The Spousal Visa (Relatives Visa based on marriage) allows foreign nationals who are legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident to live in South Africa with their spouse.
South Africa's immigration framework provides for the reunification of families through the spousal visa pathway. The visa may also be endorsed to allow the holder to work or study, providing a comprehensive solution for accompanying spouses.
New World Immigration assists couples through the spousal visa process, ensuring all documentation meets DHA requirements and the genuine nature of the relationship is properly demonstrated.
Who is this permit for?
The Spousal Visa is for foreign nationals who are legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
You are legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident
Your marriage is recognised under South African law
The marriage is genuine and subsisting (not a marriage of convenience)
You can provide evidence of the genuine marital relationship
Your South African spouse meets the financial requirements to support you
You have no criminal record and meet health requirements
Common reasons for rejection
The marriage certificate is not authenticated by apostille or legalisation, or lacks a sworn translation into English
The relationship is assessed as a marriage of convenience and the genuine, subsisting nature of the union cannot be substantiated
The South African spouse cannot demonstrate sufficient means to financially support the foreign partner
The marriage is not legally recognised under South African law, including customary or religious unions not properly registered
Insufficient relationship evidence such as cohabitation records, joint finances, and photographs is provided to the adjudicating officer
Application process
1. Eligibility Assessment
We assess the marriage and circumstances to confirm eligibility for the Spousal Visa.
2. Document Compilation
We compile all required documents including the marriage certificate (apostilled), passports, proof of relationship, and financial documentation.
3. Relationship Evidence
We prepare comprehensive evidence of the genuine marital relationship including photographs, communication records, and sworn affidavits.
4. Application Submission
The complete application is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Processing & Outcome
DHA processes the application. Once approved, the Spousal Visa is issued.
6. Work/Study Endorsement
If required, we apply for a work or study endorsement on the visa.
Key considerations
The marriage must be legally valid and recognised under South African law.
Marriages of convenience are illegal and can result in visa refusal, deportation, and criminal prosecution.
The visa is typically issued for the duration of the marriage or the sponsor's residence status.
Work and study endorsements must be applied for separately.
Foreign marriage certificates must be apostilled or authenticated.
The South African spouse must demonstrate the ability to financially support the foreign spouse.
Costs
Costs include government fees, document authentication, and professional service fees.
DHA Application Fee: ZAR 1,520
Marriage Certificate Apostille: ZAR 500 - 2,000
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 for work/study endorsements are additional.
Processing timeframes
Processing times depend on the completeness of the application and DHA workload.
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 Spousal Visa itself. The visa is granted on the basis of the marital relationship.
If you wish to work, a separate work endorsement must be applied for on the spousal visa.
The work endorsement, once granted, allows you to work for any employer without restriction.
How to apply — step by step
1. Confirm Legal Marriage
Verify that your marriage is legally recognised under South African law. Foreign marriages must have a certified translation if not in English.
2. Compile Your Documents
Gather your marriage certificate, your spouse's South African identity documents, proof of their citizenship or permanent residency, and evidence of your genuine relationship.
3. Prepare Relationship Evidence
Collect photographs together, communication records, joint financial documents, and travel history to substantiate the genuine nature of the relationship.
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 already in SA on another visa).
5. Attend Biometrics
Attend any required biometrics appointment or interview at the submission office.
6. Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your spousal visa which allows you to reside in South Africa with your spouse.
Quick tips
The marriage must be legally valid and recognised in South Africa, customary and civil unions may have different documentary requirements.
Foreign marriage certificates must be authenticated (apostilled or legalised) and translated into English where applicable.
Provide comprehensive evidence of a genuine relationship, DHA may scrutinise applications where the relationship appears superficial.
If applying in South Africa on an existing visa, apply for a change of status before your current visa expires.
Processing times vary significantly, apply well ahead of any planned travel or visa expiry.
Apply for a working rights endorsement separately if you intend to work in South Africa after arrival.
Dependent children can be included in the application at the same time.
Documents needed
Valid passport (minimum 30 days validity beyond intended visa period)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate (with certified English translation if applicable)
Proof of your spouse's South African citizenship or permanent residency
Identity document of the South African citizen or permanent resident spouse
Evidence of the genuine ongoing relationship (photographs, correspondence, joint financial documents)
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
Can I work on a Spousal Visa?
Not automatically. You need to apply for a work endorsement on your Spousal Visa. Once endorsed, you can work for any employer in South Africa.
What if my marriage took place abroad?
Foreign marriages are recognised provided they are valid under the laws of the country where they took place. The marriage certificate must be apostilled or authenticated.
Can the Spousal Visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After holding a Spousal Visa for a qualifying period (typically 5 years), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
What happens if we divorce?
If the marriage ends in divorce, the Spousal Visa may be cancelled. You would need to apply for an alternative visa to remain in South Africa.
Get expert help
If you are married to a South African citizen or permanent resident and wish to join them in South Africa, the Spousal Visa is your pathway.
Contact New World Immigration for a professional assessment and expert guidance through the application process.