Spousal / Life Partner Visa
🇿🇦 South Africa visas · Family
What it is
For the spouse, civil partner or proven life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident. Work and study endorsements can be added.
Key facts
- Category
- Family
- Duration
- Valid while the good faith spousal relationship exists (Immigration Act s11(6)).
- Application fee
- Fee not prescribed by name in the DHA tariff for this route.
- Processing time
- Up to 24 weeks
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- How to apply
- Vac
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Key requirements
- Marriage certificate or proof of life partnership (minimum 2 years cohabitation)
- Notarised affidavit of relationship
- Police clearance from each country lived in for the past 5 years
- Medical and radiological report
- Proof of financial means
Working on this visa
Work is not automatic: on application the holder may be authorised to perform any of the activities provided for in the visas under sections 13 to 22 (Immigration Act s11(6)(b) with s11(2)).
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 30 July 2026.