Permanent Residence Based on a Relative/Spouse/Child

Section 27(g) provides a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who are within the first step of kinship to a South African citizen or permanent resident. Eligibility depends on proving the close family relationship and, where required, evidence that the South African citizen or permanent resident is willing and able to support the applicant.

Eligibility Criteria

Permanent residence under Section 27(g) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 is available to certain relatives of South African citizens or permanent residents, subject to relationship type and any applicable financial dependency.

Who Can Apply Under Section 27(g)?

• First-degree relatives of a South African citizen or permanent resident, including:
  • Spouses (married or in a permanent life partnership)
  • Children
  • Parents

Duration

Permanent residence granted under Section 27(g) is indefinite. Once approved, the holder is authorised to live, work, and study in South Africa on a permanent basis without the need for periodic renewal.

Common Use Cases

• Spouse of a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident: A foreign national married to a South African citizen or permanent resident may apply for permanent residence after at least five years of marriage or cohabitation. If the relationship is shorter than five years, a temporary relative’s visa is typically granted first.
• Life Partner in a Permanent Relationship: Unmarried partners in a life partnership of at least five years, where the South African partner holds citizenship or permanent residence, may apply for permanent residence. The relationship must be well documented and legally recognised.
• Minor Child of a South African Citizen or PR Holder: A child under 21 years of age, where one or both parents are South African citizens or permanent residents, may apply for permanent residence.
• Parent of a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident: A parent may apply for permanent residence, particularly where there is demonstrable dependency or cohabitation; financial support often needs to be shown.

General Permanent Residence Document Requirements

• VFS appointment letter.
• A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Payment of the application fee. If paid via EFT to the VFS bank account or the mission, include the original bank payment receipt.
• Present a valid original passport for each applicant and passport-sized photographs for applicants one year or older. Ensure the applicant’s name is written on the back of the photograph (machine or instant photographs are not acceptable).
• A valid temporary residence at the time of application if applying from within South Africa.
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship for a spouse accompanying or joining the applicant. Note: Islamic marriages performed within South Africa are not recognised.
• Divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of financial support between the applicant and their spouse/partner.
• Proof of parental responsibilities, rights, or written consent from the other parent/legal guardian in the case of dependent children accompanying or joining the applicant.
• Unabridged birth certificate or extract from birth record for dependent children.
• A deed poll for applicants who have changed their name, surname, or gender.
• Original police clearance certificate for applicants 18 years or older, issued by the police authority in each country where they have lived for 12 months or more (excluding South Africa) within the past 5 years.
• Medical report for all applicants, not older than six months.
• A radiological report is no longer a mandatory requirement for South African immigration applications.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area.

Section 27(g) Specific Document Requirements

• Proof that the applicant is a relative of a South African citizen or permanent resident within the first step of kinship (parents or dependants of the South African citizen or permanent resident).
• An undertaking by the citizen or permanent resident that they are able and willing to support and maintain the foreign relative applying.
• Copies of the South African citizen or permanent resident’s ID, permanent residence permit, and/or naturalisation certificate.
• Present yourself for biometrics at the visa facilitation centre.

The processing time for a Section 27(g) Permanent Residence application submitted within South Africa typically falls within the following range:

• 12 to 18 months from submission through VFS Global or Department of Home Affairs (DHA) service offices.

This duration reflects the high level of scrutiny given to such applications, including checks on professional qualifications, employment history, and compliance with legal requirements. Your actual timeline may vary due to:

• Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
• Current backlog and workload at the DHA
• The need for additional documentation or verification

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Application Fee

• R1,520 per applicant
• This fee is paid directly to the DHA through VFS Global or the designated payment channel upon application.

VFS Global Service Fee

• R1,550 per applicant
• Covers submission handling, biometric capture, and portal management.

