The Life Partner Visa allows foreign nationals who are in a genuine and committed life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident to live in South Africa.
South African immigration law recognises life partnerships, including same-sex partnerships, as a basis for visa eligibility. The partnership must have existed for at least two years, and applicants must provide comprehensive evidence of the genuine nature of the relationship.
New World Immigration guides life partners through every step of the visa process, from relationship evidence compilation to DHA submission and post-approval endorsements.
Helpful video
Learn more about this visa
South African Life Partner Visa Interviews
Learn what applicants can expect when immigration officials ask about the history, authenticity, and day-to-day reality of a life partnership.
Video preview · Short portrait video Enable JavaScript to play
Are Reference Letters Enough?
Understand whether reference letters are sufficient and what supporting evidence should accompany statements from friends and family.
Video preview · Short portrait video Enable JavaScript to play
How to Prove Your Life Partner Relationship
See which documents and shared records can help demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing.
Video preview · Short portrait video Enable JavaScript to play
Who Qualifies for a South African Life Partner Visa?
Review the core relationship and sponsorship requirements used to assess who may qualify for a South African Life Partner Visa.
Video preview · Short portrait video Enable JavaScript to play
Who is this permit for?
The Life Partner Visa is for foreign nationals in a genuine and committed life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident.
You are in a genuine and committed life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident
The relationship has existed for at least two years
You can provide comprehensive evidence of the genuine partnership
Your South African partner can financially support you
Both partners provide sworn affidavits confirming the relationship
You have no criminal record and meet health requirements
Common reasons for rejection
The life partnership has not existed for the required two-year period at the date of application
Insufficient evidence of cohabitation, such as shared lease agreements or utility bills in both partners' names
The adjudicating officer is not satisfied that the relationship is genuine rather than one of convenience
The sworn affidavits from both partners are inconsistent or fail to confirm the nature of the partnership
No evidence of financial interdependence, such as joint accounts or mutual financial support
The South African partner's citizenship or permanent residence status is not properly evidenced with certified documents
Application process
1. Relationship Assessment
We assess the partnership and compile initial evidence to confirm eligibility.
2. Evidence Compilation
We gather comprehensive evidence of the genuine partnership including cohabitation proof, shared finances, photographs, and correspondence.
3. Sworn Affidavits
Both partners provide sworn affidavits confirming the life partnership, along with affidavits from witnesses who can attest to the relationship.
4. Document Preparation
We compile the complete application with all supporting documents, financial proof, and personal documents.
5. Application Submission
The application is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
6. Processing & Outcome
DHA processes the application. Once approved, the Life Partner Visa is issued with relevant conditions and endorsements.
Key considerations
The two-year relationship requirement is strictly enforced, evidence must cover this period.
DHA scrutinises life partner applications closely for relationship of convenience.
Same-sex partnerships are fully recognised under South African law.
The visa may be endorsed for work and study rights upon separate application.
The South African partner must demonstrate financial capacity to support the foreign partner.
The visa can lead to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
Costs
Costs include government fees, document authentication, and professional service fees.
DHA Application Fee: ZAR 1,520
Sworn Affidavits & Notarisation: ZAR 500 - 1,500
Police Clearance Certificates: ZAR 150 - 500 per country
Medical Report: ZAR 800 - 1,500
Professional Service Fees: Contact for quote
Government fees are subject to change. Work/study endorsement fees are additional.
Processing timeframes
Processing times depend on the quality of relationship evidence and DHA workload.
Document & Evidence Preparation: 2 - 6 weeks
DHA Processing: 8 - 16 weeks
Total (Straightforward): 3 - 6 months
Job offer requirements
No job offer is required for the Life Partner Visa. The visa is granted on the basis of the genuine life partnership.
Work rights can be obtained through a separate endorsement on the visa.
New World Immigration can assist with the work endorsement application alongside or after the Life Partner Visa application.
How to apply — step by step
1. Establish and Document the Partnership
Build a comprehensive body of evidence showing your genuine, committed life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident over time.
2. Both Partners Prepare Sworn Affidavits
Both you and your South African partner must sign sworn affidavits before a commissioner of oaths confirming the nature and duration of the relationship.
3. Compile Relationship Evidence
Gather cohabitation proof, financial interdependence records, photographs, travel history, and communication records spanning as long a period as possible.
4. Submit Your Application
Lodge the application at the nearest South African embassy or consulate (if abroad) or at the Department of Home Affairs (if in SA on another visa).
5. Attend Biometrics
Attend any required biometrics appointment or interview as directed.
6. Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your life partner visa authorising you to reside in South Africa.
Quick tips
The life partnership must be genuine, committed, and ongoing, superficial applications are refused.
Collect cohabitation evidence over as long a period as possible; at least 2 years of continuous evidence significantly strengthens your case.
Both partners must provide sworn affidavits, these carry legal weight and must be accurate.
Include evidence of financial interdependence such as joint accounts, shared lease agreements, or co-signed expenses.
The life partner visa typically mirrors the validity of the underlying status of the South African partner.
Apply for a working rights endorsement separately if you intend to work in South Africa.
Dependent children can be included in the application at the same time.
Documents needed
Valid passport (minimum 30 days validity beyond intended visa period)
Sworn affidavits from both partners confirming the nature and ongoing status of the relationship
Proof of cohabitation spanning at least 2 years (lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements)
Evidence of financial interdependence (joint accounts, co-signed expense records)
Photographs together and other evidence of a genuine committed relationship
Proof of the South African partner's citizenship or permanent residency
Identity document of the South African citizen or permanent resident partner
Police clearance certificate(s) from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 18
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Completed application form (BI-1738)
Proof of payment of the government application fee
Frequently asked questions
Does South Africa recognise same-sex life partnerships?
Yes. South African immigration law fully recognises same-sex life partnerships as a basis for visa eligibility.
What evidence of the relationship is required?
Evidence includes proof of cohabitation, shared finances, joint property, photographs together, communication records, and sworn affidavits from both partners and witnesses.
Can I work on a Life Partner Visa?
Not automatically. You need to apply for a work endorsement on your Life Partner Visa. Once endorsed, you can work for any employer.
What is the two-year relationship requirement?
You must demonstrate that the life partnership has been in existence for at least two years at the time of application. Evidence must cover this period.
Can this lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After holding a Life Partner Visa for the qualifying period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Get expert help
If you are in a genuine life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident, the Life Partner Visa provides your pathway to living together in South Africa.
Contact New World Immigration for expert guidance on documenting your relationship and submitting a strong application.