Spousal Visa South Africa – Expert Application Assistance

TL;DR: Spousal Visa South Africa – Quick Summary

If you’re married to a South African citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a spousal visa to live in South Africa. This visa is valid for 2–3 years and can include work or study rights — if you apply for an endorsement.

1. Application Time: 8–12 weeks
2. Submit via VFS (in SA) or the embassy (abroad).
3. Key Docs: Marriage certificate, ID/passports, proof of cohabitation, medical & police clearance
Fees: ~R1,350 (VFS submission)

Avoid rejection by submitting certified, up-to-date documents.
You can apply from inside South Africa, even on a visitor visa (if valid).

Need help preparing or reviewing your application?

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Applying for a spousal visa in South Africa is one of the most common pathways for foreign nationals to live legally with their South African spouse. Spousal visas allow legally married couples to live together, regardless of how long they’ve been married.

A spousal visa is issued to individuals who are legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident. It provides the foreign spouse with the right to live in South Africa for an extended period—usually up to three years, with the potential to apply for permanent residency after meeting specific conditions.

Understanding the legal requirements, eligibility criteria, documentation, and application procedures is critical. Many applicants face delays or rejections simply due to incomplete submissions or misinterpretation of the law. This guide will help you:

• Understand who qualifies for a spousal visa in South Africa.

• Identify the documents you need to prepare

• Learn how to apply successfully

• Avoid common mistakes that lead to visa denials

• Explore next steps, including work rights and permanent residency

Whether you’re planning to start a life in South Africa with your partner or need to renew your existing spousal visa, this article provides a step-by-step breakdown to ensure clarity, accuracy, and confidence in your application.

What is a spousal visa in South Africa?

A spousal visa allows foreign nationals legally married to South African citizens or permanent residents to live in the country long-term, which is a temporary residence permit. It is issued under the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002.

The visa is designed to promote family unification, allowing couples to legally live together in South Africa. The foreign spouse must apply for this visa through the Department of Home Affairs (or through VFS Global, where applicable), and the application must demonstrate the authenticity and legality of the marriage.

In June 2019, the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that spouses and children of South African citizens or permanent residents could change their visa status from within South Africa, even if they entered on a tourist visa.

Who Qualifies as a “Spouse”?

Under the South African Immigration Act, a spouse refers to a person who is:

• Legally married under South African or foreign law that is recognised in South Africa

• In a civil union in accordance with the Civil Union Act

• Note: If you’re not legally married but live together permanently, you must apply for a Life Partner Visa instead.

Importantly, a life partner is not automatically considered a spouse for spousal visa purposes. The key distinction is legal marriage. Life partners must apply for a separate life partner visa, which carries different evidence requirements and evaluation criteria.

Benefits and Rights Granted by the Spousal Visa

A South African spousal visa allows the foreign spouse to:

• Reside legally in South Africa for up to 2 or 3 years

• Renew the visa multiple times, provided the marriage remains valid

• Apply for work, business, or study endorsements (if permission is granted by Home Affairs)

• You may qualify for permanent residency under Section 26(b)—a clause in South African immigration law that allows spouses to apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous marriage and legal residence.

• Travel in and out of South Africa while maintaining legal status

However, the spousal visa does not grant automatic work rights. To work, become a student, or run a business, the applicant must apply for a visa endorsement specific to that activity.

Who is Eligible for a South African Spousal Visa?

To qualify for a South African spousal visa, the applicant must meet a set of legal, relational, and documentary conditions. The visa is available only to foreign nationals who are legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident. You must prove the marriage is legal, officially registered, and ongoing with supporting documentation.

The core eligibility requirement is that the applicant must be in a legally recognised marital relationship, which includes:

• A civil marriage conducted under South African immigration law or legally recognised foreign law

• A civil union under the Civil Union Act, 2006

• The marriage must be registered with Home Affairs (or internationally certified and notarised if outside South Africa).