VFS Premium Lounge (Optional)

• R500 per applicant
• Enhanced service at select VFS centres, available only where offered.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before starting your application, ensure you qualify under one of the following:

• Spouse (married or in a permanent life partnership) of a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least 5 years
• Minor child (under 21) of a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Parent of a South African citizen or permanent resident

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need the following documents:

• Completed DHA-947 Permanent Residence application form (in black ink)
• Copy of valid passport
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of relationship:
  • Marriage certificate / Spousal affidavit (if married or in a life partnership)
  • Birth certificate (for children or parent applications)
  • Proof of South African citizenship or PR of the sponsor (e.g. ID or PR certificate)
• Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months over the past 5 years (including South Africa)
• Medical certificate
• Undertaking by South African relative to provide financial and emotional support
• Proof of cohabitation (for spouses/life partners)
• Supporting affidavits and documentation showing dependency (for adult children or parents)

Step 3: Book an Appointment

• In South Africa: at a VFS Global centre, if you hold a valid long-term temporary visa
• Abroad: at the nearest South African mission, consulate, or authorised VFS location in your country of origin or residence

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

• DHA Permanent Residence Fee: R1,520
• VFS Service Fee: R1,550
• Premium Lounge Fee (Optional): R500

Ensure payment receipts are printed and included in your application file.

Step 5: Submit the Application and Biometrics

• Attend your appointment in person to:
  • Submit the full application pack
  • Provide fingerprints and photograph
• Ensure all foreign documents are translated into English by a sworn translator (if applicable)

Step 6: Await Processing

• Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and workload at the DHA. Applications can take 12–18 months or longer.
• Maintain legal temporary visa status while your PR application is pending (if inside South Africa).

Step 7: Outcome Notification and Collection

• You’ll receive a notification via SMS or email from VFS (or the relevant mission abroad)
• If approved, collect your Permanent Residence Certificate in person at the place of submission
• Bring your passport, original submission receipt, and acknowledgment letter

Step 8: After Approval

• You may now live and work in South Africa without further visa renewals
• Do not remain outside South Africa for more than 3 consecutive years, or your PR status may lapse under Section 28 of the Immigration Act

Section 26(c) of the South African Immigration Act provides a pathway to permanent residence for biologically or legally dependent children of South African citizens or permanent residence holders. This provision enables children who rely financially or legally on a South African parent or legal guardian to remain in the country on a permanent basis.

Eligibility Criteria

Proof of Dependency

• The applicant must be a biological or legally adopted child of a South African citizen or permanent residence holder.
• The child must be financially or legally dependent on the parent.
• For minors (under 18), dependency is presumed.

Parental Status

The parent must already be:

• A South African citizen, or
• A holder of a permanent residence permit (the PR certificate must be issued at the time of the child’s application).

Residency Status in South Africa

• The dependent child must be legally residing in South Africa at the time of application, usually under a temporary residence visa (e.g., accompanying minor visa or study visa).

Duration

Permanent residence granted under Section 26(c) is indefinite. Once approved, the holder is authorised to live, work, and study in South Africa permanently, without the need for periodic renewal.

Common Use Cases

Section 26(c) is intended for foreign minor dependants of South African citizens or permanent residence holders, provided the applicant has already held a valid temporary residence visa based on their dependency.

• Children of South African Citizens or Permanent Residents: Minor children who have held temporary residence as dependants of a South African parent may qualify, including:
  • Biological children.
  • Adopted children (with legal adoption documentation).
  • Stepchildren or children in guardianship, where applicable.

General Permanent Residence Document Requirements

• VFS appointment letter.
• A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Payment of the application fee. If paid via EFT to the VFS bank account or the mission, include the original bank payment receipt.
• Present a valid original passport for each applicant and passport-sized photographs for applicants one year or older. Ensure the applicant’s name is written on the back of the photograph (machine or instant photographs are not acceptable).
• A valid temporary residence at the time of application if applying from within South Africa.
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship for a spouse accompanying or joining the applicant. Note: Islamic marriages performed within South Africa are not recognised.
• Divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of financial support between the applicant and their spouse/partner.
• Proof of parental responsibilities, rights, or written consent from the other parent/legal guardian in the case of dependent children accompanying or joining the applicant.
• Unabridged birth certificate or extract from birth record for dependent children.
• A deed poll for applicants who have changed their name, surname, or gender.
• Original police clearance certificate for applicants 18 years or older, issued by the police authority in each country where they have lived for 12 months or more (excluding South Africa) within the past 5 years.
• Medical report for all applicants, not older than six months.
• A radiological report is no longer a mandatory requirement for South African immigration applications.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area.

Section 26(c) Specific Document Requirements

• An undertaking from the citizen or permanent resident parent to assume full financial, emotional, medical, and physical responsibility for the minor.
• Written consent from both parents if only one parent is immigrating.
• Copy of the ID of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who is a citizen or permanent resident, if applicable.
• Copy of the permanent residence permit of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), if applicable.
• Biometrics taken at the visa facilitation centre.

