Spousal permits / visa's for immigration to South Africa are issued in the case of a husband or wife of a South African citizen or permanent residency holder wishing to immigrate to South Africa.

As with most applications to the Department of Home Affairs; there are various documents that need completing and supporting evidence supplied. One of the main items is obviously the proof that the marriage is valid; this is achieved simply by submitting the marriage certificate as part of the application.

If you are not married but life partners (a couple) please click here

SPOUSAL PERMITS - TEMPORARY RESIDENCY

For foreigners who have been married for the less than 5 years they will need to apply under the temporary residency criteria. Once the marriage has been in place for 5 years then permanent residency can be applied for.

SPOUSAL PERMITS - PERMANENT RESIDENCY

Foreigners who have been married for in excess of 5 years can apply for permanent residency as a spouse.

It should be noted that in many cases temporary will still be applied for, simply as the processing time for permanent residency can take 24 months and longer.

HOMOSEXUAL COUPLES

Spousal permits are available for same homosexual couples who have got married and the process is identical.

SPOUSAL PERMITS - CAN YOU WORK?

It is a huge advantage to hold a spousal permit when it comes to working or setting up a business as a foreigner married to a South African. It negates the need for work permits or business permits to be applied for and an endorsement to the spousal permit can be made once the correct documentation is provided.

For more advice and information please sue the following links:

Our FREE online eligibility assessment
Request for a call back from one of our dedicated immigration client managers
E-mail us

Our telephone contact details including local lines for our German and United Kingdom clients
can be found on our home page.