Note: Cohabiting couples without legal marriage must apply for a life partner visa, not a spousal visa. This distinction is critical in immigration law.

Duration of the Relationship

Unlike the life partner visa, the spousal visa does not have a strict duration threshold for how long the couple must have been married. Home Affairs may investigate short-duration marriages to ensure the relationship is not fraudulent.

If you apply shortly after marriage, Home Affairs may request the following to confirm the relationship is genuine:

• Proof of living together

• Joint bank accounts or assets

• Communication history or photos

• •South African Sponsor Eligibility

The South African spouse (the sponsor) must be either:

• A South African citizen (by birth, descent, or naturalisation)

• A Permanent Resident (PR) of South Africa with a valid PR certificate

The sponsor must also:

• Provide a support letter declaring the relationship

• Show financial capacity to support the applicant (if required)

The relationship must be ongoing, and both parties must be available for an interview if requested.

Minimum Age and Cohabitation Proof

While there is no explicitly stated minimum age for spousal visa applicants in the Immigration Act, the marriage must be legal in the jurisdictions where it was conducted. Both spouses must usually be 18 or older. If not, a court order or parental consent must accompany the application.

To support the authenticity of the relationship, cohabitation documents may include:

• Joint lease agreements or utility bills

• Affidavits from landlords or family

• Shared bank accounts or insurance policies

• Photos, travel records, and communication history

Required Documents for a Spousal Visa Application

Applying for a South African spousal visa requires the submission of specific legal and personal documents that demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship, your legal eligibility, and your compliance with immigration health and security standards.

Providing complete, certified, and correctly formatted documents is critical to avoid delays, rejections, or re-submissions.

Below is a breakdown of the documents:

1. Certified Marriage Certificate

You must submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate:

• If married in South Africa: issued by the Department of Home Affairs

• If married abroad: must be notarised, translated (if not in English), and apostilled or authenticated for legal validity in South Africa

Without a legally recognised marriage certificate, you must then apply for a life partner visa.

2. ID and Passport Copies

• South African spouse: certified copy of green ID book or smart ID card

• Foreign spouse: certified passport copy (must include identification page and visa pages)

Both documents must be clear, up-to-date, and certified within 3 months of submission.

3. Proof of Cohabitation

To verify the authenticity and ongoing nature of the marital relationship, at least two forms of cohabitation evidence:

• Joint lease agreement or utility bills in both names

• Shared bank statements, insurance policies, or cellphone contracts

• Sworn affidavits from landlords or family members

• Photos, travel history, or communication logs (as supplementary evidence)

This section often determines the success of your application — vague or mismatched documents can trigger suspicion or rejection.

4. Financial Support Letter or Bank Statements

The South African spouse (sponsor) must prove financial means to support the non-resident spouse:

• Signed affidavit or letter of financial responsibility

• Recent bank statements (last 3–6 months)

• Proof of employment or self-employment, including payslips or company registration

If the non-resident spouse intends to work, they must apply for a work endorsement at the same time.

5. Medical and Radiological Reports

• Medical Report (BI-811 form): completed by a registered South African doctor

• Radiological Report (BI-806 form): usually includes a chest X-ray to check for tuberculosis (Home Affairs has waived the radiological report requirement.)

These reports must be completed within 6 months of the application date and must confirm that the applicant poses no public health risk.

6. Police Clearance Certificates

Applicants must submit police clearance certificates from:

• All countries where they have lived for 12 months or longer in the last 5 years.

• South Africa, if they’ve resided in the country previously or currently for 12 months or longer.

These documents must:

• Be issued within the last 6 months

• Be official and original, with certified translations if not in English

How to Apply for a Spousal Visa in South Africa (Step-by-Step)

Applying for a spousal visa in South Africa involves a clearly defined sequence of steps, each requiring accuracy, legal compliance, and complete documentation. The process varies slightly depending on whether the application is made inside South Africa or at a South African consulate abroad, but the core steps remain consistent.

