What is a Spousal Visa?

The Spousal Visa is a two-year visa that is renewable. It is a short-term resident visa that falls under the Relatives group of visas and is obtainable to both heterosexual and same-sex couples.

What are the benefits of the Spousal Visa?

If the foreign partner has been married to their South African partner for 5 or more years, he or she is entitled to apply for Permanent Residency.

The Spousal Visa allows the foreign partner the option to add working, business, or study rights to their Spousal Visa.

Spousal Visas - Can you work?

It is a massive advantage to hold a spousal visa when it comes to studying, working or setting up a business. It negates the need for work permits or business permits to be applied for. A simple endorsement to the spousal visa can be made once the correct documentation is provided.

Who can apply for a Spousal Visa?

A new application must be made by the applicant outside of South Africa, although extensions can be done in South Africa. A foreigner who is married to a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident for at least 2 years or more is entitled to apply for a Spousal Visa.

Important rules in order to qualify for a Spousal Visa:

In the case of a foreign partner having been in a prior relationship, the finalized divorce paperwork must be provided.

The most important prerequisite is that the relationship must have been in existence for at least 2 years. The simplest way to show proof that the relationship has been in existence for at least two years is to provide your marriage certificate or registration of the union.

Want to know if you qualify for a South African Tourist Visa?

Please fill in our easy to use Visa Assessment Form to see if you qualify.