Foreign nationals looking to immigrate with their life partner to South Africa should apply for a South African life partner visa to be able to do so.
South Africa’s progressive human rights means this is an option for both heterosexual and same-sex partnerships.
What is allowed under a life partner visa?
The South African life partner visa allows the holder to join their South African life partner in South Africa on a long-term basis. To work, study or start a business on a temporary visa, the foreign national must obtain an endorsement. Permanent residents are free to take up any of the mentioned activities without the need for endorsements or special permits.
What are the main criteria of a South African life partner visa?
The main criteria for a life partner visa is the legitimacy of the relationship. Applicants must be able to prove that the relationship is valid and of a permanent nature.
Temporary residency
In order to apply for temporary residency, applicants must be able to prove cohabitation of at least two years. They must also prove that ZAR8 500 per person per month is available for living expenses. If the application is successful, the visa will be extended for two to three years. It can be renewed.
Permanent residency
If a foreign national and their South African life partner can prove cohabitation of 5 years or longer, an application for permanent residency can be made. It might still be necessary to apply for temporary residency. The Department of Home Affairs has been known to take up to 24 months to process permanent residency applications.
Find out if you qualify for a South African life partner visa
The first step towards immigrating to South Africa with your life partner, is seeing if you qualify for a South African life partner visa. To find out, do our quick online assessment. As soon as we have received your details, a consultant will be in touch to further discuss your eligibility.
To speak to someone straight away, give us a call in Cape Town on +27 (0) 21 424 2460 or in Johannesburg on +27 (0) 11 234 4275. To get us to call you instead, you can request a free call back.
Why should Intergate be your South African immigration partner?
Since our doors opened in 2005, Intergate has processed more than 9 000 visa and visa related queries. This impressive feat has been made possible by a team of qualified and dedicated immigration consultants.
In addition this, Intergate is the only immigration company in South Africa with ISO 9001 certification. To get this world-recognised stamp of approval, an independent auditor tested our qualify management systems. Passing with flying colours, our systems were found to be appropriate and effective. There is no-one better to guide you through your immigration to South Africa.