The processing time for a Section 26(c) Permanent Residence application submitted within South Africa typically falls within the following range:

• 12 to 18 months from submission through VFS Global or Department of Home Affairs (DHA) service offices.

This timeframe reflects detailed scrutiny of relationship and dependency evidence, custody/guardianship documentation, and overall compliance with statutory requirements. Your actual timeline may vary due to:

• Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
• Current backlog and workload at the DHA
• The need for additional documentation or verification

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Application Fee

• R0 per applicant
• This fee is paid directly to the DHA through VFS Global or the designated payment channel upon application.

VFS Global Service Fee

• R1,550 per applicant
• Covers submission handling, biometric capture, and portal management.

VFS Premium Lounge (Optional)

• R500 per applicant
• Enhanced service at select VFS centres, available only where offered.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure that the child is:
  • Biologically or legally adopted by a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • Financially dependent on the parent/guardian.

Step 2: Complete Form DHA-947

• Download and fill in the DHA-947 application form for permanent residence:
  • The form must be typed or digitally completed.
  • Ensure black ink if printed.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

• Prepare the following:
  • Child’s unabridged birth certificate
  • Passport copy (with at least two blank pages)
  • Current valid temporary residence visa (if applying from inside South Africa)
  • Proof of relationship to the South African parent (birth certificate or adoption court order)
  • Parent’s South African ID or PR certificate
  • Proof of dependency (for older children, such as financial support letters, school enrolment, or disability documentation)
  • Medical certificate (DHA format, issued within 6 months)

Step 4: Pay Application Fees

• Prepare proof of payment for:
  • DHA Application Fee: R0
  • VFS Service Fee: R1,550
  • Optional Premium Lounge Fee: R500
• Retain receipts for submission.

Step 5: Submit Application and Biometrics

• Submit the full application in person:
  • In South Africa: at a VFS Global Centre (if holding valid temporary residence)
  • Abroad: at a South African Mission, Consulate, or VFS location
• Biometrics will be collected for applicants 5 years or older.

Step 6: Await Outcome

• Processing time varies.
• You can track the application via the VFS website or follow up directly.

Step 7: Collect PR Certificate

• Once approved:
  • Collect the PR certificate in person from the place where the application was submitted.
  • Bring the child’s passport, proof of submission, and any original receipts.

Permanent residence under Section 26(b) is intended for spouses or life partners of South African citizens or permanent residents who have been in a relationship for at least five years. This category recognises long-term, legally acknowledged relationships—whether through marriage or a permanent life partnership—and provides a pathway for the non-South African partner to reside in South Africa indefinitely.

Eligibility Criteria

Recognised Relationship

• You must be legally married to, or in a permanent life partnership with, a South African citizen or permanent residence holder.
• Same-sex and opposite-sex partnerships are both recognised.

Minimum Duration of Relationship

• The relationship must have existed for at least five (5) years at the time of application.
• This applies to both marriages and permanent partnerships.

Cohabitation Proof (for Life Partners)

• If applying as a life partner (not married), you must demonstrate proof of cohabitation and shared responsibilities over the past five years.
• Typical evidence includes joint leases, shared utility bills, joint bank accounts, or sworn affidavits.

Financial Support

• You must demonstrate the ability to support yourself financially or be financially supported by your South African partner.
• Supporting documents such as bank statements or income evidence may be required.

Good Character and Health

• A valid police clearance certificate from each country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past five years.
• A medical report and radiological report confirming you are in good health and not a public health risk.

Valid Temporary Residence Status (if applying in South Africa)

• If you are applying from within South Africa, you must hold a valid temporary residence visa at the time of submission.

Proof of Relationship to the South African Spouse or Partner

• Submit documents such as:
  • Marriage certificate (for married couples), or
  • Notarised spousal/life partner affidavit (for life partnerships), along with supporting evidence.

Duration

Permanent residence granted under Section 26(b) is indefinite. Once approved, you are authorised to live, work, and study in South Africa permanently without the need for periodic renewal.

Common Use Cases

• Married Couples Seeking to Reside Permanently in South Africa: A foreign spouse married to a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least five years may apply for permanent residence.
• Life Partners in Long-Term, Unmarried Relationships: Foreign nationals in a committed life partnership (not legally married) with a South African citizen or PR holder may qualify if they can prove a relationship of at least five years.
• Couples Returning to South Africa After Living Abroad: Where one partner holds South African citizenship or PR and the couple wishes to return together, the foreign partner can apply under Section 26(b).
• Temporary Spousal Visa Holders Transitioning to Permanent Residence: Individuals in South Africa on a temporary spousal or life partner visa may apply for PR under Section 26(b) once the five-year relationship threshold is met.

