South African Life Partner Visa

The Life Partner Visa allows foreign nationals in a long-term relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident to live in South Africa without needing to marry. Couples must prove at least 2 years of cohabitation and shared finances. The visa is valid for up to 3 years, renewable, and may include work, study, or business endorsements. After 5 years of proven relationship, you may qualify for permanent residency.

Check Your Eligibility – Free Assessment

Life Partner Visa Eligibility at a Glance

Why Apply for a Life Partner Visa in South Africa?

The Life Partner Visa is ideal for couples who want to live together legally without marriage. It provides security and flexibility for both same-sex and opposite-sex partners.

• Legal recognition for long-term unmarried couples
• Work, study, or run a business once endorsed
• Inclusive for LGBTQ+ partners (fully recognised under SA law)
• Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years of relationship proof
• Family security: live together legally, with access to healthcare & services

We’ve helped thousands of couples secure their visas successfully — including complex cases where strong documentation was essential.

Find Out If You Qualify – Free Assessment

Requirements for the Life Partner Visa in South Africa (2025)

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of at least 2 years of cohabitation & shared financials (lease agreements, bills, joint bank accounts)
• Sworn affidavits confirming relationship
• Valid passport (30+ days beyond intended stay)
• Copy of South African partner’s ID or PR certificate
• Police clearance certificates (for applicants 18+)
• Medical report
• Endorsement documentation (if applying for work, study, or business rights)

Applications are closely scrutinised for fraud. Strong, genuine proof of a real relationship is essential.

How to Apply for a Life Partner Visa (Process & Timeline)

Processing time: 4–12 weeks depending on DHA & VFS workloads.

1. Free Assessment – confirm eligibility
2. Collect Documentation – proof of relationship, cohabitation, shared finances
3. Submit Application – via VFS centre in SA or SA mission abroad
4. Pay Fees – DHA + VFS + endorsement charges
5. Adjudication – DHA reviews (6–12 weeks typical)
6. Visa Issued – collect passport with endorsed visa

Strong affidavits and joint documentation significantly improve approval chances.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

• After 5 years of proven partnership (cohabitation + financial dependency), you may apply for PR under Section 26(b) of the Immigration Act.
• Proof of relationship must be consistent and genuine.
• Once PR is granted, you enjoy indefinite stay, full work/study rights, and security of status.

We’ve guided thousands of couples from temporary visas to full permanent residency in South Africa.

Common Reasons for Life Partner Visa Refusals

• Weak proof of cohabitation (lease not joint, bills only in one name)
• Insufficient affidavits from both partners
• Inconsistent relationship evidence (different addresses, timelines that don’t align)
• Fraudulent or short-term relationships flagged by DHA

Avoid refusal: submit joint evidence, consistent documentation, and affidavits prepared correctly.

Success Case Example

Case: John & Maria – together 7 years

• Applied with joint lease agreements, shared bank accounts, and affidavits from family & friends.
• Visa granted within 8 weeks.
• After 5 years, PR application approved under Section 26(b).

Your story could be next — we’ve helped thousands of couples achieve the same outcome.

Life Partner Visa vs Spousal Visa vs Permanent Residency

Build your life together in South Africa.

Whether same-sex or opposite-sex, married or not, you can secure your future with your partner through the Life Partner Visa. Our expert team has helped thousands of couples achieve residency successfully.

Book Your Free Life Partner Visa Assessment Today