If you have a close family member who is a South African citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for a South African Relatives Permit. Here's who qualifies and how the application works.
What Is the Relatives Permit?
The Relatives Permit (Section 18 of the Immigration Act) allows a foreign national who has a qualifying family relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident to live in South Africa.
It is a family reunification permit — different from the Spousal Visa (which is for spouses/life partners) and covers a broader range of family relationships.
Who Qualifies as a "Relative"?
The Immigration Act defines qualifying relatives as:
Immediate family of a South African citizen or permanent resident:
Parents/parents-in-law
Children (including adopted children)
Siblings
Important: The Relatives Permit is not available to extended family members such as aunts, uncles, cousins, or grandparents. Only the direct family members listed above qualify.
The South African family member (sponsor) must be:
A South African citizen, OR
A South African permanent resident
Can You Work on a Relatives Permit?
A standard Relatives Permit does not automatically include the right to work in South Africa. If the permit holder wishes to work, they typically need to:
Apply for a Relatives Permit with Work Endorsement, OR
Apply separately for appropriate work authorisation
Not all Relatives Permits include work rights — this must be specifically applied for and motivated.
What Are the Financial Requirements?
The South African family member (sponsor) must demonstrate that they can financially support the applicant during their stay. This typically requires:
Bank statements or salary slips showing adequate income
Proof of accommodation for the applicant
An affidavit of support from the sponsor
Documents Required
Proof of the family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, court orders for adoption)
Certified proof that the sponsor is a South African citizen or PR holder (ID, passport, or PR endorsement)
Financial support documentation from the sponsor
Comprehensive health insurance valid in South Africa
Police clearance from the applicant's home country
Medical certificate
Valid passport (with at least 30 days validity beyond intended stay)
Duration and Renewal
The Relatives Permit is typically issued for up to 3 years and is renewable, provided the qualifying family relationship continues and the sponsor remains a citizen or PR holder.
Can a Relatives Permit Lead to Permanent Residency?
After 5 years of lawful residence in South Africa, a Relatives Permit holder may be eligible to apply for PR — though the specific pathway and requirements depend on individual circumstances.
Alternatively, if the permit holder subsequently marries a South African citizen or PR holder, the Spousal Visa and subsequent spousal PR pathway becomes available.
Children Joining a Parent in South Africa
If a foreign child is joining a South African parent (citizen or PR), the child typically applies for a Relatives Permit. Minors require additional documentation including:
A full birth certificate showing both parents
If one parent is not accompanying, written consent from the absent parent (or proof of sole custody)
Valid travel document
NWI handles Relatives Permit applications for families of all configurations, ensuring the documentation is complete and correctly prepared the first time.