Republic of South Africa · family
Relative's Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 11 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Family-reunion visa for immediate family members of a South African citizen or permanent resident, supported by proof of financial assurance.
- Processing time
- Processing times are published by the DHA and VFS Global and vary by case.
- Government fees
- The DHA sets the application fee; the prescribed financial assurance amount is set by the Department - confirm current figures on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Up to 2 years per issue; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Relative's Visa for Republic of South Africa is a sponsor-led South Africa immigration route. Sources: official Republic of South Africa government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/south-africa/relatives-visa#answer
What is the Relative's Visa in Republic of South Africa?
Relative's Visa is a sponsor-led South Africa route. Indicative government fees are The DHA sets the application fee; the prescribed financial assurance amount is set by the Department - confirm current figures on the official page; indicative processing time is Processing times are published by the DHA and VFS Global and vary by case; typical duration is Up to 2 years per issue; renewable. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The Relative's Visa allows an immediate family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident to reside in South Africa on the basis of the family relationship. The South African relative must provide financial assurance, set by the Department of Home Affairs at a monthly amount per person, although a spouse and dependent children are exempt from that financial requirement. The visa does not confer work rights and is issued for a maximum of two years per issue.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓An immediate-family relationship to a South African citizen or permanent resident.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Proof of the prescribed monthly financial assurance from the South African relative (spouse and dependent children exempt).Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Proof of the relationship through official certificates.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ✓Meet health and character requirements.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Common blockers
- !Relationship outside the defined immediate-family categories.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- !South African relative cannot demonstrate the prescribed financial assurance.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- !Seeking to work on this visa, which carries no work rights.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Birth, marriage or other certificates proving the relationship.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Proof of the relative South African citizenship or permanent residence.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Salary advice or certified bank statements proving the financial assurance.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
- ·Valid passport, police clearance and medical reports.Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the relationship falls within the immediate-family categories and check the current financial-assurance amount.
Build the evidence pack
Gather relationship certificates and the relative financial-assurance evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the application at a DHA regional office, South African mission abroad, or through VFS Global as applicable.
After approval
After approval, reside under the visa conditions and renew before expiry, noting the visa carries no work rights.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Relative's Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Relative's Visa.
Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) · verified
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Critical Skills Work Visa
Work visa for foreigners holding a skill or qualification on South Africa's official Critical Skills List, issued for up to five years and offering a direct route to permanent residence.
Retired Persons' Visa
Visa for foreigners who wish to retire in South Africa, based on proof of a minimum monthly income or net worth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a Relative's Visa?+
No. The Relative's Visa does not grant work rights. To work in South Africa you would need to apply for the appropriate work visa category, such as the Critical Skills or General Work Visa.
Is a spouse covered by the Relative's Visa financial requirement?+
The financial-assurance requirement is set per person, but a spouse and dependent children of the South African citizen or permanent resident are exempt from it. Confirm the current amount and exemptions on the official DHA page.
How long is the Relative's Visa valid, and can it be renewed?+
The Relative's Visa is issued for a maximum of two years per issue and is renewable. You would renew before expiry if the qualifying family relationship and financial assurance continue to apply.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in South AfricaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Department of Home Affairs (South Africa)
Last checked: 1 June 2026