South Africa relative's visa and spousal route

A relative's visa may be issued to a member of the immediate family of a citizen or permanent resident, who must provide the prescribed financial assurance. You submit the application form, a passport with a free page valid 30 days beyond the visit, a vaccination certificate if required, police clearance from each country where you lived 12 months or longer since age 18, and proof of your relative's citizenship or permanent residence.

Unless you are the spouse or a dependent minor child of the citizen or permanent resident, you must also show at least R8,500 a month per person for living expenses, pay the fee and pay a cash deposit equal to a return or onward ticket. Holders may not work.

Applications are made at any regional office of the Department of Home Affairs (through VFS Global) or at the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad. Since 8 July 2026 a medical report is not required; translate foreign documents with a registered translator.

A foreigner who has been the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident for five years, in a good-faith spousal relationship, can apply for direct permanent residence under section 26(b). Children of citizens or permanent residents and other relatives also have permanent residence routes under sections 26 and 27(g).

DHA's visitor's visa categories include a spouse joining a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study visa, and children joining parents on such visas. South African missions also list requirements for an accompanying spouse (marriage certificate, police clearance, proof of relationship) and for a fiancée who intends to marry a South African citizen or resident in South Africa.