Follow this step-by-step process to ensure your application is complete and legally sound.

Step 1: Prepare and Verify All Required Documents

Before booking any appointments, ensure that every document is:

Step 1A) Verify all documents

• Accurately filled out

• Certified where necessary

• Translated and apostilled if issued in a different country

• Not older than 3–6 months, depending on the type (e.g., medical, police clearance)

Step 1B) Gather Documents

• Certified marriage certificate

• ID/passport copies

• Proof of cohabitation

• Police clearance

• Medical and radiology reports

• Financial support documents

Pro Tip: Create a digital folder to store scans of all certified documents for easy resubmission or tracking.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Where you apply depends on your location:

• Inside South Africa: Book through VFS Global

• → https://www.vfsglobal.com

• Outside South Africa: Book an appointment at the nearest SA consulate or embassy.

• Walk-ins are generally not accepted — pre-booking is mandatory.

During this stage, you’ll be asked to:

• Select a visa category (spousal visa or Section 11(6) if adding an endorsement).

• Choose a date and time

• Pay any preliminary booking fees (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Biometrics at VFS or Embassy

On the appointment day, both spouses must attend in person (in South Africa) and:

• Provide fingerprints and facial photographs (only VFS)

• Submit original documents for verification

• Answer basic questions if the immigration officer deems necessary

Failure to appear or provide complete documents can result in delays or outright rejections.

Step 4: Submit the Full ApplicationAfter you’ve completed your biometrics:

1. Your original documents will be verified.

2. The visa application forms will be formally checked and signed.

3. You’ll pay the final government visa fee.

4. You’ll receive a submission receipt and tracking number.

Your documents are now under review by Home Affairs or the embassy, depending on where you applied.

Applying from outside SA, the documents are processed at the South African embassy for final approval.

Step 5: Track Your Visa Status

After submission, you can monitor your application’s progress:

• VFS Global applicants: Use the online tracking system via reference number.

• Consulate applicants: Follow up via email or phone

• Standard processing time: 8 to 12 weeks (can vary)

Tip: Include buffer time in your travel plans — avoid applying last minute.

How Long Does the Process Take & What Are the Costs?

The processing time and cost of applying for a South African spousal visa can vary based on where you apply, how complete your documentation is, and whether any endorsements (e.g., for work or study) are included.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the 2025 updated figures and what factors influence them.

Average Processing Time (2025 Update)

• Inside South Africa (VFS):

• 8–12 weeks from date of biometric submission

• Outside South Africa (SA Embassy or Consulate):

• 6–14 weeks, depending on local processing speed and workload

Processing times are not guaranteed. Applications can be delayed if your police clearance is expired, documents aren’t translated, or if you’re flagged for additional security checks.

What Factors Affect the Timeline?

Several external and internal factors can delay or accelerate your submission:

Delays May Occur Due To:

• Incomplete or incorrect documents

• Missing translations or apostilles

• Outdated police clearance certificates

• Public holidays, backlogs, or staff shortages at VFS or DHA

• Security background checks for high-risk applicants

 Faster Processing May Occur If:

• You apply outside of peak immigration season.

• Your documents are well-prepared and certified.

• You’re not applying for additional endorsements.

Can You Work on a Spousal Visa in South Africa?

You can’t work in South Africa just because you have a spousal visa.

For example, if your South African spouse helps you get a job offer at a local marketing agency, you’ll need to apply for a work endorsement—a simple add-on that legally allows you to work under your spousal visa.

This endorsement is tied to that specific job, so if you change employers, you’ll need to update it.

Failing to obtain the correct endorsement before working can lead to visa cancellation, deportation, or future bans.

Work Rights Are Not Automatic

Under Section 11(6) of the Immigration Act, a spousal visa can be endorsed for work, but only if explicitly applied for and approved by Home Affairs at the time of submission or renewal.

What Section 11(6) means: If you’re married to a South African or permanent resident, Section 11(6) of the law allows you to live with your spouse — and apply for work or study rights at the same time.

