South African Relatives Visa

Who can qualify for a South African Relatives visa?

The Relatives Visa allows any person who is an immediate family member to apply. Immediate family members can include spouses, life partners, parents, brothers or sisters.  We recommend that you seek advice from one of our qualified SA immigration staff, as the criteria differ within this visa category. In some instances, other visa options might be best.

The criteria to apply for a South African Relatives Visa

There are many criteria that a person would need to fulfil depending on the relation to the SA national or permanent residence holder. Below is the most important criteria according to the relationship.

A life partnership would require proof of cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities for at least two years.

Spouses and civil partners do not need to meet the two-year cohabitation requirement.

Parents of SA nationals or residence holders would need to prove their biological link through an unabridged birth certificate of the major child. This application is not possible in cases where the child is still a minor.

Children of SA citizens or residence holders would need to prove the biological link through an unabridged certificate of the applicant.

Brothers or sisters of SA nationals or permanent residence holders need to prove the biological link through an unabridged birth certificate of the applicant, as well as one for the SA citizen or residence holder. The application is not possible in cases where the SA national or residence holder is still a minor child. Another essential rule to take note of is that successful applicants in this category will not be able to work.

In all of the above cases, proof of financial means from the SA national or residence holder is of the essence.

Does the Relative Visa lead to Permanent Residence?

In the case of a life partnership, it can lead to permanent residence. Provided you can prove cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities for five years.

Spouses or civil partnerships can obtain permanent residence. Provided they can prove that they have been legally married or in a civil partnership for five years.

Parents and minor children can obtain permanent residence.

Brothers and sisters are, unfortunately, not able to obtain permanent residence. They are only able to get a temporary visa.

How Breytenbachs can help you

The application for a South African relatives visa has many potential pitfalls. It is of utmost importance to initially include all relevant documentation on the visa application to avoid delays in the adjudication period.

Fortunately, you will have the peace of mind that your case is in the experienced hands of our SA Immigration team.  Please do not hesitate to contact our SA Immigration team for further advice, a consultation, or to proceed with your application. You are also welcome to fill out our free online assessment form.

South African Relatives Visa

Please contact us today for further information or applications.