Life Partner/Spouse Visa
A South African spousal visa or life partner visa enables the husband, wife or long-term partner of a South African permanent resident or a person in possession of South African citizenship to immigrate to South Africa on the basis of their relationship. This South African visa can be applied for as either a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit depending on the length of your marriage or relationship.
Applicants who apply for temporary residence permits will be able to live and work in South Africa with permission to seek and undertake employment as they choose. Applicants who apply for permanent residence will be able to work in South Africa and receive the same benefits that permanent South Africa residents receive except the right to vote.
Examples of serious relationships could be a long-term, cohabiting heterosexual or same-sex couple, or a common law marriage.
Applicants who apply for the Life Partner Permit may qualify for permanent residence if you are able to prove that the relationship has been in existence for longer than five years. In cases where the relationship has not been in existence for longer than five years, the partner could be granted temporary residence, which is valid for three years and can be renewed as long as the relationship is still in existence. Life Partner Permit holders do not need to apply for a work permit or business permit if they want to work or conduct business in South Africa.
If you and your spouse have been married for a period of five years or more, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Spouse Permit. A permanent residence permit allows you to apply for South African citizenship after two years of receiving the permit.
Applicants who apply for temporary residence permits will be able to live and work in South Africa with permission to seek and undertake employment as they choose. Applicants who apply for permanent residence will be able to work in South Africa and receive the same benefits that permanent South Africa residents receive except the right to vote.
Life Partner Permit
The difference between a Life Partner Permit and a Spousal Permit, is that there is no exact duration for the life relationship in applying for the Life Partner Permit. Although, it is still necessary to prove that the relationship is of a serious and lasting nature. You can prove this by using evidence such as a sworn affidavit, and mutual financial arrangements such as utility bills, loans and bank accounts. It is important to note that each case is assessed individually.Examples of serious relationships could be a long-term, cohabiting heterosexual or same-sex couple, or a common law marriage.
Applicants who apply for the Life Partner Permit may qualify for permanent residence if you are able to prove that the relationship has been in existence for longer than five years. In cases where the relationship has not been in existence for longer than five years, the partner could be granted temporary residence, which is valid for three years and can be renewed as long as the relationship is still in existence. Life Partner Permit holders do not need to apply for a work permit or business permit if they want to work or conduct business in South Africa.
Spousal Visa
If you are a foreigner and married or having a spousal relationship with a South African citizen you can apply for Spousal visa. The benefit of applying for this visa is that you are only assessed based upon your marital status or the duration of your relationship. This is different than the South African business visas where an investment needs to be made and work permits require an offer of employment from a South African company before they can receive the visa. There is no such requirement for those applying to join their spouse or partner in South Africa.If you and your spouse have been married for a period of five years or more, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Spouse Permit. A permanent residence permit allows you to apply for South African citizenship after two years of receiving the permit.