To work in South Africa as a spouse, you must apply for a work endorsement under Section 11(6). This endorsement links your visa to your job offer.

How to Apply for a Work Endorsement

What’s an endorsement?
It’s an official permission added to your visa that allows you to work, study, or run a business. Without it, you’re not legally allowed to do any of those things — even if you’re married to a South African.

When submitting your spousal visa (new or renewal), include:

1. A written job offer or employment contract from a local company

2. The employer’s company registration documents (CIPC)

3. A letter from the employer motivating why the position is suitable for you

4. Your CV and qualifications, especially for regulated professions

5. A request form for endorsement to work under Section 11(6)

Whether you’re already in RSA on a spouse visa without work rights, you must apply for an amendment with VFS or Home Affairs.

 Legal Conditions & Restrictions

• The work endorsement is typically linked to a specific employer and role.

• You cannot freelance or switch jobs without reapplying.

• If the endorsed job ends, the endorsement becomes invalid.

• You cannot open your own business under a work endorsement — business activity requires an endorsement.

Why You Should Submit for Work Rights Alongside the Visa

Applying for a work endorsement at the same time as your spousal visa can:

• Speed up the process, reducing the need for a resubmission

• Help you avoid working illegally while waiting

• Prevent additional fees and resubmission delays

For most applicants, adding the work endorsement upfront is the best strategic move — especially if they already have an offer.

Home Affairs & VFS Service Points

Visa applications in South Africa must be submitted through VFS Global, the official processing partner of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Applicants can book appointments online and submit biometric data at any of the following major VFS offices:

• Cape Town

• Johannesburg

• Durban

• Pretoria

• Port Elizabeth

The cost to submit a spousal visa in South Africa is R 1550.00 for your VFS appointment.

Common Reasons Marriage Visa Applications Are Rejected

Spousal visas for RSA are frequently rejected — not because of ineligibility, but due to avoidable mistakes and documentation failures. To avoid losing time and money, it’s important to understand the most common reasons for rejection.

Below are the primary causes that lead to visa refusal or delay, as observed in real-world immigration cases.

1. Insufficient Proof of Relationship

This is one of the most critical rejection points. Home Affairs needs to be convinced that the marriage is genuine, ongoing, and not one of convenience.

What counts as insufficient proof?

• No evidence of cohabitation (e.g., joint lease, shared bills)

• Lack of joint financial activity

• Minimal or no communication logs

• No shared photos, travel, or relationship history

2. Incorrect Documentation or Missing Items

Home Affairs follows a strict procedural checklist. Submitting outdated, uncertified, or incomplete documents can lead to immediate rejection.

Common mistakes:

• Make sure your marriage certificate was certified within the last 3 months. If issued abroad, it must be apostilled and translated.

• Omitting medical or police clearance reports

• Documents not translated or apostilled

• Using expired forms or templates

3. Failure to Meet Financial Requirements

The immigration act states R 8500.00 ZAR, which the RSA spouse must prove they can financially support the non-citizen spouse.

Red flags include:

• No bank statements from the sponsor

• The sponsor is unemployed with no proof of funds.

• Missing letter of financial support

Even if the non-citizen partner intends to work, the initial visa request must show support from the SA partner.

4. Marriage Validation Issues

If your marriage isn’t legally recognised under South African law, the spousal visa application will be denied.

Scenarios that trigger rejection:

• Marriage certificate not registered with Home Affairs

• Marriage conducted under customary law without proper documentation

• Foreign marriage certificate not legalised or translated

Home Affairs treats foreign marriages seriously — even minor discrepancies can result in denial.

5. Overstaying a Tourist Visa Before Applying

Should the non-citizen partner overstay their tourist visa and then apply for a spousal visa from within RSA, it is usually rejected outright unless special permission (Form 20/Section 31(2)(c)) is obtained.

