

• Submitting a scanned or digitally filled form (must be original)

• Submitting without a physical signature = automatic rejection

Supporting Documents (Required alongside form):

• Two passport photographs

• Passport valid 30 days post-departure

• Previous South African visas or entry stamps (if applicable)

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if transiting through endemic areas)

• Financial proof (e.g., bank statements, salary advice)

Submission Tip:

• Submit only through the relevant consular jurisdiction.

• Ensure all documents are certified and apostilled if issued outside South Africa.

Visa Documentation Checklist

This is the definitive list of documents required to apply for a Relatives Visa in South Africa. Omitting or submitting incorrect versions of any of the following can result in rejection.

Primary Application Materials:

• Valid passport with:

  • At least 30 days’ validity after intended departure

  • At least 2 blank pages

  • Original and any second passport (if dual nationality)

• Two recent passport-sized photographs (4x4cm, white background)

• Completed BI-1738 Form (original, signed, in black ink)

• Medical Report (Form BI-811) completed within the last 6 months

• Radiological Report (Form BI-806) for applicants aged 12+ (not required for pregnant women)

• Police Clearance Certificates for all countries where the applicant resided for more than 12 months since age 18 (not older than 6 months)

• Financial assurance:

  • Minimum of R8,500/month per person

  • Proved via certified bank statement or current salary advice

  • Foreign financial support no longer accepted

Additional Proof Required by Relationship Type:

• Spouse / Life Partner:

  • Marriage certificate or cohabitation affidavit + shared responsibility evidence

• Child:

  • Unabridged birth certificate, signed consent from both parents, custody court order (if divorced/separated), proof of adoption (if applicable)

• Sibling / Parent:

  • Proof of kinship within the second step (unabridged birth certificates of both the applicant and the SA citizen; paternity tests if necessary)

• Other Required Documents:

  • Proof of accommodation (tentative booking or lease)

  • Proof of travel itinerary (round-trip flight booking)

  • Copy of South African sponsor’s ID/passport & utility bill (proof of residence)

  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

• Relative Visa for Minor Children (Section 18 Special Case)

  Minor children (under 18) of South African citizens or permanent residents may apply under Section 18 of the Immigration Act.

Key Provisions from Section 18:

• Children qualify for a free relatives visa.

• Visa is valid for up to 24 months and renewable

• Must be financially supported by a South African parent or legal guardian

• Requires documentation proving dependency and legal custody

Documentation Required:

• Unabridged birth certificate (apostilled and translated)

• Consent letters signed by both parents or legal guardians

• Parental identity documents (certified)

• Court orders for sole custody (if applicable)

• Proof of adoption (where relevant)

• May require a paternity test to establish a biological relationship.

Financial Assurance & Fee Matrix

One of the key eligibility requirements for a Relatives Visa is demonstrating sufficient financial support. This financial assurance is required to ensure the applicant will not become a burden on the South African state.

Financial Assurance Requirements:

• Applicants must show a minimum income or support of R8,500 per person per month.

• Funds must originate from the South African sponsor (not foreign bank accounts).

• Acceptable proof includes:

  • Recent salary slip

  • Certified bank statement, not older than 3 months

  • Proof of pension or investment income, if applicable

Visa Fees:

Current Thresholds:

Key Notes:

• Fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the relevant South African mission.

• Proof must be original, clearly legible, and stamped by the issuing institution.

Yellow Fever & Medical Conditions

For travellers coming from or transiting through countries designated as Yellow Fever Belt nations, a vaccination certificate is mandatory under South African health regulations.

Yellow Fever Vaccination:

• Required if transiting through or arriving from:

  • Countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America

• Certificate must:

  • Be valid at the time of travel

  • Be issued at least 10 days before arrival

  • Be valid for life (since 2016 WHO ruling)

• Children under 1 year old are exempt.

Other Medical Documentation:

• Medical Report (Form BI-811): General physical health declaration

• Radiological Report (Form BI-806):

  • Required for applicants aged 12+

  • Not required for pregnant applicants (must submit proof of pregnancy).

• Both forms must be completed by a registered medical practitioner.

• Must be issued no more than 6 months prior to submission

Application Submission & Processing Time

Applying for a Relatives Visa requires following the correct submission protocol to avoid delays or automatic rejection.

Where to Submit:

• Applications must be submitted outside South Africa unless exempted (a child, spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident).

• Submit through the South African Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global depending on jurisdiction.

• Applications must be complete — partial or scanned submissions are not accepted.

Required Format:

• Original, signed application (BI-1738)

• All documents must be certified, apostilled if applicable, and translated into English.

Processing Time:

Can You Work or Study?

The Relatives Visa is strictly non-employment-based and does not grant the right to work, study, or operate a business in South Africa.

Prohibited Activities:

• Work (full-time, part-time, remote)

• Study at a South African institution

• Start or run a business

If the applicant wishes to engage in restricted activities, they must apply for a visa in the appropriate category:

Spouses and life partners can apply for the visitors visa section 11(6).

Common Mistakes and Rejection Triggers

Many Relatives Visa applications are rejected due to avoidable errors or overlooked documentation. Ensuring compliance with Department of Home Affairs (DHA) guidelines is critical.

Most Frequent Mistakes:

1. Incomplete BI-1738 form

   • Missing signatures, incorrect field responses, handwritten in pencil

2. Expired police clearance or medical reports

   • Must be less than 6 months old at time of submission

3. Uncertified bank statements or salary slips

   • Originals or stamped/certified copies only

4. Using foreign financial sponsors

   • Only a South African sponsor is allowed to support the applicant.

5. Lack of translated/apostilled documents

   • Especially for foreign birth/marriage certificates

Rejection Triggers:

• Fraudulent documentation (e.g., fake marriage certificates)

• Inadequate financial assurance

• Inconsistent relationship claims (life partner with no cohabitation proof)

• Unauthorised in-country application from tourist visa holders

Pro Tip:

• Always include a cover letter summarising your relationship, purpose, and all included documents—especially helpful for non-standard applications.

FAQ – Answers to Common Questions

How long is a relative’s visa valid in South Africa?

Most are issued for 24 months, with the option to renew if eligibility remains.

Can a sibling apply for permanent residence?

No. Siblings are not eligible for permanent residence through a Relatives Visa.

What happens if I get divorced or end my life partnership?

The visa must be cancelled. Failure to notify the Department of Home Affairs may result in a ban or overstay penalty.

Can I switch to another visa while in South Africa?

Only children, spouses and life partners of South African citizens and permanent residents may change status in South Africa.

What documents are needed for a child’s relative visa?

• Unabridged birth certificate

• Consent from both parents

• Custody or adoption proof (if applicable)

What is the financial requirement?

R8,500/month per applicant, supported by a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Is a yellow fever certificate required?

Yes, if you are transiting through or arriving from yellow fever endemic regions.