A South African spouse is defined as someone in a marriage or life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident. A South African spousal or life partner visa can be issued for up to two years, provided the relationship is genuine and not solely for convenience.

The benefit of a South African spousal visa is that it allows the foreign spouse to reside, work, or study in South Africa while applying for permanent residency. This visa category also waives the usual long-form requirements for work, study, and business visas.

The term “spouse” for this visa includes not only married partners but also life partners in both same-sex and heterosexual relationships, under specific conditions. This visa may also be referred to as a South African life partner visa, but they are effectively the same.

Recent amendments to immigration law have reintroduced financial assurance requirements for spousal visas, a concept previously deemed unconstitutional in 2002 by the Constitutional Court in the case of Dawood and Others v Minister of Home Affairs.

Applicants must also prove that the relationship has been ongoing for at least two years prior to the application and provide a Notarial contract along with other necessary documents.

As South African Immigration Specialists, we offer specialized and dedicated services to assist with applying for this visa.