Consequences:

• Immediate visa denial

• Possible ban from re-entering RSA

• Compromised future immigration records

Spouse Visa vs. Life Partner Visa: Key Differences

RSA offers two relationship-based residence visas for non-resident nationals in long-term relationships with South African citizens or permanent residents:

• The marriage visa (for legally married couples)

• The Life Partner Visa (for long-term, unmarried partners)

The Spousal Visa is for legally married couples. The Life Partner Visa applies to long-term, unmarried relationships. Both require separate application routes.

1. Rights & Duration

• Visa Duration:

• Both visas are typically granted for 2–3 years, renewable

• Work/Study/Business Endorsements:

• Neither visa includes these rights by default — you must apply for endorsements in both cases.

• Path to Permanent Residency:

• Both visas can lead to PR after 5 years of continuous stay in the relationship.

• However, PR submissions are often processed faster and with fewer disputes.

How to Renew or Extend a Permit in South Africa

When your current visa is approaching its expiration date, you can renew or extend it. The renewal process is essential to maintaining continuous legal residence in the country and preserving your pathway to permanent residency.

Renewing a marriage visa is not automatic. It requires a full re-submission of updated documentation and must be completed before the visa expires.

Renewal Timeline: When to Renew

• Home Affairs (DHA) recommends applying for renewal at least 60 days before the current visa expires.

• You can submit up to 60 before expiry if your situation involves added complexities (e.g., endorsements, upcoming travel).

• Late applications may result in visa lapses, fines, or overstay penalties.

Documents Required for Renewal

Renewal requires updated versions of all supporting documents, even if nothing has changed since your last submission.

Key documents include:

• New police clearance certificates (issued within the last 6 months)

• Updated proof of cohabitation (e.g., recent lease, utility bills)

• Current financial documents from the SA partner (bank statements, payslips)

• Valid marriage certificate (certified, if needed)

• Medical and radiology reports (only if requested)

• New VFS visa form and fee payment receipt

Note: When your circumstances have changed (e.g., you changed jobs or moved), these must be disclosed in the new request.

Work and Travel Rights During Extension

Once you’ve submitted a valid renewal application before the visa expires, you’re generally allowed to:

• Stay in RSA legally under the same conditions as your previous visa

• Continue working or studying — only if your previous visa included a valid endorsement

• Travel restrictions — you may not be allowed to leave and re-enter SA until the renewal is processed.

Do not travel without written permission or a valid visa sticker — doing so may result in a blocked re-entry.

Upgrading to Permanent Residence

When you are married for 5 continuous years, you may be eligible to upgrade to permanent residency under Section 26(b) of the Immigration Act.

Requirements for PR submission:

• Must show uninterrupted cohabitation and legal residence

• Provide a strong portfolio of evidence (joint accounts, shared assets, etc.)

• Submit all standard documents, along with the PR visa forms

This upgrade removes the need for further visa renewals and allows greater mobility and legal stability in RSA.

Need Help with Your Visa Application?

Navigating the spousal visa process in RSA can be confusing, time-consuming, and legally complex — especially if you’re unsure about documentation, eligibility, or how to secure work rights.

Whether you’re:

• Applying for the first time

• Renewing an existing visa

• Adding work or business endorsements

• Appealing a rejection

• Upgrading to permanent residency

Our team of qualified visa consultants can guide you through every step, ensuring your documents are accurate, complete, and optimised for approval.

We handle:

Full document review and certification guidance

Preparation of proof of cohabitation portfolio

Endorsement strategy (work, business, study)

Booking and form submission support (VFS / Home Affairs)

Appeals, extensions, and PR upgrades

Want us to check your documents before submission?

Get personalised assistance from experts who understand the legal nuances of SA law. We’ve helped countless couples successfully secure spousal visas — even in difficult or time-sensitive cases.

Conclusion

Applying for a marriage visa in South Africa is more than just paperwork — it’s a legal process that validates your partnership, residency, and future as a couple. Whether you’re starting with your partner or seeking to stay together after years of shared history, the spousal visa is the official pathway that connects your legal residence rights in RSA.

