Family and Partner Visa in South Africa

No one wants to live in a foreign country without their family.
This is why the South African immigration system allows South African citizens, permanent residence holders, and long-term visa holders to bring their families with them when they come to live in South Africa.

The South Africa Family and Partner Visa applies to spouses, life partners, and minor children who want to immigrate to South Africa

In South Africa, life partnerships must have lasted for at least two years for them to be recognised.
Partners must prove their commitment to the relationship when they apply for the South Africa Family and Partner visa.

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

• They need a formal notarial agreement, which includes different types of information.
• For instance, they must state that they intend the relationship to be permanent.
• Spouse and Life Partner Visa Applications require pictures of the spouse/life partner and the Applicant.
• Dependent visa applications must also say that the relationship is limited to the couple and that there is a mutual understanding of support.
• Our IBN Immigration Solutions consultants will advise you about additional forms and immigration costs when submitting your Partner/Family Visa Application.

Note: The requirements for a Spousal Visa and a Partner Visa differ, depending on whether the spouse/partner is a South African citizen or a long-term visa holder.

South Africa recognises same-sex marriages.
The requirements and types of documentation of the relationship are the same as in heterosexual marriages.

Immigration documentation required in South Africa includes proof that your spouse or life partner has the financial means to support you and a letter of support from your spouse or life partner who is a citizen, permanent resident, or primary visa holder.

If an endorsement is necessary, the spouse or life partner must include forms regarding intended activities while in South Africa. The fortunate thing about the South Africa Family and Partner Visa is that should they want to work, they don’t have to meet the requirements of those who apply for a Work Visa.

South African visa costs differ according to visa types.
Please contact your IBN Immigration Solutions consultant to confirm processing fees for your particular visa.

1. The South Africa Family and Partner Visa application is to decide if you will be moving to South Africa at the same time or if your spouse or life partner will immigrate later.
2. Decide if you will apply for the partner visa or relative visa while you are still in your country of origin or once you are in South Africa. If you’re going to apply for a Family Visa or Spousal Visa while in South Africa, you must submit your application to any VFS (Visitor Facilitation Services) office in the country.
3. The Life Partner/Spouse must be physically present on day of application, if applicable.
4. South African children who are going to immigrate to South Africa are still required to provide supporting documents, in line with the requirements of the Children´s Act. Unaccompanied foreign children immigrating to South Africa have to supply the same documentation.
5. Our immigration consultants manage the relative visa application process for you. Your consultant helps you prepare your South Africa Family and Partner Visa application pack.
6. Once you’ve submitted all the forms and paid all the fees for your South Africa Family and Partner Visa, you have nothing to do but wait. Your immigration consultant will give you an estimated turnaround time, bearing the situation in South Africa in mind.