Do you want to join your South African life partner in South Africa?
You probably have a couple of questions about the life partner visa if you do, which is why we’re answering nine frequently-asked questions about this visa.
Let’s answer your questions!
1. Who is eligible for a life partner visa?
South Africa’s life partner visa is for foreign nationals in a life partnership with a South African permanent resident or citizen. It enables the foreign partner to immigrate to South Africa.
2. What is the definition of ‘life partnership’?
Home Affairs defines a ‘life partnership’ as a committed long-term relationship between a man and woman or a same-sex partnership.
That means your relationship is permanent, an obligation of mutual emotional and financial support, and excludes any other person.
3. How do I prove my relationship with my life partner?
You must provide proof of a shared address and shared finances with your South African life partner to show Home Affairs that you are in a legitimate life partnership.
You can provide proof of the shared address in lease agreements, deeds of sale, or invoices and other documents sent to one address.
When it comes to proving shared finances, you can submit shared accounts, insurance, medical cover, money transfers, etc.
4. How much evidence do I provide of our relationship?
Trust us – the key here is giving as much evidence as possible. The more proof you can provide of your relationship, the better your chances of getting a visa.
The minimum requirements, however, are the following:
- Temporary residency: You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship for 2 years.
- Permanent residency: You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship for 5 years.
5. Is proving our relationship the only requirement to apply for a South African life partner visa?
No, there are more requirements.
The most notable is that the South African partner must show that he or she has R17,000 a month available as financial support for the couple (R8,500 per person). That total amount changes to R3,000 if the life partner adds an endorsement on their visa.
You are welcome to speak to our immigration consultants to learn more about the rest of the requirements.
6. Where do I submit my application?
You can submit your visa application from South Africa or abroad if it’s a first-time application:
- From South Africa: As the life partner of a South African, you may enter SA on a visitor’s visa and apply for temporary residence from within South Africa.
- From abroad: You’ll submit your application in your country of origin or at the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad.
7. What happens if we get married?
We’ll advise you to consider waiting until you’re married to apply for a spousal visa if your wedding is imminent. It’s much simpler to apply for a spousal visa because the only proof you’ll need of your relationship is the marriage certificate.
8. What if my life partner is a foreign national and coming to South Africa on a work visa?
In this instance, you must apply for an accompanying visa. This South African visa allows the life partners, spouses and dependent children of foreign nationals with work visas to immigrate to South Africa.
9. For how long is my life partner visa valid?
Your life partner is valid for two to three years, after which you can renew it. You’ll have to meet all the visa requirements again.
You could also apply for permanent residence once you and your partner have been in a relationship for five years.
10. Can I work on a life partner visa in South Africa?
The South African life partner visa only allows you to reside in South Africa. However, you can work in South Africa if you add an endorsement to your visa. The same is true if you want to study or run a business.
Get started with your South African life partner visa application
If you can’t wait any longer to join your partner in South Africa, get the ball rolling straight away.
The first step is doing an immigration assessment. Ours take only a couple of minutes, is free of charge, and you can complete it on our website.
Our consultants will contact you to discuss your eligibility and advise on the way forward, the application process, and the costs involved.
The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be able to pack your bags
