The Relatives Permit allows foreign nationals who are family members of South African citizens or permanent residents to live in South Africa. This includes children, parents, siblings, and other qualifying relatives.
South Africa's immigration framework facilitates family reunification by providing a visa pathway for close relatives.
New World Immigration assists families in navigating the Relatives Permit process, ensuring all documentation and relationship evidence meets DHA requirements.
Who is this permit for?
The Relatives Permit is for foreign nationals who are close family members of South African citizens or permanent residents.
You are a close relative of a South African citizen or permanent resident (child, parent, sibling, etc.)
You can provide documentary proof of the family relationship
Your South African relative can financially support you or you are self-sufficient
You have no criminal record and meet health requirements
You intend to reside in South Africa with or near your relative
Common reasons for rejection
The qualifying familial relationship to the South African citizen or permanent resident is not proven with authenticated documents
The South African relative cannot demonstrate the prescribed financial guarantee to support the applicant
Birth or other relationship certificates are not apostilled, authenticated or accompanied by sworn translations
The degree of relationship falls outside the categories of kinship recognised for this permit
The sponsoring relative's South African citizenship or permanent residence status cannot be verified
The financial assurance lapses or falls below the required monthly amount during the intended period of stay
Application process
1. Relationship Assessment
We assess the family relationship and determine eligibility for the Relatives Permit.
2. Document Gathering
We assist with gathering all required documents including birth certificates, passports, and proof of the family relationship.
3. Financial Documentation
We compile financial evidence showing the South African relative's ability to support the applicant or the applicant's self-sufficiency.
4. Application Preparation
We prepare the complete application with all supporting documentation.
5. Submission to DHA
The application is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
6. Processing & Outcome
DHA processes the application and issues the Relatives Permit upon approval.
Key considerations
The family relationship must be documented with official records such as birth certificates.
The South African relative must demonstrate the ability to financially support the applicant.
Only life partners and spouses can obtain work endorsements, the Relatives Permit does not grant or allow endorsement for work or study rights for other family members.
Minor children have specific requirements regarding guardianship and consent.
The permit is typically tied to the continued presence and status of the South African relative.
All foreign documents must be apostilled or authenticated.
Costs
Costs include government fees, document authentication, and professional service fees.
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. Costs vary depending on the number of documents requiring authentication.
Processing timeframes
Processing times vary based on the type of relationship and completeness of documentation.
Document Preparation: 2 - 4 weeks
DHA Processing: 8 - 16 weeks
Total (Straightforward): 3 - 6 months
Job offer requirements
No job offer is required for the Relatives Permit. The permit is granted on the basis of the family relationship.
Only life partners and spouses can obtain work endorsements. Other family members on a Relatives Permit do not have the right to work.
New World Immigration can advise on alternative visa options if you require the right to work in South Africa.
How to apply — step by step
1. Confirm Your Qualifying Relationship
Verify that your family relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident qualifies under the Relatives Permit category (e.g. child, parent, sibling).
2. Obtain Certified Proof of Relationship
Gather certified documents proving the family relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption orders.
3. Obtain a Sworn Undertaking from the SA Relative
Your South African citizen or permanent resident relative must sign a sworn financial undertaking confirming they will support you during your stay.
4. Compile Your Full Document Pack
Prepare all required documents including the relationship proof, the undertaking, police clearances, medical report, and supporting documents.
5. Submit to DHA or Mission Abroad
Lodge the application at the Department of Home Affairs (if in SA) or the nearest South African embassy or consulate abroad.
6. Attend Biometrics and Await Decision
Attend any required biometrics appointment. Once approved, collect your Relatives Permit.
Quick tips
The sworn financial undertaking from your SA relative is mandatory, without it, the application will be refused.
Ensure all family relationship documents (birth certificates, etc.) are certified copies with English translations where required.
Children under 18 travelling or applying without both parents must provide parental consent affidavits.
The permit is conditional on your qualifying relative continuing to reside in South Africa as a citizen or permanent resident.
Police clearance certificates are required for all applicants aged 18 and over.
Processing times can vary significantly, apply well ahead of your intended arrival date.
Documents needed
Valid passport (minimum 30 days validity beyond intended permit period)
Certified proof of the qualifying family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption order)
Sworn financial undertaking from the South African citizen or permanent resident relative
Proof of the relative's South African citizenship or permanent residency
Identity document of the South African citizen or permanent resident relative
Police clearance certificate(s) from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 18
Parental consent affidavit (for minors applying without both parents)
Unabridged birth certificate (for minor applicants)
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Completed application form (BI-1738)
Proof of payment of the government application fee
Frequently asked questions
Which family members qualify for a Relatives Permit?
Close family members including children (including adopted children), parents, and in some cases siblings and other dependants may qualify. The specific relationship requirements are set by the Immigration Act.
Can I work on a Relatives Permit?
No. Only life partners and spouses can obtain work endorsements. Other family members holding a Relatives Permit do not have the right to work in South Africa.
Are there age restrictions?
Minor children and adult dependants may have different requirements. Contact us for specific advice based on your circumstances.
Can this lead to permanent residency?
In certain circumstances, holding a Relatives Permit may support a future permanent residency application, particularly for spouses and children.
Get expert help
If you are a family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident, the Relatives Permit provides a pathway to joining your family in South Africa.
Contact New World Immigration for personalised guidance on your family reunification application.