Throughout this guide, you’ve learnt:

• Who qualifies for a spousal visa and the legal definition thereof

• What documents are needed and why each matters

• The process, timelines, and cost breakdown

• How to legally work on a spousal visa through endorsements

• The most common rejection reasons (and how to avoid them)

• The difference between spousal and partner visas

• How to renew your visa and eventually upgrade to permanent residency

Understanding and following the proper process from the start can save you months of delays, unexpected costs, and stress — especially when the law requires proof not just of your partnership, but of your ability to comply with immigration regulations.

Unsure about anything? From structuring your documents to avoiding rejections — it’s always best to seek expert guidance.

Book a consultation to review your documents and improve your chances of approval — before you apply.

Don’t risk rejection due to small errors or missing documents. Our immigration consultants can:

• Assess your eligibility

• Guide you step-by-step

• Review your documents

• Help you secure work rights or PR services

Book a 1-on-1 Consultation Now

Get expert help. Get peace of mind. Stay with your partner — legally, confidently, and permanently with our visa services.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What happens if I apply for a spousal visa but my marriage is very recent?

Even if your marriage is newly registered, you can still apply. However, Home Affairs may subject your application to additional scrutiny — such as relationship interviews, financial interdependence, or communication logs — to rule out “marriage of convenience” concerns.

2. Can I apply for a spousal visa if I entered South Africa on a tourist visa?

Yes — due to a legal change in 2019, spouses of South African citizens or permanent residents can apply for long-term visas from within South Africa, even on a valid tourist visa. Just ensure your visa hasn’t expired at the time of application.

3. What if I want to start working before the visa is approved?

You cannot legally begin working in South Africa until your work endorsement under Section 11(6) is approved. Starting work before this could result in visa rejection or future immigration bans.

4. How strict is the cohabitation requirement for married couples?

Cohabitation is not always required if the marriage is legally valid — but proof of an ongoing and committed relationship is. This may include shared finances, communication records, or travel history together. A lack of cohabitation could lead to delays or requests for more evidence.

5. Can I include my child from a previous relationship in my visa application?

Your spousal visa only covers your status as the spouse. However, your child may apply separately for a dependent visa. The approval depends on legal guardianship, custody, and the child’s nationality.

6. If I change employers, do I need to update my visa?

Yes. Your work endorsement under a spousal visa is typically tied to a specific employer and position. If you switch jobs, you must apply for an amendment or re-endorsement; otherwise, your work rights will be invalidated.

7. How long do I have to stay married to qualify for permanent residency?

To qualify under Section 26(b), you must show five years of continuous marriage and legal residence. The marriage must still be active and legitimate at the time of your permanent residence application.

8. What if I get divorced while my spousal visa is still valid?

Once the relationship ends, your spousal visa automatically becomes invalid, even if the visa’s expiration date is still in the future. You are required to report the change to Home Affairs and explore other visa options if you intend to remain in the country.

9. Do I need to register my foreign marriage in South Africa?

While not legally required for the visa, registering your foreign marriage with Home Affairs can simplify future processes like renewing your visa, applying for PR, or updating your spouse’s marital status in the SA population register.

10. Can I run a freelance business or work remotely under a spousal visa?

Not by default. You must apply for a business endorsement or a remote work-friendly visa option. Freelancing or remote work without an appropriate endorsement could result in visa cancellation.

11. Does time spent on a spousal visa count toward citizenship?

Time on a spousal visa counts toward permanent residency eligibility but not always toward citizenship. Once you’ve obtained PR, you typically need to reside for another 5 years before applying for naturalisation, unless married to a South African for that entire time.

12. Can I leave and re-enter South Africa while my spousal visa is being processed?

Once you apply for a new visa or extension from within South Africa, you must not leave until a decision is made, or you risk being denied re-entry. Always consult Home Affairs or your visa consultant before making travel plans during processing.