General Permanent Residence Document Requirements

• VFS appointment letter.
• A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Payment of the application fee. If paid via EFT to the VFS bank account or the mission, include the original bank payment receipt.
• Present a valid original passport for each applicant and passport-sized photographs for applicants one year or older. Ensure the applicant’s name is written on the back of the photograph (machine or instant photographs are not acceptable).
• A valid temporary residence at the time of application if applying from within South Africa.
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship for a spouse accompanying or joining the applicant. Note: Islamic marriages performed within South Africa are not recognised.
• Divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of financial support between the applicant and their spouse/partner.
• Proof of parental responsibilities, rights, or written consent from the other parent/legal guardian in the case of dependent children accompanying or joining the applicant.
• Unabridged birth certificate or extract from birth record for dependent children.
• A deed poll for applicants who have changed their name, surname, or gender.
• Original police clearance certificate for applicants 18 years or older, issued by the police authority in each country where they have lived for 12 months or more (excluding South Africa) within the past five years.
• Medical report for all applicants, not older than six months.
• A radiological report is no longer a mandatory requirement for South African immigration applications.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic area.

Section 26(b) Specific Document Requirements

• A declaration of support for the application from the spouse who is a citizen or permanent resident.
• Proof of financial support between the spouses.
• Copy of the spouse’s ID if they are a citizen or permanent resident.
• Copy of the permanent residence permit of the spouse, if applicable.
• Biometrics taken at the visa facilitation centre.

The processing time for a Section 26(b) Permanent Residence application submitted within South Africa typically falls within the following range:

• 12 to 18 months from submission through VFS Global or Department of Home Affairs (DHA) service offices.

This timeframe reflects detailed scrutiny of relationship evidence (marriage or life partnership), cohabitation and financial support documentation, and overall compliance with statutory requirements. Your actual timeline may vary due to:

• Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
• Current backlog and workload at the DHA
• The need for additional documentation or verification

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Application Fee

• R0 per applicant
• This fee is paid directly to the DHA through VFS or the contributing channel upon application.

VFS Global Service Fee

• R1,550 per applicant
• This covers submission handling, biometric capture, and portal management.

VFS Premium Lounge (Optional)

• R500 per applicant
• Enhanced service at select VFS centres, available only where offered.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• You must be the spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• The relationship must have existed for at least five (5) years at the date of application.
• For life partners, the relationship must be monogamous and supported with substantial evidence.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form (DHA-947)

• Download or obtain the DHA-947 Permanent Residence application form.
• Complete it in black ink only and ensure all fields are accurate and signed.

Step 3: Gather Required Supporting Documents

• Identity & Relationship:
  • Certified copies of both partners’ passports and/or IDs.
  • Marriage certificate (if married) or
  • Notarised Life Partnership Agreement (if unmarried).
  • Sworn affidavits confirming the relationship (one from each partner).
  • Proof of cohabitation (e.g., joint lease, utility bills).
  • Photographs of the couple together across the years.
• Background & Legal Standing:
  • Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months in the past 5 years (for the applicant).
  • Medical report (not older than six months).
  • Proof that the South African partner has permanent residence status or citizenship.

Step 4: Book an Appointment for Submission

• If applying inside South Africa: You must hold a valid temporary visa (e.g., spousal visa). Book through the VFS Global system.
• If applying from abroad: Book at the nearest South African mission or consulate in your country of residence.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fees

• Prepare and retain proof of payment:
• DHA Fee: R0
• VFS Fee (South Africa only): R1,550
• Premium Lounge (optional): R500

Step 6: Submit Application & Provide Biometrics

• Submit your full application in person at VFS or the South African mission.
• Provide fingerprints and biometric data.
• Ensure that all non-English documents are officially translated and certified.

Step 7: Wait for Outcome and Collect PR Certificate

• Await processing.
• Once approved, collect your Permanent Residence Certificate in person from the same centre where you applied.
• Bring ID, application receipt, and any request letters.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Immigration Act of South Africa. We are not affiliated with the South African government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency. While forms required during the process can be obtained for free at any Department of Home Affairs office, we also provide them as part of our service. Those who prefer to deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs can visit their website at www.dha.gov.za/immigration-services/